Fated to the Alien Chieftain (The Klendathian Cycle #3)

1. Krogoth

Chapter 1

Krogoth

Speaker

I open my groggy eyes, glimpsing mostly darkness. It’s not the bleak, oppressive void of my cell in the Peaks of Scarn, but the familiar comfort of my bedroom as the alluring scent of my Pebbles awakens my senses. The soft furs at my back feel strange against my skin. Such luxury seems almost decadent after growing so accustomed to sleeping against hard stone and coarse sand.

The pleasant soft snores of Pebbles beside me brings a wide smile to my face. My chest fills with relief at having her safe in my bed once again. She survived an almost impossible task of successfully completing the Proving against all the odds. Such a wonder my love is.

However, Pebbles did not come through the ordeal unscathed. Despite taking her to the healing pods immediately upon our return to Draxru, her wounds had knitted and closed but the scars remain. Some are visible. . . others run much deeper.

The healing pods also cannot remove sleep debt, so for the previous few days, Pebbles and I have immersed ourselves in dreams. Wrapped up in our own comfortable bubble of warmth and tenderness, the only distraction has been our lust and need for each other. Even now, the thought of her engorges and stirs my cock.

How I long to take her finally. To fully claim her, filling her with my member and seed. The ache to feel her sweetness wrapped around me gnaws and pulls at my thoughts. Her training is nearing completion, too. Our frequent sleepy adventures have seen to that. I hoped to wait until after the Mortakin-Tok to make the occasion special for her, but with each passing moment that plan grows increasingly more unlikely.

The fading sun casts a dim light and I can just make out the rise and fall of Pebbles’ rhythmic breathing. Maybe I should wake her? No, she has earned her rest.

With a determined effort, I shift my thoughts to other matters. The Council of Elders haven’t come seeking us yet. Are they even aware of my escape? Surely, they will have heard the news of Pebbles’ success by now. And what will they decide, knowing Pebbles had completed the Proving, but I had disobeyed their orders and escaped? No doubt Zyraxis will argue that somehow I interfered, rendering her success void. But Pebbles has the sacred warvisor; the Gods have blessed her Proving. They will not and could not go against the wishes of the Gods, unless they dare forsake our traditions.

So many questions. A loud sigh escapes my lips, causing Pebbles to stir from her sleep. Our bed is barely visible in the thin strip of light, but I notice her sitting up, illuminating the room using her wrist console.

The blue glow reveals her beautiful, but sleepy, face. “Is everything ok, Korgy?” she asks, looking at me with concern.

“Apologies, my Pebbles. I didn’t mean to wake you, I was just thinking,” I reply with a reassuring smile.

Pebble wipes sleep from her eyes before glancing down to my still partially engorged cock, a smile playing on her lips. “Well, I was thinking, we need to put your big dick in me.”

Her bold words reignite my desire, a perfect echo of my earlier thoughts. My member instantly regains its full hardness, my blood filling with Rush, ready to take my female here and now. Waiting for the Mortakin-Tok suddenly feels very unnecessary when faced with a temptress such as my Pebbles.

As I move to touch her beautiful soft skin, she interrupts me with a hand on my chest. “Can you get me some water first? It is so warm in these furs,” she asks, stifling a yawn.

“Of course! Keep the bed warm for me.” I leap out of the covers, playing no mind to my nakedness or my enormous erection. Hastily, I rush out of the bedroom down the hallway into the kitchen, placing a horn into the dispenser, selecting water from the console, slightly frustrated at the delay. I’ve waited this long. I can wait a little longer!

A few moments later, the dispenser opens, the horn filled with water. I carefully carry the vessel heading towards the bedroom, cradling it as if a single drop is lost, so too will my chance to mate my Pebbles.

“Behold, your water,” I announce upon entering the bedroom, triumphantly holding aloft the un-spilled horn of water. I’m met only with the soft snores of Pebbles as she lays curled up under the furs, fast asleep. My heart sinks to my feet, my burning desire turning to disappointment.

