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

3. Krogoth

Chapter 3

Krogoth

Drunken Appeal

B lood boils through my veins 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.

“Where was I?” Vereth says almost joyfully. His ability to shift between anger and calm is impressive, as it is unsettling. “Oh, yes... Krogoth, we have heard of the success of your female in the Proving,” he nods towards Pebbles with a smile. “Congratulations, by the way,” he says before looking at me once again. “But it matters not. You were bid to remain with us under our hospitality. Yet here you are,” he sighs.

“Hospitality?” I scoff. “By banishing me to the deepest, darkest pit in Scarn? With Zyraxis promising to kill Rocks during the Proving. Honor demanded I escape!”

Vereth’s eyes narrow as he looks towards Zyraxis.

“More lies,” Zyraxis states, gesturing towards me. “The desperate ramblings of a condemned traitor.”

Vereth’s gaze lingers on Zyraxis. His mouth twists into a sneer for the briefest moment before he turns his attention back at me. “Regardless, you have still disobeyed the sacred will of the Council,” he says, casting his gaze over the other twelve elders, some of which look more concerned about the hostile crowd’s actions.

“What say you, Chieftain Krogoth? You must know, any harm to us will cause your clan’s exile. The other clans will be duty bound to hunt and kill you all,” Vereth says, his voice laced with concern as he beckons me with a hand. “No one wants that. Come now, stop this foolishness.”

Maybe he’s right. My life is a small price to pay to keep Pebbles and my clan safe. Victory here will only delay eventual destruction from the other clans. I glance down at Pebbles and pull her closer. My mind is full of doubts, my resolve wavering. Her hazel eyes glisten with unshed tears as she shakes her head, a silent plea.

Despite the hall being packed, a tense silence hangs in the air. All eyes are on me, our lives, no the entire future of my people hangs on my next words. “I—”

“The Council’s judgment is void in this matter!” an elderly male’s voice calls out amidst the crowd. The unexpected interruption causes a murmur to ripple through the hall.

The Council of Elders shift, seeking the source of the interruption. “Who speaks?” Vereth demands, “Explain.”

Relief washes over me to see old Harkus step forward through the crowd. He makes his way to the wooden platform until he comes to stand alongside me. “Harkus the Scholar,” he states, his chest and chin raised proudly, no trace of the humble ‘teacher’ now.

The ancient elder known as Nyxius speaks “Harkus... I’ve read your works, fascinating theories on the nature of the Gods and their technology.” He says, with a respective nod.

“My thanks,” Harkus says as he returns the nod.

“Truly fascinating, no doubt. But let’s hurry this up. We’ve wasted enough time already,” Zyraxis says, tapping his foot on the floor.

“As you wish...” Harkus states, with a barely suppressed smile playing on the edge of his lips “The ancient laws clearly state, that for the Council of Elders to pass judgment on an individual, that individual’s clan must have at least one elder for representation,” he says, turning to me with a smile. His confident words are like a blessing from the Gods.

The thirteen elders exchange confused looks with each other. The shock and dismay on Zyraxis’ face is especially satisfying. “And in the Council’s infinite wisdom, they have denied Clan Draxxus representation for two hundred years,” Harkus continues, his voice laden with false surprise. “A wondrous addition, wouldn’t you agree?” He asks, looking to Zyraxis. “Prevents many kinds of possible abuses...”

The crowd erupts into cheering and laughter at the revelation. I also laugh with relief as I clap Harkus on the back in appreciation. “Well spoken.”

“More Draxxus lies! Warriors arrest Krogoth. Arrest them all!” Zyraxis demands, his voice full of angry desperation.

“Do no such thing!” Vereth calls out immediately, banging his staff on the floor. “Silence!” He repeats until the hall quiets down once more.

“Nyxius, is what he claims, correct?” Vereth asks, looking at the ancient elder who is busy reading something from his activated wrist console projection.

Time seems to stretch on forever with all eyes on Nyxius, who mumbles, reading each line of runes. “Yes, Harkus is correct,” he says finally. “See for yourself,” he moves his wrist console closer for Vereth to read.

“Gods give me strength,” Vereth mutters quietly after reading. “How in the void did we miss this?” He asks looking to the other elders expectedly, none meet his gaze. Until his eyes fall on Zyraxis. “You!” Vereth’s face darkens. “You’ve made a mockery of this Council.”

