The draconian bowed its head as it knelt at the opening of the awning. The guards who stood in the four corners ignored its presence.
"Congratulations. Fantastic job," the annoying draconian said. He had no place to be at her father's side, her anger rising with every word he uttered.
Markisha didn't reply to Bellakiy, waiting for her father to speak.
"Markisha. What is this? I hear that we lost a lizard?" her father said, his tone flat and emotionless.
She knew the tone, one that could spell danger for any normal clan member. Thankfully, she wasn't; she was his only offspring. Her mother had died from a sand snake many years back when they had stopped too close to a nest. Her father had dealt with the scouts responsible for picking the location and stripped them bare before kicking them from the clan. They had been sent off into the desert with only a bone dagger, no clothing, no food, or water. The clan laws were strict, and the punishments were harsh. If those kicked from the clan could survive two moon cycles alone in the desert wastelands, then and only then were they able to return.
From Markisha's memory, none ever had.
"We did, Father. Harishiq and Karlithio were also lost. Paslithian was seriously injured, but the clerics were able to heal him. He did lose an eye, so his aim won't be what it used to be," Markisha said, still not lifting her head.
Markisha was the clan's second. She was the rightful heir to her father. Her grandfather had passed away almost thirty years previously, and it was then that her father had taken over the clan. She was only just past thirty years old, young for a draconian, and had little memory of her grandfather. Her ferocity and temper, some may say, though never to her face, were renowned. No warrior would dare stand against her in the arena. She had been nicknamed the "sand viper" because of her speed and aggression. Sand Vipers weren't as deadly as the behemoth sand snakes of the desert, but their speed and aggression, when disturbed, were unmatched. Once they felt threatened, they wouldn't stop until death took them. When she had not been long out of the hatchery, she had drawn her first blood. Another newborn had stolen her rations. With her bare claws, she had torn him to pieces.
"And you congratulated her," Kalliqi said, turning and sneering at Bellakiy. "Two of our bravest lost, and a third who may never fight as well again. Never mind the loss of a mount, and you dare congratulate her for a job well done?" his stare could have melted ice; it burned with anger. He didn't shout; there was no need, for his words expressed danger.
Bellakiy didn't respond. His mouth froze open at Kalliqi's glare, and he gulped nervously.
"Father. I do bring you a gift," Markisha said as she called the great axe from her inventory and placed it with reverence at her father's feet.
She still didn't raise her head, knowing the clan protocol when discussing matters with her father in his official capacity.
Kalliqi bent forward from the piled cushions he sat on and lifted the axe. He turned it slowly in his hands, and Markisha heard him grunt appreciatively. "This is finely crafted, made by a dwarven weaponsmith."
"It was the weapon that felled the lizard. We believe he was the leader of the forces and was a dwarf. He died as a result of his attack."
"That will be Ballentine," Bellakiy said, his tone spat hatred. It was obvious that he had never liked the dwarf, and his face illustrated his feelings.
"Daughter," Kalliqi said.
Markisha didn't raise her head fully, just enough to meet her father's gaze. "Yes, Father."
"Tell me why I shouldn't punish you for your failing today," Kalliqi said, his expression blank.
Markisha had rehearsed her response to this exact question, knowing it would come.
"If I had not triggered the charge when I did, the gnolls would have been routed. The herders had completed their task of breaking the gate, but the scorpoids failed to clear the path. Their beasts were scattered and drawn to their lines by wolves and a miniature beast. The Scantrels broke the line, fleeing once the scorpoids started on the gnolls, and then dissension and fighting began between their two clans. By initiating the charge, I stopped the retreat and infighting. Several of them were killed because of my actions as we passed them, but this was a fraction compared to what we would have lost if they had continued. The charge brought the outcome we sought today in securing the wall as our own, and although it came with heavy scales that we lost two of our bravest, I believe it was the best approach," Markisha fell silent, finishing her explanation.
Her father didn't respond immediately, and she held his steely gaze, not once blinking or showing weakness. She could feel his eyes burning into her. A flicker of uncertainty crept slowly from the tip of her tail as the silence continued, her pulse quickening. Had she said the right words? Would her father accept her reasons for breaking his plan? Kalliqi hadn't wanted to show their forces until the useless gnoll scum had taken the wall. Markisha hated the gnolls, their ways, and their constant breeding. The gnolls had no beliefs or direction. If they had their way, they would strip the oasis bare, leaving nothing and no way for the desert region to replenish. They were feral, unruly beings, closer to beasts than beings in her eyes and lower than their lizardkin who carried them into battle. It was only because of their clan that the gnolls survived. The desert ecosystem was fragile, and if you broke its cycle, you might as well be killing your clan.
"Very well, daughter. I accept your words," Kalliqi finally replied. "Carshian, send a runner to the gnolls. I want to see them now."
"Understood, chief," Carshian said. He strode purposefully from the corner of the awning, where he had been standing as a silent sentinel.
"Thank you, Father," Markisha said.
"Now, daughter, please join me. We have much to discuss."
On hearing her father's words, Markisha stood and removed her boots before stepping onto the soft carpet that covered the floor and sat down on the soft cushions. Her pulse only slowed as she did.
Her father smiled at her now, the first sign of any bond between them.
"What is your plan?" Markisha asked, returning her father's smile.
"Before we discuss the next phase, let us drink to our fallen. I am assuming they were given their rights to the requiem, and their physical remains have been repurposed?"
"They have," Markisha said.
"Good."