I quietly place the horn atop the drawer beside Pebbles. For a brief moment, I consider nudging her awake before changing my mind. Perhaps the Gods want us to wait after all. I return to my side of the bed, wrapping myself once more under the soft furs as sleep encroaches.

I should’ve asked AHI to get the water.

Holding Pebbles by her absurdly tiny and soft hand, I lead her through the raucous crowd towards the back of my Clan Draxxus Chieftain's Hall. The place is awash with the smiling faces of my clan brothers cheering for Pebbles. My heart swells with pride, seeing so many come to honor my sweet, brave female.

“This place is massive. There are so many people here!” Pebbles says as I lean my head in closer, straining to hear her amongst the throng of noise. “I thought this was just a giant tree, but it’s an actual building! This is amazing. There is nothing like this on Earth,” she finishes, casting her eye around the large circular hall.

Behind her enthusiasm, I can detect her nervousness, the heightened pulse I can feel in her palm, the light perspiration at the base of her neck, and the way she keeps reaching for the necklace I gifted her. It amuses me to think she has overcome the brutal trials of the Proving with such bravery but now fears the recognition of her achievement.

Humans are strange.

But I yearn for her to enjoy this occasion. She has earned it many times over. “All our traditional Draxxus buildings are sculpted from the trees,” I say, giving her hand a soft squeeze. “This is my hall, and everyone here has come to honor you,” I finish with what I hope is a reassuring smile.

The crowd is tightly packed into the hall, but at our approach they part, making room for us to pass through. We make our way around the magnificent ancient wooden table curved from a towering red-leaved tree split by furious lightning. It has lain in the center of this hall for millennia. Upon the walls are the trophies marking the heroic deeds from my clan. Some are several thousands of years old, the origin of many are unknown even to me.

Pebbles continues to look around almost frantically, trying to take it all in. I love how inquisitive she is, always so eager to learn, using any inane detail to her advantage should the need arise. I smile, watching her stand on the tips of her toes, straining to get a better look over the much taller heads of my Klendathian brothers.

Taking Pebbles by the waist, I hoist her onto my shoulders. “Ahhh!” she screams in surprise as her legs dangle over my shoulders while she grips my hair tightly for balance. The assembled crowd cheer and laugh loudly in appreciation at getting a better look at the newest member of Clan Draxxus.

“Thanks, Korgy. This is much better,” Pebbles whispers loudly, tickling my ear.

Approaching the end of the hall, I ascend the brief steps to the raised platform that contains the Chieftain’s chair. My chair. The design is simple yet even to me, it’s massive, an ancient wooden construction lined with thick furs looms large over the hall, dominating the room through the ages. Even now, looking upon it, I feel the weight and expectations of my ancestors upon me. My every decision echoing through time, changing the course of history for my people.

Carefully, I help Pebbles down from my shoulders. She feels so soft and effortlessly light, like a cloud in the sky, as I guide her back to her feet. With a flourish, I sweep my black fur cloak to the side, draping over the side of the chair as I take my seat. The crowd is filled with smiling faces that cheer my name, filling me with pride. I notice Pebbles standing with her hands together, rolling on the sides of her feet, looking somewhat awkward and confused.

“Come, my love, sit with me,” I say, beckoning Pebbles closer.

“But there’s only one chair, Krogoth,” she retorts, as she shuffles towards the massive seat.

“There’s always a seat for you here,” I say, laughing as I pull her onto my lap. Pebbles squeals in delighted surprise, as the crowd laugh and cheer at the sight.

The feeling of her bum resting upon my crotch and her sweet intoxicating scent so close stirs my desire until I force my mind to think of more immediate issues to dampen my rising urges.

“When we complete the Mortakin-Tok, you will sit beside me as the Chieftainess. I will have them return the traditional Chieftainess chair that has laid dormant for centuries.” I whisper into her ear, enjoying the sensation of her luscious brown hair against my face.

Pebbles shifts in my lap, sending pleasure coursing through me, giving herself the ability to look back with surprise painting her face. “Chieftainess!? Not that long ago I was a nobody working in an office doing quality assurance,” she exclaims.