“Me? You are all privy to the same information as I!” Zyraxis exclaims, gesturing to others in surprise.

An opening? Can I turn the tables on Zyraxis?

“Yet only moments ago, you claimed Harkus was lying. But he was correct. Either you are a liar or you claim to have knowledge on a topic which you clearly don’t know void all about!” Vereth’s blue eyes mist lightly as he points his staff towards Zyraxis.

Zyraxis recoils as if Vereth is holding a vipertail in front of him. “I... I merely infer on account of their past behaviors,” he says, regaining composure with each word. “Like poison, Krogoth and his lackeys must not be allowed to spread falsehoods lest they bring ruin upon us all!” He shouts, his anger resurfacing.

Like a slippery wyrm, he is slithering away. Now’s the time to increase the pressure.

“Is that why you defiled the sanctity of the Proving?” I demand, while projecting my wrist console, finding the footage of the border hunters recovering the remains of the fallen Magaxus Prospects. “These are the fallen Magaxus Prospects, each one slain by Rocks as they dared to attack her,” I say, enlarging the display for everyone to view.

The elders strain to look at the recording, their faces uncertain. Vereth rubs his short white beard. “Yes, I recognize these Prospects from the opening ceremony.”

“This is a discretion! Do we now disturb the valiant dead like hemovyrns?” Zyraxis protests as he turns his face from the display with disgust.

“Obtaining the truth can lead you down uncomfortable paths,” Nyxius says as he thumbs his bushy snow-white eyebrows.

Zyraxis scoffs before turning back to the display. “Sadly, all I see are brave Prospects who have succumbed to the brutal forces of nature,” Zyraxis points to the black-haired Prospect on the display. “See the wounds, the tears, the claw marks? Clearly the work of some beast, not some dainty female.”

By the Gods, he can talk his way out of anything! Harder to nail him down than it was landing a blow on the Golden Warrior.

I take a calming breath before continuing. “How do you explain the obvious spear wound in his stomach? Do hydraliths or venefexes now wield spears?” I mock as I zoom in on the display of the huge three-pronged puncture wounds.

“How droll,” Zyraxis tuts, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “Obvious you say? How are we to know with any certainty what caused these wounds?” He smirks before going on. “And even if it is a spear wound, how do we know the human didn’t ambush the injured Prospect to finish him and steal his belongings? A much more plausible explanation than the absurd notion a tiny weak human female could defeat an expertly trained Magaxus Prospect in single combat.”

I can feel Pebbles bristle beside me, rightfully angry that her prowess is being called into doubt. But looking at the faces of the elders, many nod their heads in agreement at Zyraxis’ false explanation. Time for another angle.

“I also recovered these plasma pistols from the Prospects,” I say, changing the display on my console to show the weapons lying beside the bodies. “A grievous error or intention violation of our sacred laws from the inspector of the Prospects, which I’m told was you, Zyraxis,” I finish, relishing the flicker of shock flash across Zyraxis’ face.

“Krogoth speaks the truth. I was there when you carried out the inspection for this Proving. Explain!” Vereth demands, tapping the floor with his staff.

“Explain what?” Zyraxis says with a shrug. “It’s easy to plant weapons on the fallen after the fact. He even admitted his Draxxus hunters recovered the bodies,” Zyraxis shakes his head in disbelief. “This is low, even from you, Krogoth. A lazy attempt to frame me, removing the one person who knows the true treacherous depths you are capable of.”

The bastard has an answer for everything! Angry mutterings emerge from the crowd “You are the traitor!” some call out their voices full of disdain.

Vereth bangs his staff on the floor, calling for silence yet again. I rack my brain, searching for some argument, some proof that Zyraxis cannot refute. But my thoughts are soon interrupted.

“I have a question... Krogoth, in his own words, said he recovered the plasma pistols. Implying he was there during the Proving. Perhaps aiding the female he loves, allowing her to succeed where others have traditionally failed?” a Magaxus elder asks, identified by this heavily tattooed face.

May the Gods take my foolish tongue! I should be more careful with my words. These deceivers will seize on any opportunity.

“I came upon the scene after the events,” I state sternly, showing no sign of doubt .

