Page 9 of Fated to the Alien Chieftain

“Obtaining the truth can lead you down uncomfortable paths,” Nyxius says as he thumbs his bushy snow-white eyebrows.

Zyraxis scoffs before turning back to the display. “Sadly, all I see are brave Prospects who have succumbed to the brutal forces of nature,” Zyraxis points to the black-haired Prospect on the display. “See the wounds, the tears, the claw marks? Clearly the work of some beast, not some dainty female.”

By the Gods, he can talk his way out of anything! Harder to nail him down than it was landing a blow on the Golden Warrior.

I take a calming breath before continuing. “How do you explain the obvious spear wound in his stomach? Do hydraliths or venefexes now wield spears?” I mock as I zoom in on the display of the huge three-pronged puncture wounds.

“How droll,” Zyraxis tuts, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “Obvious you say? How are we to know with any certainty what caused these wounds?” He smirks before going on. “And even if it is a spear wound, how do we know the human didn’t ambush the injured Prospect to finish him and steal his belongings? A much more plausible explanation than the absurd notion a tiny weak human female could defeat an expertly trained Magaxus Prospect in single combat.”

I can feel Pebbles bristle beside me, rightfully angry that her prowess is being called into doubt. But looking at the faces of the elders, many nod their heads in agreement at Zyraxis’ false explanation.Time for another angle.

“I also recovered these plasma pistols from the Prospects,” I say, changing the display on my console to show the weapons lying beside the bodies. “A grievous error or intention violation of our sacred laws from the inspector of the Prospects, which I’m told was you, Zyraxis,” I finish, relishing the flicker of shock flash across Zyraxis’ face.

“Krogoth speaks the truth. I was there when you carried out the inspection for this Proving. Explain!” Vereth demands, tapping the floor with his staff.

“Explain what?” Zyraxis says with a shrug. “It’s easy to plant weapons on the fallen after the fact. He even admitted his Draxxus hunters recovered the bodies,” Zyraxis shakes his head in disbelief. “This is low, even from you, Krogoth. A lazy attemptto frame me, removing the one person who knows the true treacherous depths you are capable of.”

The bastard has an answer for everything!Angry mutterings emerge from the crowd “You are the traitor!” some call out their voices full of disdain.

Vereth bangs his staff on the floor, calling for silence yet again. I rack my brain, searching for some argument, some proof that Zyraxis cannot refute. But my thoughts are soon interrupted.

“I have a question... Krogoth, in his own words, said he recovered the plasma pistols. Implying he was there during the Proving. Perhaps aiding the female he loves, allowing her to succeed where others have traditionally failed?” a Magaxus elder asks, identified by this heavily tattooed face.

May the Gods take my foolish tongue! I should be more careful with my words. These deceivers will seize on any opportunity.

“I came upon the scene after the events,” I state sternly, showing no sign of doubt.

“Elder Ignixis point reminds me,” an elder with a top knot speaks. “How did you cross the volcanoes of Magaxus, the deserts of Nardune, into the forests of Draxxi in less than a week? We are supposed to believe you traveled the length of the world with no supplies on foot in such a short time? Impossible,” he states, answering his own question.

“Difficult, but not impossible,” I answer, resisting the urge to insult his lack of physical prowess.

Some in the crowd cheer and laugh. “That’s easy for the Chieftain!” I hear, bringing a smile to my lips.

“Phaedroth raises an excellent point,” Zyraxis begins, keen to press his advantage. “Such a journey is clearly impossible. The only explanation remaining is that Krogoth had the help of an illegal glider or ship of some kind, violating our sacred laws,” he finishes with a smirk directed towards me.

“If I had used a glider, I would have returned in time to prevent Rocks from attempting the Proving in the first place!” I exclaim, my anger rising. “And where would I have got one, stranded beneath the shadows of Scarn in the middle of nowhere?” I swing my arm dismissively at the elders before continuing, “You only view the world through your own limited abilities, not knowing the full potential locked within us,” I pause before I insult them further. “Have no doubts. I completed the journey on foot.”

Vereth shakes his head. “Never in all my years have I proceeded over such a farce,” he sighs loudly. “Nothing but conjecture and wild accusations. Does no one have any actual evidence? If not, I’m calling an end to this sorry affair.” He finishes looking between me and the assembled elders.

A mix of relief and frustration battle within me. Relief that the council cannot act against me and my clan is protected, but frustration that the obvious treachery of Zyraxis will go unpunished. For a fleeting moment, I dared to hope Vereth was going to expel him.

Pebbles unfurls herself from my embrace, stepping forward.

What’s this?

“Honored elders,” Pebbles bows deeply. “If I may present my evidence?” She asks sweetly.

Vereth nods. “Of course, female. Please continue,” he gestures for her to continue.

Pebbles reaches into her black dress, uncovering her golden warvisor, she rises it towards the elders. The sight of it still fills me with fierce pride for her. Then she places it upon her face. After a moment she disappears, leaving only a shimmering outline, the cloaking ability activated.

Some elders gasp in shock as people in the crowd chant “Rocks!” repeatedly. It’s not until she removes her mask,becoming visible again, does the quiet return.Where is she going with this?

“Impressive, but I fail to see the point,” Zyraxis asserts, waving his hand dismissively towards Pebbles.The bastard will pay for his insults!

Pebbles, undeterred, continues, “You accept this is a legitimate warvisor gifted by the Gods?”

Zyraxis nods. “What of it, human?”

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