What is this ‘office?’ And what quality did she assure? “You? A nobody! I would not believe it. You are being modest and surely assured the entire quality of your office clan?” I ask, looking into her large brown eyes flecked with green.

“I love that you do not know what any of that boring stuff means,” Pebbles laughs briefly before continuing, as I scratch my head, trying to figure out what made her laugh. “No, I sat on my boring chair, looking at my boring screen, while talking to boring people about boring software all day.” As she finishes her sentence, she casts her eyes downward. “I’ve been gone for ages and I doubt many of them will have even noticed, ” she finishes, her forlorn expression fills me with sadness.

“Then they are fools to have wasted you,” I say as I stroke her back, trying to reassure her. “Here, none will ever forget you. You are part of our clan, our history. They will come seeking your guidance and wisdom.” I gesture to the merry, assembled crowd. “Plus, like your time on Earth, you can also sit in a chair,” I finish laughing.

Pebbles snickers. “Well, I am an expert at sitting,” she says while wiggling her posterior for emphasis, which causes me to groan involuntarily. “See?” she asks between giggles.

“Yes. We’ll see what happens to little trouble makers like you later!” I promise, as I gently rock my hips into her.

“I can’t wait,” she says slyly, looking over her shoulder with that submissive expression that I can barely resist.

“Rocks! Rocks! Rocks!”

The crowd, many with horns of drink and plates of food, becomes rowdy and restless, taking up the repeating chants of “Rocks! Rocks!” More and more join the cacophony, the volume becoming impossible to ignore as tension mounts. All eyes direct towards us on the Chieftain’s chair.

“Quick, show them your warvisor before they riot like last time,” I shout into Pebbles’ ear, straining to be heard over the loud chanting.

Pebbles’ head turns to the crowd and back towards me again, shock and worry creasing her lovely face. “What do you mean ‘riot like last time?’” she shouts. I’m just able to make out her soft voice over the noise.

“It was more of a brawl, but it doesn’t matter now. Just stand up,” I explain as I gently guide Pebbles to her feet.

Pebbles scoffs before turning to address the crowd. She appears momentarily mesmerized by the mass as she stands motionless. For a split second, I consider leaping up to assist her, until I notice she raises her arms aloft.

The chanting from the crowd diminishes. They now strain to listen instead, eagerly awaiting what Pebbles has to say. Even I find myself with the unusual sensation of anxious anticipation gripping my chest.

“Thank you all so much for coming,” Pebbles says. Her soft voice a little unsteady, echoes throughout the newly silent hall.

“For a little over two weeks, I’ve been amongst you, proud Draxxus warriors. Never once did I feel unwelcome, never once did I feel like an outsider. In fact, I recognize many of the faces of you assembled here today as people who offered me help.” Pebbles’ voice grows more confident with each word as she casts her gaze over the attendees.

“Whether it was advice, or use of the healing pods, or a beautiful coat, or even just a kind word of encouragement, it all meant the world to me. And out there in the great Draxxi forest when I thought I had nothing more to give, I remembered I wasn’t doing this just for me, but for everyone here today,” Pebbles says, her voice now confidently carrying over the audience. She turns to me, her eyes ablaze with passion. My heart fills with so much pride for her, I feel it may burst.

She reaches into her beautiful black dress. Taking out her golden warvisor, she smiles at me before turning to face the crowd holding aloft her prize. Audible gasps litter the assembly. Only the older males have ever seen a female warvisor before. Its slender golden appearance with the winged edges came as a surprise for me, too. I had imagined it would be a slightly smaller version of the male warvisor.

“And because of that, I could survive and push through, earning the blessing of the Gods!” she finishes, clasping the warvisor with both hands held high for all to see.

There’s a moment of silence before the crowd erupts into raucous cheering once again. Some chant “Rocks! Rocks!” but a growing number of others chant, “Put it on! Put it on!” I sit tall in my Chieftain’s chair yet again wondering at the marvel that is my Pebbles. Clearly, she was nervous and unprepared to give a speech, yet she spoke such fine words. Like she has a hidden depth that she can call upon when the pressure is on. The Gods have truly blessed me.