“Elder Ignixis point reminds me,” an elder with a top knot speaks. “How did you cross the volcanoes of Magaxus, the deserts of Nardune, into the forests of Draxxi in less than a week? We are supposed to believe you traveled the length of the world with no supplies on foot in such a short time? Impossible,” he states, answering his own question.

“Difficult, but not impossible,” I answer, resisting the urge to insult his lack of physical prowess.

Some in the crowd cheer and laugh. “That’s easy for the Chieftain!” I hear, bringing a smile to my lips.

“Phaedroth raises an excellent point,” Zyraxis begins, keen to press his advantage. “Such a journey is clearly impossible. The only explanation remaining is that Krogoth had the help of an illegal glider or ship of some kind, violating our sacred laws,” he finishes with a smirk directed towards me.

“If I had used a glider, I would have returned in time to prevent Rocks from attempting the Proving in the first place!” I exclaim, my anger rising. “And where would I have got one, stranded beneath the shadows of Scarn in the middle of nowhere?” I swing my arm dismissively at the elders before continuing, “You only view the world through your own limited abilities, not knowing the full potential locked within us,” I pause before I insult them further. “Have no doubts. I completed the journey on foot.”

Vereth shakes his head. “Never in all my years have I proceeded over such a farce,” he sighs loudly. “Nothing but conjecture and wild accusations. Does no one have any actual evidence? If not, I’m calling an end to this sorry affair.” He finishes looking between me and the assembled elders.

A mix of relief and frustration battle within me. Relief that the council cannot act against me and my clan is protected, but frustration that the obvious treachery of Zyraxis will go unpunished. For a fleeting moment, I dared to hope Vereth was going to expel him.

Pebbles unfurls herself from my embrace, stepping forward.

What’s this?

“Honored elders,” Pebbles bows deeply. “If I may present my evidence?” She asks sweetly.

Vereth nods. “Of course, female. Please continue,” he gestures for her to continue.

Pebbles reaches into her black dress, uncovering her golden warvisor, she rises it towards the elders. The sight of it still fills me with fierce pride for her. Then she places it upon her face. After a moment she disappears, leaving only a shimmering outline, the cloaking ability activated.

Some elders gasp in shock as people in the crowd chant “Rocks!” repeatedly. It’s not until she removes her mask, becoming visible again, does the quiet return. Where is she going with this?

“Impressive, but I fail to see the point,” Zyraxis asserts, waving his hand dismissively towards Pebbles. The bastard will pay for his insults!

Pebbles, undeterred, continues, “You accept this is a legitimate warvisor gifted by the Gods?”

Zyraxis nods. “What of it, human?”

“If Krogoth had aided me, or if I had cheated in any way, the Gods would have not shown me their visions, and I would not have been gifted this warvisor,” Pebbles says, as she climbs down from the wooden platform to stand before the elders. Who, despite their age and idleness, still tower over her.

Zyraxis scoffs. “Your arguments are more pointless than Krogoths,” he sneers, looking at Harkus “Because of a silly technicality, your lover escapes justice... At least for now,” his orange eyes lock onto me, promising future trouble. “Stop wasting our time offering more defenses for him.”

“But this is about you now,” Pebbles says. Her voice carries a hint of amusement. My heart soars, watching her bravely, confront Zyraxis unfazed by his retorts. “Your theories and accusations about Krogoth have been proven false by the Gods themselves,” she taps her warvisor. “You lied about Krogoth, you lied about Harkus’ claim, you lied about the Prospects. You’re a big liar.”

“Outrageous accusations!” Zyraxis roars, causing me to step forward in case the coward tries anything.

Pebbles continues “Look at my face,” she steps even closer for the elders to see. “Notice the scars? The black-haired one did this to me,” her voice quivers as she turns her scarred cheek towards them. My poor Pebbles.

“Looks like the claw marks of a hydralith to me,” Zyraxis states as he squints down at Pebbles.

Nyxius tuts “Are you blind Zyraxis? A hydralith claw would leave scars twice as big. These are the marks of a warrior’s claw. No doubt about it.”

“There are more, many more,” Pebbles says, as she loops her arm out of her dress.

Shocked, I call out, “No, Pebbles.”

