Page 51 of Fated to the Alien Chieftain

A glimmer of hope ignites within me, fueled by the belief that I might yet persuade Gorexius. “Don’t you understand? We can father children again, like Astraxius predicted. We don’t need the Scythians anymore,” I plead earnestly, my passion stoked. “No more wars, a chance to rebuild, Gorexius.”

Drexios bursts into mocking laughter. “Look at her so tiny and frail, can you imagine the stunted runts she’ll squeeze out? Fit for nothing more than venefex feed.” My hands shake with fury at his insults, but I suppress it, knowing now is not the time.

Gorexius remains unmoved. “You speak Krogoth, but I hear Astraxius’ words. Where is the old fool?”

A pang of sadness courses through me at the memory of Astraxius’ last moments. “He died on Terminus Exile,” I say solemnly.

A flicker of surprise and sorrow ripple over Gorexius’ brutal visage “Goodbye, old friend,” he whispers, his face twisting in terrible anger. “You see where this foolishness leads?”

He approaches, causing Pebbles to back away as the molten fury looms over me. “You should have protected him!” He roars in my face, taking all my resolve to not balk. “You let him die in that shit hole!” He shoves me with such incredible force it dents my armor, sending me sliding along the stone floor.

Pebbles yells in shocked distress, rushing to help me to my feet. Meanwhile, Gorexius paces back and forth in frustration. “Astraxius convinced me to take the Scythians’ offer all those years ago. Together, we saw the potential within our bloodline that was suppressed. Superior intelligence forbidden from science, bodies honed to a razor’s edge restricted from war. We unleashed our potential upon the universe, our gift, a destiny of conquest and glory!” He says, full of passionate anger. His usual cold demeanor now melted away.

Gorexius shakes his head with disgust. “Only for Astraxius to change his mind, years later, full of doubts. He came to me, Krogoth, echoing those same weak words.” He pauses, sweeping his arms wide. “I’ll never go back to that primitive existence of mere farming and hunting, no hope of glory, no expression of our beautiful strength.” His tone becomes more relaxed as he speaks.

“You feel it too, don’t you, Krogoth?” Gorexius turns his attention to me, his gaze piercing. “The thrill of the battle, the Rush flowing through your veins, commanding fleets of battlebarges, watching enemy planets engulfed in flames, as we stride forward like gods, crushing all beneath us. This is our divine purpose. This is who we are. To deny it is to deny yourself,” he declares, gesturing towards me. “Come back with me, embrace your glorious destiny.”

“Your glorious destiny comes at too high a cost. Bringing nothing but death to our people as the Scythians slowly bleed us dry,” I say with a calmness that defies the torrent of anxious fear and righteous anger churning within me.

“You think the Scythians will just let us go? You risk our doom, Krogoth,” Gorexius challenges, his anger rising again.

“It is you that has doomed us all when you killed my father and fought to steal our females away! You are a betrayer to our noble kin and I will see you dead by my hand!” I shout, advancing toward the towering figure, meeting his glaring red eyes, twisted with both rage and amusement. “Gorexius, I challenge you to Krak-Tok,” I declare loudly, my voice ringing throughout the chamber.

Before Gorexius can respond, the elders solemnly declare, “It is accepted!” Vereth punctuates their affirmation by slamming his staff upon the ground. “This Council acknowledges Krogoth’s right to Krak-Tok.”

Gorexius looks to the Elders with a hint of surprise. “I’ve answered his challenge before.”

“It is decided,” Vereth affirms sternly.

“This Council exists because I allow it. You’d do well to remember that,” Gorexius retorts, his rage focused as he peers down at me, baring his fangs. “So be it. If you seek death, it’s yours now that Astraxius isn’t here to beg for your life.” He straightens suddenly before adding. “After I break you, Drexios will lead the Clan Draxxus warriors, and I’ll finish my war.” His eyes mist red with fury, before he storms out through the massive doors, signaling to the others to follow.

Drexios glances back before exiting. “A promotion for me, and a death for you. Congratulations,” he smiles mockingly, leering at Pebbles once more. “Don’t worry, Krogoth. My first duty as the new Chieftain will be to console the pretty little Chieftainess. Bye-bye,” he laughs, before departing the hall.

Chapter 19

Krogoth

Broken

Isit before ashrine to Dagdorix, trying to clear my mind and settle my nerves, but it’s proving difficult.How many years ago was I last here, one hundred and fifty, perhaps?It’s amusing to think all those decades past when I sat here waiting to face Gorexius in Krak-Tok. I wasn’t half as concerned, so full of pride and youthful disregard. Gods, how I wish I could summon the same attitude now.

Flashes of that deadly encounter come to mind, like unwelcome bolts of doubt. The War Chieftain had stood like a titan and as composed as unbreakable arcweave. The contest had been a farce; he toyed with me, easily avoiding my attacks and when I closed the distance, he gripped me in his massive hands, crushing me with his terrible strength.

He could have twisted and broken every bone in my body. But Astraxius had shouted from the crowd, begging and pleading for my life. I recall the sneer on his face as he threw me to the ground with a crashing thud before raking his razor-sharp claws down my body, a reminder of my defeat eternally carved into me. But Astraxius’ cries for mercy have led to this moment, another chance to save my people, if I have the strength to seize it.

I trace my fingers over the scars, feeling the uneven coarseness of them even now.How can I beat him?I’m more experienced now, and since meeting my beloved Pebbles, my Rush has surged to new heights. Will it be enough to bridge the massive gulf between us? A heavy sigh escapes me, stirring the slumbering beauty beside me, my Mortakin-Kis.

Pebbles looks adorable, with only her face peeking out from her thick venefex cloak she wrapped herself in. She lies atop a stone bench, snoring softly. I delicately brush a strand of her sheen brown hair from her closed eyes, studying every detail of her face, trying to burn every contour, every nuance into my memory to take with me when I rest with my ancestors for all eternity.

The night had been restless for us both. Sleep was elusive, and when it finally came, it brought troubled and fitful dreams. Poor Pebbles, emotionally drained from the day’s revelations and tensions, now finds solace in sleep, exhausted beyond measure.

Pebbles has grown more concerned after seeing the War Chieftain in person. Although she never spoke the words, I can see the doubt in her eyes and in her tone.Who could blame her after gazing upon the colossus?Yet, she has bravely stuck to her resolve to see this through to the end, no matter what comes.Wonder if she’ll return to Earth or stay on Klendathor?I hope she stays, having built such respect and honor for herself here.

My stomach churns, and I notice the muffled sounds of the gathering crowds above.It won’t be long now.We wait below the Magaxus arena that rests atop a mountain of Scarn, not as inhospitable as the peaks housing the Council of Elders, but still not for the fainthearted. Most of the crowd will comprise Magaxus warriors, giving Gorexius yet more advantage.

I stand up and pace the cramped, dimly illuminated chamber carved within the mountain, my movements betraying my restless state. I loosen my limbs by rotating them in circles and throwing a series of testing kicks and punches. Pebbles jolts erect, rising from the bench startled. “Krogoth?” She mumbles, rubbing sleep from her eyes. “I had a terrible dream that you were gone.”

“I’m still here,”for now.I reassure her, offering a gentle smile, although inwardly I’m battling an anxiety which threatens to make my hands shake with worry.

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