Page 7 of Fated to the Alien Chieftain

“Zelana, if you can’t handle strong, I’m afraid Rylar may be too much for you,” Xandor says while he stares at Rylar’s back.

My eyes snap towards Xandor as I feel my anger rising, causing my face to heat. “Xandor!” I exclaim.He’s ruining Rylar and Zelana’s moment.

“I... I only meant the drinks,” Zelana offers weakly, as she looks down at the floor.

“Rylar fought with me through a hundred battles. He’s a war hero. If it’s a good companion you seek, you can find none better.” Krogoth says, looking down sympathetically at Zelana.

Zelana straightens, meeting Krogoth’s gaze. “I know the good ones when I see them,” she smiles.

Before anyone can say another word, loud shouting comes from the other end of the hall at the entrance. I strain my eyes trying to make out what’s going on exactly. But despite being on a raised platform, I still cannot see over the heads of the tall Klendathians.

Shouts of “Make way!” spoken by gruff voices can now be heard.

My heart pounds in my chest. I instinctually move towards Krogoth, seeking his protective embrace. He wraps his enormous arm over my shoulder, giving it a tight squeeze.

“Out of the voiding way!” Rings out from an unfamiliar voice as more jostling and shouting gets closer with each passing moment.

Looking up at Krogoth, his gaze is fixated on the newcomers. “What’s happening, Krogoth? Who is it?”

Krogoth looks down, his eyes misting lightly. “It’s the Council of Elders.”

I’ll not let them take him away again!

Chapter 3

Krogoth

Drunken Appeal

Blood boils through myveins as I watch the oncoming Council of Elders approach. With twenty warrior guards attired in full arcweave plating, rudely they push and shove my Draxxus brothers aside as the Elders approach. Their menacing presence does not bode well. If violence breaks out, it’ll be a bloodbath on both sides, but this disrespect cannot be ignored.

Pebbles squeezes close to me, her softness a welcome contrast to my unbreakable resolve. “Please don’t leave me, Krogoth,” she pleads desperately.

Although I made a solemn vow, determined to never leave Pebbles alone, I am prepared to face death than yield to these cowardly old fools again. “They will not take me,” I promise her.

I quickly signal to Xandor and Rylar for a flanking maneuver. They both nod before taking off to join the crowd to organize a response should the need arise.

The elders now stand just before the raised wooden platform. They peer up at me now, no longer benefiting from the lofty positions where they judged me atop the Peaks of Scarn. Their warriors form a protective shield around them, facing back towards the crowd.

“You dare enter my clan hall, armed and uninvited, disrupting my gathering!” I shout, crushing any illusions they might have of me bowing before them meekly.

Zyraxis bristles, his heavily tattooed face twisting in anger. “Yet again, I find you awash in drink. Too drunk to show proper respect!” He shouts back, unfolding his bare arms.

If Xandor and the others can keep the guards busy, I can surprise their warriors from behind, tearing them apart before they know what’s happening.

“Warriors, seize Krogoth!” Zyraxis demands, raising his hand. Only the confused glances passing between the guards and other elders prevent me from jumping amongst them, delivering bloody horror.They are full of fear, as they should be foolishly trapping themselves among my battle-hardened veterans.

The crowd erupts into noisy protests, pushing and shoving the armored guards. Calls of “Get the void out of here!” and “Scythian whores!” can be heard. On the right flank, there’s a heated exchange of blows taking place. My muscles tense. The scene before me is mere moments from total carnage.I will spare the elders, but their warriors will have to die.

“Cease this madness at once!” Speaker Vereth roars as he slams his heavy staff against the wooden floor. The great clacking sound interrupts the fray and draws the attention of the entire room. Slowly, Vereth clears his throat as if he has all the time in the universe.

“Better,” Vereth says, smiling, as he turns, casting his eye around the entire silent hall. “Now then Krogoth,” his stern blue eyes bore into mine. “We come to resolve this dispute... Peacefully would be preferable—”

Zyraxis interrupts, “Peacefully? He’s a traitorous fugitive. Dead or alive, he must be brought to justice now!” His voice rises an octave as he demands angrily, hinting at his desperation.

“Zyraxis, eager as ever to send others to their death,” I say solemnly. Implying a promise of retribution should they make the attempt.

Vereth rounds on Zyraxis. “I am Speaker here, not you! Now hold your tongue lest you lead us all off a cliff,” he says heatedly, causing Zyraxis to fold his arms in silent defiance.

---