Page 11 of Fated to the Alien Chieftain

Zyraxis rushes to stand before Vereth. “It’s still not too late to do the right thing. Reinstate me before this madness gets out of control. I will have Krogoth removed if you lack the stomach for it. If the Scythians suspect we are in open rebellion, they will kill us all!” He exclaims, while pleading before Vereth.

Would the War Chieftain really leave the front lines to return here?

Vereth appears thoughtful.Is he thinking of changing his mind?I feel my pulse rising, my gut coils with tension.

“No Zyraxis, once before we chose the coward’s path,” Vereth’s eyes glisten. The rare sign of sadness from the stern Speakersurprises me. “And it nearly cost us everything,” Vereth turns around, with his head raised high, “If we must forsake our females, if we must butcher the universe, if we must condemn the innocent, if we must corrupt the youth to survive. Then I say it’s better to die doing the right thing, as the Gods have taught us,” Vereth speaks loudly, addressing the entire crowd.

Zyraxis scoffs, “Wait until they come and bathe our planet in an inferno of destruction, then remember these naïve words!” he promises.

Nyxius scowls. “Get this vipertail out of here,” he says, before gesturing towards two guards “Escort him out of here before the crowd gets at him.”

He’s lucky I don’t have my hands on him!

The crowd boo and jeers as Zyraxis is led out. Some even throwing horns and plates of food at him. One heavy tankard catches him square on the temple, jolting his head back forcefully, causing laughter to erupt from the mass. He clutches the side of his head, stumbling. Only the steadying arms of his escort keep him erect. Once he is out the door, he hobbles away, no trace of his imposing authority left to him.

Vereth turns his attention back towards Pebbles and me. “I know not the full extent of the indignities Zyraxis has committed upon you both. But understand it was never our intention to dishonor either of you,” he smiles,

I nod approvingly towards him. His sincere words help remove some of the bitterness I feel towards the elders.

“As a gesture of good will, and to amend two grievous mistakes, I propose Clan Draxxus select a person, to represent them on the Council of Elders. You might have heard of our recent vacancy?” He chuckles.

His words come as a complete surprise. For almost my entire life, my clan hasn’t had an elder on the council. I never considered the best choice, given the unlikely possibility.Someone loyal and knowledgeable?Astraxius would have been the best choice if he could have torn himself from his studies.Hope you’re resting well with the Gods’ old friend.

My head turns to Harkus. “What say you, Harkus? You have proven yourself in this hall this very evening,” I gesture towards him as he stands atop the platform.

“Me?” Harkus says, his brown eyes widen. “I’d hope to grow my vegetables and write another book.”

Nyxius laughs. “Oh, you’ll have plenty of time for writing. Don’t worry about that.”

“Please Harkus, the Clan needs your wisdom and support,” I plead. My eyes drill into Harkus.

Harkus nods. “I will do my duty, Chieftain,” He says turning to Vereth “I would be honored to join.”

Vereth claps his hands. “Excellent, A fine choice,” he says, before raising his hand in the air. “All in favor of Harkus of Clan Draxxus joining our esteemed brotherhood, please raise your hand.”

Almost instantly, all twelve remaining elders raise their hands. Only the two Magaxus elders hesitate for a moment as they quickly exchange a glance before joining the others.

“By unanimous decision, Harkus from the Clan Draxxus will join this hallowed council. Welcome brother,” Vereth gives a slight bow before he raps his staff upon the floor, solidifying his decree.

I lead the chants of “Elder Harkus!” as the crowd stamp their feet, vibrating the very walls of the hall. Even Pebbles joins in, stamping her silly tiny feet. Harkus casts his eyes around the crowd, laughing.

Vereth inputs commands into his wrist console, as the chanting dies down and silence returns once again. “Harkus, a glider will pick you up tomorrow. But we’ve disturbed your gathering long enough, Krogoth. Go in peace,” he turns to leave.

“Wait Vereth. Thank you for doing the right thing,” I say, before I cast my eyes over all the elders. “Thank you all for rekindling my hope that justice can still be found on Klendathor,” I nod respectively at them.

“Yes, thank you all so much,” Pebbles says sweetly, bowing deeply.

Vereth turns around, his face a little sad. “Krogoth, we can’t protect you from the War Chieftain. You said it yourself on the Peaks of Scarn. We can’t interfere in military matters. You had best prepare yourself for that eventuality... for all our sake,” he turns to leave, as his words hang heavy in the air.

How do I defeat the undefeated titan of war?

Chapter 4

Roxanne

The traveler

The light dwindles asthe sun sets over the enormous Draxxi trees, casting long shadows over the area. During the day, Krogoth and I have been traveling through the forests. Northeast this time, towards Lanaisor to complete the Mortakin-Tok. The thought of it is exciting, but also frightening. Little is known about what the ritual entails. Even Krogoth seems unsure.

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