Page 37 of Fated to the Alien Chieftain

Pebbles has a blank expression on her face, with shifting eyes, as if she believes the complete opposite.I have an uphill battle if even myMortakin-Kisthink’s us ruthless killers.

“Speaking of honor trophies, I have something you might find pleasing,” I say, taking Pebbles by the hand and walking through the massive hollowed tree.

“Oh? Exciting,” Pebbles says, clutching my arm tighter. Her warmth and softness pressing in on me stirs my desire, but at least for now, I must remain focused. She glances around at the walls before speaking. “There’re so many trophies. Do you know the stories of all of them?”

“Most of them.”Not enough.“I fear the time when this hall falls to ruin like the ancient Temple of Lanaisor. With only the twisted young who do not value our traditions and culture as itskeeper. Then no one will remember a single tale.”I will free my people before that happens!

“That’s sad,” Pebbles says, her head downcast. “What about adding a description for each, like in museums on Earth?” She offers thoughtfully.

I consider for a moment. “It’s always been an oral tradition. Warriors gather around and socialize and regale each other with brave tales, and older wise ones could recite thousands of stories from memory without a single error.” I glance around at the trophies, imagining the warriors speaking proudly beneath them. “Our legends told by us for us, not for the amusement and critique of others,” I finish, to see disappointment flash on her face.

Maybe keeping a record would do no harm and if it makes her happy.“A record would be good. Should we fail to break away from the Scythians,” I say, hoping to see her beautiful smile.

“I can do it,” Pebbles declares. “That would be really fun,” she says with a smile that warms my soul. “I could interview you and find others to fill in the gaps, creating a big catalog with images. So it will always be remembered.”

I nod down at her approvingly. “There’s none better than you at asking questions,” I say, stopping near the end of the hall. “This should be your first entry.” I gesture towards the newest addition to the wall of trophies. A snarling white furred beast, its head covered in a matrix of scars, one gleaming red eye glows in the dim light like a hate filled ruby.

“Holy crap!” Pebbles shouts, examining the huge trophy that’s almost as tall as her and twice as wide. “Xyronath? Look at the size of it. How the hell did I manage to kill this thing?” She asks, examining both sides of the beast with a look of disbelief.

“With skill and courage, my sweet Pebbles.”Such a fine trophy. Looking at it fills me with a profound sense of pride.“Xyronath only conveys half the story. The first non Klendathian to complete the Proving. And while hunted by three other Prospects,” I snort before continuing, “I should have mounted their heads on the wall, but it seems dishonorable.”Although I wouldn’t put it past some of the other clans.

Pebbles holds her stomach and makes a fake retching expression. “Could you imagine three heads hanging on the wall? I’d hurl every time I came in here.”Doubly glad I didn’t, now.

She turns to me, her pretty hazel eyes sparklingly “No ones ever mounted a head for me before,” she titters.Is she mocking me? It’s hard to tell with her crafty human ways.“Thank you so much.” She rushes in and gives me a hug.She smells like sweet flowers today and is just as soft.

“It represents your story, your legend. You provide the context and bring it to life in the retelling of it.” I rub her shoulders and enjoy the feeling of her sheen brown hair through my fingers. “You’ve brought much respect and honor to yourself and our clan.” I kiss the top of her head. “I’m so proud of you, my Mortakin-Kis.”

Pebbles pulls away, her eyes moist. “Stop, you’re going to make me cry,” she laughs, wiping her face with the back of her hand.

I take Pebbles by the hand and continue further towards the back of the hall. “There’s something else I want to show you.”

“More?” Pebbles asks, surprised, “Uh oh,” her eyes narrow towards the raised wooden platform. “Is that another throne up there?” She frowns “You didn’t, Krogoth?”

Her reaction causes me to smile. “I did,” I declare, amused.Such modesty she has, even though it’s her right.“Remember, I promised after the Mortakin-Tok, you would be named Chieftainess and the Ancient Chair returned to its rightful place. Now is that time. You are Chieftainess Rocks of Clan Draxxus,”I finish saying as we stand before the two primeval seats that radiate history and responsibility.

Pebbles shakes her head in disbelief as she studies her new Chieftainess chair.Her hesitation gives me a pang of sadness. I had hoped the prospect would excite her.I can almost see her mind puzzling out her thoughts and feelings as she rubs her hands over the ancient wood. The chair is smaller and narrower than the male version, constructed from tangling hard wood roots that coalesce into six curved legs and winged back with threads jutting out.

Pebbles turns to me, her face full of concern. “Krogoth, I don’t know the first thing about being a Chieftainess. I’m not like you, some confident war leader, telling everyone what to do.” She pauses before continuing, “I don’t think I can do it.”

My initial pang of sadness metastasizes into despair. “Yet last time we stood here, you spoke like a Chieftainess full of grace and cunning and we just passed your glorious trophy proving your honor and courage. Also, during the Mortakin-Tok, you lead a group as the Goddess Machsin herself against the Machine God,” I say, unable to hide my shock and disappointment.

She turns away, looking at the floor, unable to meet my eyes. “That was different... I had no choice then, and it was only temporary.” She reaches for her Elerium necklace, rubbing it vigorously. “Not like this, where I’m responsible for all these people. I have no training, qualifications, experience, or anything. What if I make the wrong decision?”

My mind is stunned with utter disbelief at her words.How can she doubt herself even now? It’s unbelievable!“Is it the effort you fear?” I say, trying to understand her position. “Because I promise it will not require much of your time.”

“Of course not!” Pebbles says fiercely. “I’m not afraid of work.”

Then why?“Is this an Earthling tradition? You’ve all been raised to doubt yourselves and cannot act on your own behavior, rising to your potential?” I say, struggling to keep the heat from my voice. “A world where a female full of talent and life is forgotten, her potential wasted?”

Pebbles stares off into the distance as she continues to clutch her necklace in silence.

I take a deep breath, feeling my initial shock and disappointment dissipate somewhat. “You would make a brilliant Chieftainess, honoring our people. No one trains for the role you just become it, like an arrohawk learning to fly. Trust yourself, Pebbles because I trust you. We all trust you,” I say softly, meaning every word.

An awkward silence hangs over the enormous hall. Pebbles remains unstirred, seemingly my passionate words haven’t moved her.My heart sinks and despair fills my chest. What does this mean for us?Never has a Mortakin-Kis of a Chieftain, not also been Chieftainess. It will bring much shame and speculation.

Defeated, I slump into my Chieftain’s chair, with my head in my hands, not for the first time rueing my inability to persuade with words as convincingly as my fighting ability.Yet, another reason for Pebbles to be Chieftainess!

I inhale loudly, finally resigned to let the issue go. “Very well, Pebbles.” Each word feels like a struggle. “I will bear the shame of this. Tomorrow I’ll have your seat removed. Some may ask you questions and prod, but over time, it should become accepted.”

---