She looks back at me, her eyes glistening with moisture. “It’s ok, Krogoth, they need to see.”

The sorrow etched into the depths of her captivating eyes, masked beneath a fragile veneer of a smile, twists my guts like the most brutal blow.

Pebbles slides her other arm out of her dress, causing it to fall to the ground, revealing her beautiful, naked, curvy body. Her bold actions draw the breaths of many of the elders and the crowd. Because of her stunning beauty or the patchwork of brutal looking scars, I cannot tell.

“By the Gods,” Vereth says, his blue eyes widening.

“These are from Xyronath the venefex,” Pebbles says, pointing towards the four massive scars that almost cover the length on one side of her body. “The rest,” she pauses, taking a deep breath, “the rest are from the murderous Prospects.”

Pebbles looks towards Zyraxis. “When the red-haired one attacked me, he claimed you had promised to make the voices stop if he killed me,” her voice grows more heated. “For days they hunted me, firing plasma, their claws and teeth tearing at me. I was so frightened, on the verge of death more times than I can remember,” she turns to Vereth, “You wanted evidence? It stands before you now, begging for justice.” She finishes by taking Vereth’s hand.

Only the sound of my footsteps can be heard as I approach Pebbles, eager to hold her, to shield her. The crowd waits in anxious anticipation as Vereth stands motionless, seemingly lost in his thoughts, until my approach snaps him back to reality.

“I’ve heard enough,” Vereth says finally. He looks to the other elders, ignoring Zyraxis. “A tickle of water may just be a tickle of water, but when so many converge to create a flood, then it can no longer be excused,” he pauses, taking a deep breath.

My sweet Pebbles. I lean down to grasp her black dress from the floor.

“Esteemed brothers, in light of all we have learned here, I motion that Zyraxis be removed from the Council of Elders for violation of our sacred oaths. All who agree raise your hand,” Vereth says, but I barely notice.

Manually, I move Pebbles’ arms to fit them into the dress openings. So transfixed on the elders, she doesn’t move, she only mutters, “Come on.”

“You can’t do this! I was recommended to this Council by the War Chieftain himself,” someone complains bitterly nearby.

If only I had made better arguments, she wouldn’t have needed to show such vulnerability! A sense of shame washes over me.

“Very well, by a majority of ten to three. Zyraxis, you are hereby stripped from the Council of Elders. You have behaved in a manner that has brought shame to our sacred brotherhood, pursuing personal vendettas over divining justice. Were it not for the lack of physical evidence linking you directly, I would have you cast into the volcanoes of Scarn,” Vereth says.

I straighten Pebbles’ dress so it’s properly level at the neck. She’s so beautiful. I only want to keep her safe.

A loud clack rings out nearby. My first thought is a weapon has discharged until I realize Vereth has brought his staff crashing to the ground again, causing the crowd to erupt into raucous cheering. The sound is almost deafening. What in the void is happening?

“We did it, Krogoth!” Pebble exclaims as she leaps into my arms. “We got the bastard,” I spin her round in my arms, enjoying her joyous laughter. Only when I see Zyraxis on his knees with his head in his hands being consoled by the other two Magaxus elders, do I understand.

“You did it, Pebbles! Because of your bravery and quick thinking.” I look into her glistening brown and green eyes, feeling elated and brimming with love for her. I nudge my nose against hers, giving it a gentle rub. “I love you.”

She returns my affections with a human kiss on my lips before saying, “You better,” she smiles cheekily as I set her back on the ground.

“You think any of this matters?” Zyraxis says, his voice dripping with resentment. “You cling to these old traditions, but they are like a dying ember, soon flickering out of existence,” he laughs bitterly, rising to his feet. “We all know who holds the actual power.”

Zyraxis turns his attention to me, his orange eyes burning with hatred. “You smile now, but I’ve already informed the War Chieftain of your treachery. He will come and he will kill you,” his venomous gaze shifts to the other elders. “He handpicked me to be on this Council,” Zyraxis aggressively gestures to himself. “Me, not you! Do you simpletons know what this means? The Scythians themselves must have chosen me.”

Zyraxis rushes to stand before Vereth. “It’s still not too late to do the right thing. Reinstate me before this madness gets out of control. I will have Krogoth removed if you lack the stomach for it. If the Scythians suspect we are in open rebellion, they will kill us all!” He exclaims, while pleading before Vereth.