By now, everyone is chanting, “Put it on!” repeatedly. Pebbles, eager to please the crowd, slowly lowers her warvisor until finally it aligns to her face, locking into place. Suddenly, she disappears, causing me to leap out of my seat in panic.

Frantically, I cast my eyes around the raised section of the hall, looking for any trace of her. It’s not until I notice the wavy, distorted outline of her shape standing exactly where she had been moments before, that I breathe a sigh of relief at the realization she’s activated the warvisor's cloaking ability.

“Pebbles, deactivate the cloaking on your warvisor!” I shout, straining to be heard over the loud gasps and muttering of the crowd.

“This is so weird; I can’t see my hands,” Pebbles calls out in a rush of words. “I can’t feel any buttons on it. How the hell do I turn it off, Krogoth?” her voice grows more panicky, with each passing moment.

“You just have to think it,” I answer, clasping her camouflaged outline around the shoulders, hoping to steady her nerves.

“The only thing I’m thinking about is how will I ever use the bathroom again when I’m bloody invisible!” Pebbles exclaims.

I resist the urge to laugh as I feel Pebbles’ shoulders move as she takes a deep breath. And as quickly as she disappeared, she reappears once again, waving her now visible hands in front of the narrow-slanted eye slits of her mask.

The crowd breaks out into excited cheering once again. “It’s real!” some shout out.

“I never thought being invisible could be so scary,” Pebbles says, as she hastily removes the warvisor from her face, tucking it back into her dress. “Good thing I wasn’t thinking any violent thoughts. Probably would have blown up the entire planet or something crazy,” she says, catching her breath.

“Sadly, it can’t do that,” I say. Her words bring a smile to my face. “Because the sacred warvisors come from the Gods themselves, it interfaces directly with your thoughts. There is no other technology like it in the universe. That’s why many pay a fortune for them, hoping to steal its secrets.”

Pebbles plays with her necklace, rubbing the Elerium at its center, her eyes glazing over in thought. “When I put it on, I was so nervous, I was thinking about not screwing up with so many people watching me… I guess the warvisor assumed I was a lost cause, then hid me completely,” she finishes with a dry chuckle.

My heart aches for Pebbles and I hope this minor mishap hasn’t soured her experience for the day. “Not at all. You spoke like the elegant Chieftainess you will soon become,” I reply, taking her by the hand and helping her into the Chieftain’s chair once again. “I’ll handle it from here. You relax and enjoy yourself,” I finish with a smile before turning to address the crowd myself.

I look into the faces gathered. There’s not a one I don’t recognize. Many of them served under me with honor and glory in the countless battles and wars we’ve fought in the name of the Scythians. Many are maimed and scarred using artificial limbs. Seeing them again reignites my burning hatred of our overlords, the Scythians, reaffirming my choice to destroy them. Such a disgraceful fate for my kinfolk, my war brothers.

The crowd begins to quiet down, noting my wish to speak. “Glorious brothers, my thanks for coming to honor Rocks' Proving!” I exclaim loudly, holding my arms aloft, awaiting total silence before continuing.

“She has just demonstrated the cloaking ability of her warvisor, so none can doubt the authenticity of my love’s Proving,” I shout, my voice ringing out over the packed hall. I notice many of the attendees nodding their heads in agreement.

“Under the likeness of the Goddess Machsin, Rocks prayed. It was with her mercy that she bestowed her blessing upon the first non Klendathian to complete the Proving. This was no act of pity, but a reward for her immeasurable courage and skill! For not only did she have to brave the beasts of the forest, slaying Xyronath the Shadowstalker but also endure the treachery of Clan Magaxus,” I continue, my face twisted into genuine anger. The retelling of the events feels like discovering them anew.

