Page 36 of Saving the Alien Chieftain

“No, in my vision they spoke to me, then when I came too, I was back in Draxxi blessed with my warvisor.” His gaze seems distant, lost in his own memories.

It’s hard to believe. He must be joking again. “You were transported instantly five days’ travel away? And what did you see in the vision?” I inquire with a hefty dose of skepticism.

“I swear it on the… Gods,” Xandor chuckles. “We don’t speak of our visions to others. They are very personal. But all adult Klendathians have completed the Proving. It’s our rite of passage.”

Could it be some advanced technology they’re experiencing? The thought of alien gods speaking to me is too terrifying to think about.

I decide not to inquire further in case I offend his deeply held beliefs. “What about your females? Did they have to complete the Proving as well?”

Xandor laughs. “Oh yes, of course they did. But the great shame happened two hundred years ago. I was just a cute little baby Xandor back then.” He grins.

My jaw practically drops in shock. “You’re two hundred years old? Is this translator broken?” I inspect the small device attached near my ear.

“Just over two hundred. I know I look young for my age.” Xandor laughs, rubbing his chin as if in inspection.

Alien gods, murderous forests, and now Klendathians are all old as hell. Is Krogoth older than Xandor?Nope, I’m not going to ask. There’s far too much on my mind to spiral into that rabbit hole now.

After some time tracking along the river, Xandor stops me once again and points to an area of shrubs near the bank. My senses sharpen when I see the bushes move. Xandor carefully hands me the bow and arrows before placing a finger to his lips, his intention clear.

My mouth feels dry, not knowing what monstrous alien beast lurks in the foliage.If I miss, will it come to take its revenge onme?With shaky hands, I notch an arrow to the bow and aim as best I can at the twitching movement.

Suddenly, a gasp escapes me as I catch sight of vibrant plumage shimmering in an iridescent blend of turquoise, indigo, and deep violet. I release my arrow in a panicked reaction. My heart sinks as I watch it sail overhead, disappearing into the trees. The noise startles the unknown creature, and with a trill-like call, it takes flight, its compact wings carrying it away, along with my pride.

Xandor lets out a disappointed sigh. “There goes our puffrio dinner. Thought you knew how to use that thing?” He gestures towards the bow.

I feel my face heat with embarrassment. “I only practiced it for a couple of weeks, and that was six years ago now.” Casting my eyes over the recurve bow, I admire the glossy dark wood finish. “The bow is beautiful. Thanks for making it for me.”

Xandor shrugs. “Don’t thank me. The craftsman made it. The arrows are arcweave, much stronger than your steel alloy, making it a lot more effective,” he says. With a mischievous smile, he adds, “Assuming you ever hit anything.”

“Careful I don’t use you as target practice, Xandor,” I reply sweetly, a smile playing on my lips.

Xandor chuckles. “Next time you’re with Rylar, practice at the firing range.” He looks at the sky for a moment. “It’s time we head back now, before it gets dark.”

Xandor turns, leading us back along the path. “Next time, I’ll show you how to build a shelter in the trees so you can rest.”

“In the trees?” I ask incredulously.

“Yes, if you sleep on the ground, you won’t last an hour. Plus, the venefexes are more active at night. The Proving takes place on full moons, so visibility at night will be high. Better to be out of their way,” Xandor states. I listen intently, knowing this information may save my life one day soon.

“I’ll teach you how to build a fire too, but never build one at night. You’ll have every voiding creature in a five-mile radius coming over to say hello,” Xandor advises. He rushes over to a bush with small red seeds or fruits dangling from its branches. “Zarberries, you can eat these.” He plucks a handful from the bush, examining them carefully.

I pick one from a stem, studying the small oval crimson and green-colored fruit similar in shape to blueberries back on Earth. Its glossy surface glistens with a natural sheen, hinting at the potential sweetness within. I sniff it cautiously, detecting no potent odor.

“Wait,” Xandor says, placing a hand on my shoulder. “I can’t remember if you’re supposed to eat them when they’re fully red or when they have a touch of green in them.” He frowns, deep in thought.

Of course, on Klendathor, not even innocent-looking berries can be trusted.“Do you not eat them all the time?” I inquire, unable to contain my curiosity.

“No, I prefer meat,” Xandor says, sniffing his handful of zarberries. “They’ll give you the shits if they’re not ripe… Void it,” he declares before greedily devouring the red and green berries. “Hmm, they taste okay. Go ahead, try yours.” He motions towards me.

“Not a chance, Xandor. If they give Klendathians diarrhea, they’ll probably put me in a coma!” I exclaim, promptly dropping the zarberries onto the ground.

Xandor laughs. “Maybe. But I could always drag you back to the healing pods.”

I’d rather drag you off a cliff.“Your concern for my well being is truly touching.” I smile mockingly in his direction and Xandor just laughs.

After a while of tracking through the forest along the riverbank, I recognize landmarks, such as stone formations anddistinct looking trees. It bolsters my confidence, knowing that with enough time I can learn my way around this dangerous place; I now realize we are close to Krogoth’s home.My home.Despite a few aches and pains from the long trek, I don’t feel half as exhausted as I did yesterday enduring Rylar’s training.

“I recognize that tree with the massive roots sticking out of the ground. We’re nearly back home,” I state, looking at Xandor with a smile.

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