Would the War Chieftain really leave the front lines to return here?

Vereth appears thoughtful. Is he thinking of changing his mind? I feel my pulse rising, my gut coils with tension.

“No Zyraxis, once before we chose the coward’s path,” Vereth’s eyes glisten. The rare sign of sadness from the stern Speaker surprises me. “And it nearly cost us everything,” Vereth turns around, with his head raised high, “If we must forsake our females, if we must butcher the universe, if we must condemn the innocent, if we must corrupt the youth to survive. Then I say it’s better to die doing the right thing, as the Gods have taught us,” Vereth speaks loudly, addressing the entire crowd.

Zyraxis scoffs, “Wait until they come and bathe our planet in an inferno of destruction, then remember these na?ve words!” he promises.

Nyxius scowls. “Get this vipertail out of here,” he says, before gesturing towards two guards “Escort him out of here before the crowd gets at him.”

He’s lucky I don’t have my hands on him!

The crowd boo and jeers as Zyraxis is led out. Some even throwing horns and plates of food at him. One heavy tankard catches him square on the temple, jolting his head back forcefully, causing laughter to erupt from the mass. He clutches the side of his head, stumbling. Only the steadying arms of his escort keep him erect. Once he is out the door, he hobbles away, no trace of his imposing authority left to him.

Vereth turns his attention back towards Pebbles and me. “I know not the full extent of the indignities Zyraxis has committed upon you both. But understand it was never our intention to dishonor either of you,” he smiles,

I nod approvingly towards him. His sincere words help remove some of the bitterness I feel towards the elders.

“As a gesture of good will, and to amend two grievous mistakes, I propose Clan Draxxus select a person, to represent them on the Council of Elders. You might have heard of our recent vacancy?” He chuckles.

His words come as a complete surprise. For almost my entire life, my clan hasn’t had an elder on the council. I never considered the best choice, given the unlikely possibility. Someone loyal and knowledgeable? Astraxius would have been the best choice if he could have torn himself from his studies. Hope you’re resting well with the Gods’ old friend.

My head turns to Harkus. “What say you, Harkus? You have proven yourself in this hall this very evening,” I gesture towards him as he stands atop the platform.

“Me?” Harkus says, his brown eyes widen. “I’d hope to grow my vegetables and write another book.”

Nyxius laughs. “Oh, you’ll have plenty of time for writing. Don’t worry about that.”

“Please Harkus, the Clan needs your wisdom and support,” I plead. My eyes drill into Harkus.

Harkus nods. “I will do my duty, Chieftain,” He says turning to Vereth “I would be honored to join.”

Vereth claps his hands. “Excellent, A fine choice,” he says, before raising his hand in the air. “All in favor of Harkus of Clan Draxxus joining our esteemed brotherhood, please raise your hand.”

Almost instantly, all twelve remaining elders raise their hands. Only the two Magaxus elders hesitate for a moment as they quickly exchange a glance before joining the others.

“By unanimous decision, Harkus from the Clan Draxxus will join this hallowed council. Welcome brother,” Vereth gives a slight bow before he raps his staff upon the floor, solidifying his decree.

I lead the chants of “Elder Harkus!” as the crowd stamp their feet, vibrating the very walls of the hall. Even Pebbles joins in, stamping her silly tiny feet. Harkus casts his eyes around the crowd, laughing.

Vereth inputs commands into his wrist console, as the chanting dies down and silence returns once again. “Harkus, a glider will pick you up tomorrow. But we’ve disturbed your gathering long enough, Krogoth. Go in peace,” he turns to leave.

“Wait Vereth. Thank you for doing the right thing,” I say, before I cast my eyes over all the elders. “Thank you all for rekindling my hope that justice can still be found on Klendathor,” I nod respectively at them.

“Yes, thank you all so much,” Pebbles says sweetly, bowing deeply.

Vereth turns around, his face a little sad. “Krogoth, we can’t protect you from the War Chieftain. You said it yourself on the Peaks of Scarn. We can’t interfere in military matters. You had best prepare yourself for that eventuality... for all our sake,” he turns to leave, as his words hang heavy in the air.

How do I defeat the undefeated titan of war?