Page 47 of Fated to the Alien Chieftain

Krogoth approaches me with a smile. “This has been a fine meeting so far, such honor on display. Thanks to your help, Pebbles, these disputes will be trivial.”

“Glad I can help,” I reply absently, my mind still trying to process it all.

“Make yourself comfortable for this next part,” Krogoth whispers in my ear as he places a hand on the small of my back. “It’s voiding tedious.” He rolls his eyes.

“I’ll take tedious,” I say, slowly getting my wilts about me, “Yeah, tedious sounds good right now, Krogoth.”

Krogoth laughs. “Careful what you wish for.” He turns to address the crowd, who have mostly settled down now.

“That brings a close to the disputes for this meeting,” Krogoth takes a deep breath. I could swear a flicker of a wince crosses his face as he continues. “Now I invite Crenix to enlighten us with stock and logistics.”

His words draw a collective groan from the audience, as Krogoth rises placating hands. “This information, while monotonous, is important,” he stresses weakly, as if he doesn’t believe it himself.

“I’m going for a piss,” Xandor announces bluntly, drawing a few amused chuckles from those nearby as he makes his exit.

Krogoth doesn’t appear to care as he gestures to the smallest Klendathian I’ve ever seen. Couldn’t be much over six feet tall. He comes up onto the platform, bowing respectfully to Krogoth and me, before acknowledging the indifferent crowd, many of which are already engaged in their own conversations.

What follows is a dreary and overly detailed account of food, wood, Elerium and whatever other resource you can imagine, down to the tiniest minute detail. Just when I think it’s coming to a close, Crenix describes how all of this is going to be divided up and given to the war effort, fifty percent handed over to be shipped off.Such an outrageous amount.

I rest my head on my hands, trying to focus and pay attention, to be a good Chieftainess, setting a good example. But it’s so hard, like every boring meeting at work back on Earth rolled into one ultra long meeting.

Krogoth almost appears asleep, slumped as he is on his massive throne. I probe his mind out of curiosity and boredom, finding only annoyance and impatience and a little touch of fear simmering at the back.Wonder if he’s still worrying about the War Chieftain?

Next, Crenix’s monotone voice lists the stock with another ten percent reduction for tribute to the Chieftain and explains how this will be used for the betterment of the community. Which pricks my ears up momentarily, until he then moves on to discuss trade deals with other clans and aliens, almost putting me to sleep once again.

Eventually I’ve given up listening, unable to take any more. I entertain myself playing with my necklace and cloak, probing the occasional mind of my fellow bored attendees.

“Chieftain?” A monotone voice repeats, “Chieftain? Chieftain?”

Krogoth startles upright, his response brimming with surprise. “Yes? What is it?” His abrupt reaction prompts a suppressed giggle from me as I observe his flustered demeanor. “Oh Crenix, you’re done. Thank you for your dedicated service to the Clan,” he says, as he leaps from his seat, stretching his massive limbs.

Crenix bows before leaving the platform. My heart goes out to the old Klendathian, performing such a thankless task, but bloody hell, it’s boring.

Krogoth claps his hands loudly, snapping half the crowd out of their private conversations. “Right onto the last order of business for this meeting,” he says after everyone is silent.

“Aw, did I miss the Quartermaster’s report again?” Xandor returns smirking, carrying a horn in his hand.

“Miss the next one, Xandor and you’ll be giving the reports from now, sparing poor Crenix the trouble.” Krogoth glares over at Xandor, who has the good sense to hold his tongue for once.

“Listen, now, because this is a serious matter,” Krogoth says, as he gives me a knowing look before speaking again. “The Chieftainess and I believe the War Chieftain may return to Klendathor soon,” he announces, causing a collective gasp to ripple through the audience.

My heart races at the mention of the War Chieftain. Not since our meeting with Harkus have we addressed it, like an open festering wound. Both of us dare not touch it in fear of learning how fatal it might be.

“What’s the plan, Chieftain?” Xandor inquires, as he eyes his claws like he’s relishing a fight.

“I will challenge him,” Krogoth states flatly. His words cause my breath to quicken.Why does he rush to throw his life away? After we’ve found each other, I don’t understand.The thought of losing him twists my heart with sorrow.

Krogoth, as if sensing my despair, turns to me before speaking. “If he refuses to listen.” He then addresses the crowd loudly. “It is no secret I seek to remove the War Chieftain, but I’d prefer to do it peacefully, with the consensus of the other Chieftains.”

The hall erupts into passionate discussion, as I feel a tiny flicker of hope that maybe this War Chieftain will not seek revenge on Krogoth, but with the title of ‘War Chieftain’ I judge it’s very unlikely. Even the others look doubtful at the idea.I can’t lose him, not now, not after everything we’ve been through.

Adrenaline roars in my ears as I struggle to breathe. I gaze across the hall among the audience. Many hang their heads, concern and doubt carved on their faces.No one thinks he can beat him. Not even Krogoth believes it!

I find myself stepping forward to speak, my desperation driving me. “Someone say something!” I exclaim, glaring heatedly at the crowd. None meet my eyes, even Rylar and Xandor avert their gaze.

“You would let your Chieftain die!” I scream at them, anguish seeping into my voice. “Please, someone, anyone, convince him not to do this!” Turning to Krogoth, I find him looking at me, his bearing proud but his eyes betraying a hint of sorrow. “Don’t do this,” I implore, my voice cracking with emotion. “We can leave this place, come back to Earth with me. Live, Krogoth, I beg of you.”

“I can’t,” Krogoth says gently, moving to console me.

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