I reach into my robes and place in front of the crowd the pieces of Magaxus markings I had gathered from the maniac Prospects that hunted my beloved. Heated murmurs can be heard interspersed with calls of “Magaxus traitors!” as the crowd takes turns coming to the back of the hall, to examine the evidence.

I wait for the commotion to die down before continuing. “It is the Magaxus elders under Zyraxis that sent three warriors armed with plasma weapons into the Proving with the sole mission to murder my Rocks! They did not foresee her incredible cunning and speed, and one by one she endured, slaying each one!” I roar to the crowd, gesturing to Pebbles who’s seated, leaning forward, listening intently.

Many faces turn to look at Pebbles, some with wonder and awe, others with mouth agape in total disbelief. I can hardly blame them. To look upon her beautiful tiny figure, it’s hard to imagine her defeating so many Klendathian Prospects.

“Like a true Draxxus warrior, she endured and prevailed. That’s why as an honorary Klendathian we will complete the Mortakin-Tok and shine as a beacon of hope for all you, my brothers, that we can rebuild our shattered civilization, becoming Mortakin-Kai’s and fathers once more,” I promise them, watching as many swap confused glances amongst themselves.

I’d expected such a reaction, knowing many would dismiss the possibility out of hand. But I always speak plainly and honestly, finding politics and subterfuge as the tactic of cowards and deceivers. “Chieftain, The Gods will never bless such a union. They never have!” the respected hunter Lorik calls out from the crowd. Many nod their heads in agreement.

“I have faith they will. Rocks and I were visited by the Gods. We shared the same visions despite being separated half a world away. They blessed her Proving. They will bless our union too!” I affirm unshaken in my resolve. The crowd exchanges more confused glances, some with concerned looks on their faces.

“The Gods do not exist, because if they did, they would be the cruelest evil to have ever befallen a people. To allow us to have suffered so much!” Jarxius, the healer, shouts over the crowd, his face showing barely repressed resentment.

“You dare blaspheme, healer!” my long-time friend Rylar roars back, his face and voice twisted with anger. “How can you deny their existence? Did you not just witness the sacred warvisor?” he spits out. The sight of Rylar twists my face with a sneer, reminding me of his betrayal, sending my Pebbles into the Proving against my wishes, but I judge it better to deal with him later.

“Advanced ancient technology, nothing more!” Jarxius retorts simply. The crowd erupts into heated bickering, the vast majority siding with Rylar as they begin to shove and push each other . I need to act now before another brawl breaks out.

“Silence!” I roar, using the voice I usually reserve for the heat of battle.

It has the desired effect, as the crowd stops immediately, as if frozen in time, before turning to look at me. “A universe full of enemies, yet you fight each other.” I sigh, taking a deep breath before continuing. “Soon Rocks and I will lead the way to Lanaisor and complete the Mortakin-Tok. We will prove the truth of the matter either way,” I finish, happy to see the others have stopped bickering.

“Chieftain Krogoth, I am Harkus, the teacher. If I may make a suggestion?” The ancient scholar rises from his seat.

A broad smile crosses my face, delighted to see my wise old teacher. “There's no need to introduce yourself, scholar. I daresay you’ve taught almost everyone in this room!” I say with a short laugh, which is mirrored by the others.

Harkus smiles and casts his eyes around the hall. “Yes, I think you are correct,” he laughs before continuing. “In more ways than one, I believe,” he stops to clear his throat. “An auspicious eclipse is due in three days. If you recall from your studies, it indicates a strong omen. The union between Dagdorix of the Star Eyes and Machsin, to usher in the new union of Rocks and yourself.” He finishes by showing a calendar projected from his wrist console.

As he finishes speaking, I feel a tingle run down my spine. The eerie timing of this portent fortifies my faith that the Mortakin-Tok will succeed. “A fine idea, Harkus, as long as Rocks consents?” I ask, turning to stare at Pebbles, who sits upon the Chieftain’s chair in deep thought.

My heart flutters in anticipation awaiting her response, having not discussed the topic of the Mortakin-Tok with her since before being held by the Council of Elders.

Maybe the ordeal of the Proving has changed her mind?