About half an hour later, the heavy fur curtain of the chief’s hall was pushed aside.
The Red Envoy, Yaro, emerged first, his sanguine robes a violent splash of color against the snow and timber.
Chieftain Risha followed, her expression carved from stone. Her husband loomed behind her. The traitor chiefs trailed out last, their postures subdued.
Yaro turned, offering Risha a thin, courteous smile that didn’t reach his eyes. "Alright. We will meet at the designated point in the evening, then."
"Of course." Risha gave a single, stiff nod. "And... thank you for your... mercy."
The Envoy chuckled. "The pleasure is all mine." He then paused, as if remembering a trifle. "Ah, right. When you come, I will show you something interesting. A demonstration, you could say. To prove my sincerity, that my words about not using your people as mere meatshields have weight."
A cold sliver of foreboding pierced Risha’s gut. She forced another nod, her lone amber eye unwavering. "I will await it."
"Excellent. I’m sure you will like it."
With a final, dismissive glance that swept over the silent, watching Salom warriors, Yaro turned.
Laura and Norak fell into step immediately, flanking him slightly behind as they led the way from the fortress with a stiff, formal politeness that was more insulting than defiance.
As the three figures and their subordinates disappeared into the grey weave of the woods, Risha let out a tired breath.
"Saya," she murmured.
The air beside her rippled as a figure materialized beside her. "Chief?"
"Is it done?"
"Yes, chief," Saya reported. "They are gone. The outsider agreed to guide her. They took the hidden path."
A fraction of the tension in Risha’s shoulders eased. "What about the thing? Did you give it as well?"
"Yes. I gave it to the outsider, knowing she wouldn’t take it if offered directly."
"...Alright." Risha nodded, a small wave of relief washing through her. At least her daughter could be safe. And... No matter how others might see it, as cowardice or as favoritism, this was her only selfish move. The one piece of her heart she could carve out and send away from the coming slaughter.
She turned back to Saya, her chief’s mask settling firmly back into place. "Prepare the hunters. But leave a small squad. Their duty is to escort the injured, the children, and the elders. They are to leave for the Eclipse Keep as soon as possible. Tell them to use the shortest path."
"...Understood." Saya dipped her head, her expression grim, and melted away to carry out the orders.
Risha’s husband moved closer, his massive hand coming to rest gently on her shoulder. The warmth of it was a stark contrast to the frozen dread around them.
"Dear," he rumbled, his voice thick with affection. "You did the right thing. Please, don’t burden yourself any further."
Risha turned to him, and for a fleeting moment, the iron sternness melted from her face, replaced by a rare, weary, but genuine smile.
"Thank goodness I have you." She clenched his big hands with her own.
But the light in her eye dimmed almost instantly as the crushing reality of their situation rushed back in.
’No, you’re the chief! Get it together!’
She shook her head, as if physically dispelling the moment of weakness.
"Let’s go," she said, her voice once more that of the fearless chieftain. "We have preparations to make."
She turned and strode back into the hall.
Although she agreed with that man’s plan, it didn’t mean she would go along with everything he said. This certainly included not sacrificing her people like lambs to a slaughter.
And besides, if there was someone who knew the Night Devourer well, it was none other than herself.
After all...
She had survived an encounter with it.
Perhaps she was the only one to achieve such a feat.
Though the price she paid for that knowledge hadn’t been small.
’...’ Her hand rose unconsciously, her fingertips brushing against the smooth, worn leather of her eyepatch. Those terrifying moments flashed through her remaining eye. The flashback was followed by a crazy smirk that touched her lips, unseen by anyone but the shadows of the hall. ’Hmph! Bullying my tribe?’
She clenched her fists, her smirk widening.
’Then I will show you what a real Drakari can do.’
______ ___ _
Evening.
Frostwalkers’ chieftain, Laura, stood near the edge of the clearing that served as the rendezvous point, her gaze fixed on the brooding black dome in the distance. Behind her, the combined forces of the Frostwalkers and Stonehides shifted uneasily.
Then, her frown deepened.
"Why aren’t they here yet?" she complained, unable to help herself. She glanced subtly toward the motionless figure of the Red Envoy, Yaro. "Do they not take this, or us, seriously at all?"
As if sensing her momentary gaze, the man turned his head just enough to look at her, a dangerous glint passing through his eyes. He chuckled, a soft, chilling sound. "You’re really quite good at that. But don’t try it on me. Or else, you might lose your head even sooner than planned."
"!" Laura’s eyes widened. A cold sweat broke out on her back. She hurriedly bowed her head. "I-I apologize, Sir. It was not my intent—"
"Your intent is transparent," he cut her off, his voice still mild.
"You wish to stir dissatisfaction. To borrow my strength for your petty grievances." He turned his gaze back to the forest path. "But you are right about one thing. They should be here by now."
He closed his eyes for a moment, his aura stretching out like an invisible net. Then they snapped open.
"Well. There’s no need to worry."
As if his words were a signal, the ground began to tremble. If listened to closely, the rhythmic percussion of many heavy footsteps moving in unison could be heard.
Laura and the others turned.
From the tree line, Chieftain Risha emerged, leading her Salom hunters. They moved with disciplined, fast strides, their expressions hidden behind their bone masks.
Risha came to a halt before the assembly, her single eye meeting Yaro’s gaze directly, ignoring Laura and Norak completely.
"Sorry for being late," she said, her voice flat. "Got caught up by a monster group on the way."
"Save your excuses," Yaro replied, his tone devoid of interest. "Just tell me if you are ready."
"We are ready."
"Good." Yaro nodded. "Then, it’s time to begin..."
"The hunt!"
______ ____ _
[ A/N: A New Journey Begins! ]
The promised surprise is here:
🎉 A Brand New Story: Sovereignty Of Zero 🎉
I’d love to invite you all to be among its first readers.
This story holds a special place in my heart, and I can’t wait to share this new world with you. If you’re looking for your next read, please give it a chance! A vote, adding to the library, or commenting on the first Chapter would be an incredible show of support as it starts its journey.
Thank you for your endless support!