Page 41 of Saving the Alien Chieftain

My parents were religious in name only. We never went to church. In truth, I never believed in God, but here on Klendathor beats the heart of something primal, something greater than oneself. Here, you could believe it. I clasp my hands together in prayer, like I had done as a small girl.

“Great Goddess Machsin, give me the strength and wisdom to complete the Proving. To save your noble son, my bonded love, Krogoth. Please, I beg you, no matter the cost,” I entreat, my words a whispered invocation.

“Some hold the belief that Machsin will one day return, along with our Klendathian females,” a wise-looking, white-bearded Klendathian shares as he stands beside me, surprising me with his insight.

“Oh? Is that what you believe?” I inquire, meeting the brown eyes of the older Klendathian.

He chuckles warmly, his bushy brows dancing. “Well, no. While it is a lovely sentiment.” He gestures expansively. “I believe she dwells among us now, watching and guiding, ever ready to aid those in need.”

Back on Earth, I would have politely excused myself from such a conversation, but today, I find it a welcoming distraction from the twisting, churning feeling of nerves that roars within me.

A wry laugh escapes my lips. “I’m certainly someone in need.”

“I know you are, Rocks. Please forgive my oversight. It was rude of me to not introduce myself earlier.” He places a hand over his brown fur robe and offers a respectful bow. “I am Harkus, formally a teacher, with no children to teach. Now, I pass my days being a bit of a nuisance.”

It feels weird being so well known here in Draxru. Once people discovered I was the bonded mate to their Clan Chieftain, I gained some kind of celebrity status. Often people like to talk to me, wish me luck, or give me tips for the Proving. I sense their hopes of me saving Krogoth and the future of their, our Clan resting on my shoulders.

At first, I found it embarrassing, but the more they offered their support, stories and cheer, the more I became familiar with everyone and my place here. I don’t think I could have survived this time apart from Krogoth without them. Now their chatter brings a genuine smile to my face.I only hope I can live up to their expectations.

With a smile and a bow, I express my gratitude. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Harkus. Though I’m no longer a child, I would be grateful to learn from you if I survive the Proving.”

Harkus returns the smile, his eyes alight with warmth. “Everyone is a child compared to me, so I would be delighted to instruct you. Have faith, you will complete the Proving. I can tell the Goddess favors you,” he declares before rummaging through a leather satchel slung over his shoulder.

“Perhaps the Goddess led me here to bestow this upon you.” Harkus unfurls a coat of a deep crimson hue, its fabric adorned with patterns reminiscent of the forest’s natural tapestry, veins of darker red intertwine with lighter shades, and the hood is lined with a gentle moss-green fabric.

“My beloved Mortakin-Kis Cassiana wore this very coat when she triumphed in her Proving.” His smile is tender, his eyes distant with cherished memories. “She was my fiery little dumpling.” Gently folding the coat, he extends it towards me. “I know she would want you to have it.”

I marvel at the feeling of the fabric. The outer material is like a lacquered red leather that appears to be waterproof. The inside is lined with a moss green thick fur of some unknown beast,giving the coat much of its hefty weight. This will easily keep me warm during the chilly nights. I hastily remove my simple brown fur robes before draping the coat over me.

“Let me help you,” Harkus says as he pulls the sleeves of the coat along my armored arms. He studies me with inquisitive eyes. “Excellent, it fits perfectly!” he exclaims, lightly clapping his hands together. “My beloved wasn’t the biggest Klendathian. In fact, some unkind souls referred to her as a Nebian in disguise.”

A warm surge of gratitude fills my heart at Harkus’ thoughtful gift. “Thank you so much, Harkus,” I say, giving him a brief hug. “I will do my best to honor your Cassiana’s memory by wearing this gift with pride.”

Harkus’ eyes widen slightly, and a faint blush creeps across his cheeks. “Ah, yes,” he stammers, “Do come see me upon your return, Rocks. May the Gods bless you.” He bows politely before joining the lively crowd gathered around the bonfire.

I shrug my shoulders, adjusting the coat, becoming accustomed to the weight and the way it feels. The kindness everyone has shown me at Draxru is overwhelming, but as I watch the chatter and dancing at the bonfire, I feel my heart fill with emotion and a sense of belonging for the first time. They all want me to succeed, eager to help in any small way they can. This coat is a beautiful gift, and I hope one day I’m able to return it to Harkus.

If I return.I breathe a deep sigh, waves of anxiety churning within me once more now I’m no longer distracted by the pleasant conversation at the statue. I make my way to a quiet building on the outskirts of Draxru that serves food and drink and take a seat on the large wooden benches after ordering some boracks milk. Xandor had recommended I fill up before setting off cause food will be scarce during the Proving, but the butterflies in my stomach have other ideas.

As I sip the cool, invigorating beverage, my gaze falls upon the group of men gathered around the bonfire. They talk among themselves, their voices laced with a mix of anticipation and apprehension. I chuckle to myself, finding it oddly comforting to know that I’m not the only one feeling nervous.

“Rocks? Is that you?” a familiar voice breaks through my anxious thoughts.

I turn to see the ethereal white-skinned woman, Zelana, approaching with a gentle smile.

“Zelana!” I exclaim, embracing her warmly, careful to not squeeze the petite alien too tight on account of my exoenhancer armor. “You’re looking really well.” My eyes sweep over her, admiring the beautiful black translucent flowing dress that contrasts stunningly with her pale skin.

“You look… strong, like a true warrior,” Zelana observes, her large obsidian eyes gleaming with admiration. “I barely recognized you.”

I chuckle, feeling a surge of pride. “I’m so glad to hear you say that.”Have I really changed so much in these past two weeks?“Sorry, I never came to speak to you sooner. I wanted to make sure you were settling in ok, but with this Proving, I haven’t had a minute.” I gesture for her to take a seat beside me.

“Don’t apologize, I understand completely.” Zelana waves away my apology, her three-fingered hand extending in a graceful gesture. “I debated if I should approach you or not, because I know you’ve a lot on your mind.”

She hesitates, her dark eyes searching mine. “But I would never forgive myself If I never spoke to you again.” Her white face turns a slight shade of blue. “Ah. I don’t mean to imply you’ll not succeed, it’s just… Sorry, I’m not sure what I mean.”

I reach out and gently take her hand in mine, offering her a reassuring smile. “It’s ok, I know my chances are slim. But it’s good to speak to you.”

Zelana’s face lights up with a warm smile. “Everyone is talking about it. Your Proving, I mean. I know you can do it, seeing how hard you’ve worked.” She takes a deep breath, her shoulders relaxing. “I’m so glad I stayed on Klendathor with you. It’s so peaceful here. Never would I dare dream I could live such a life.”

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