Kalliqi lifted a crystal decanter from a small chest. It was one of the few domestic items the clan owned. Almost everything they carried had a practical purpose because of their nomadic lifestyle. This, though, was sacred; the vibrant liquid that swirled in the decanter was from a rare cactus that was only found at a secret location known to the draconians. Its pearlescence was mesmerising as its colour changed.
Removing two tiny glasses, no larger than thimbles, Kalliqi poured out the smallest amount. Markisha took the offered glass with reverence. Holding it delicately between her clawed fingers.
"May their blood remain forever in the sands," Kalliqi said, lifting the tiny thimble in a silent salute.
Markisha repeated the words and actions before drinking the liquid. As the liquid touched her tongue, it burned with the ferocity of the desert's noon sun, and as she swallowed, the sensation coursed through her. The heat spread outwards until her scales shone.
Bellakiy had sat silently, gasping on seeing the reaction the liquid had as their scales shone. He wasn't clan and would never have the privilege or honour of blessing the fallen. Markisha even questioned whether he was related, but her father had confirmed he was. The sigil he carried was the reverse of their own families. Only those with blood ties could possess one.
Markisha carefully placed the glass back inside the chest, nestled within a small silken recess. Her senses were heightened from the tonic, and her mind opened, flowing with ideas and thoughts; her already absolute confidence in her abilities soared. It felt as though she now had the memories of her ancestors, filling her with the knowledge, history and power they had held. Her grandfather's face smiled at her, the image in her mind as clear as the day she first met him and was held in his strong arms.
The feeling wouldn't remain for long; she knew its effects would fade in a few hours, but while they remained, nothing could stop her.
"Let us plan," Kalliqi said, closing the chest lid.
SJ had observed the behaviour at the rear camp, and she watched as three draconian, who must only have been hatchlings, ran across the plain to the various gnoll camps. In short order, the three, who must have been their leaders, approached the awning, each accompanied by a guard. The guards stayed back as they each knelt on arrival, as the other draconians had. SJ wished she could hear what was going on, but there was no way she could get near the awning. It was open on all four sides, and no other tents were within fifty feet of its position. Never mind the sentries who stood at each corner, never breaking their vigilance.
Her crystal vibrated in the pouch on her dress. SJ pressed the gem.
"Cristy," SJ answered.
"Hi SJ. How are things?"
"The more pressing question is. How are you?"
"We have pushed all but one party back. The final group broke through our line. Jay and a group are currently after them. They don't appear to be heading towards the town. We think they have lost their way in the forest. They were moving out towards the clearing and the cliff face where the rock gobbler was."
"That's great that we stopped them."
"It didn't come without a price," Cristy said, her voice heavy.
"How many?" SJ asked, her skin crawling as though insects ran over it.
"Seven were killed. We only managed to kill one of theirs."
Seven to one. The ratio was horrendous.
"I'm sorry," SJ said. "I should have been there to help."
Cristy replied sternly. "No. You have a more important task. We need to know what they are doing. Our scouts can't get to the edge. The gnolls that were pushed back have set camp along it."
"Can we not get to the mine from the new track by the smelter? There is a clear view from there."
"No. They have already taken the smelter. It's as though they knew exactly where it was. Lorna thinks they may have support from someone in Killic."
The comment sent an icy chill down SJ's spine. "Who in Killic would ever go against the town?"
"There are so many newcomers, especially with the festival. It could be any one of them."
"Has Zigferd been informed?"
"Lorna has sent a runner with an update and her concerns. There has been no response yet."
"Damn," SJ cursed. "There is little else I can do out here at the moment. I am also covered in ichor again, so I am going to head back and clean up. I want to speak to Zigferd, and I have a friend en route."
"A friend?" Cristy sounded confused.
"Yes. That friend we spoke about," SJ, was unwilling to go into details about Carlito over the stone, not knowing who Cristy was nearby.
Cristy gasped. "Really?" she replied in an excited tone.
"Yes. It shouldn't take them too long, hopefully."
"I have been looking forward to meeting them," Cristy said. "Right. I'm needed. I will contact you again if anything changes."
"Thanks, and be careful."
"Always," Cristy said.
The gem went dull as the call ended. It had been a couple of hours since the initial battle had ended, and with Carlito on his way, SJ wanted to speak to Zigferd.
"Come on, Kibble. Let's head back to Killic."
Kibble squeaked as he turned, his sleek form and speed having purpose as they returned.
They had flown the most direct route, straight over the lake, cutting off a substantial part of the journey in the process. The town square, which only a few hours earlier had been a scene of revelry and joy, was deserted. The tables and benches were abandoned. SJ could see a line of beings moving out of Killic towards the crags. Her thoughts about them moving either appeared to have been considered, or they were leaving in fear.
The town had suffered harassment from Bordon and his band of hobs for a substantial period before they were defeated, but they had never faced the same threat that they now did. The gnolls and draconians were on a different level.
As they lowered over the square, SJ noticed Kerys, Fhyliss and Bert directing Kibble to land. Obviously, he flew and landed on a nearby table. SJ climbed off before growing and hopping down to the ground.
"Kerys," SJ called.
Kerys turned, seeing SJ with a look of relief. "You're okay. Thank the gods."
"For now. Where is Zigferd?"
"He returned to the council chambers."
"Thanks. I need to speak to him. Could you feed Kibble for me while I do?"
"Of course," Kerys replied as Kibble chirped excitedly at being fed.
"Stay here. I will be back soon," SJ said, stroking him. He didn't need to be told twice, knowing that he would be fed.
SJ hurried through the town. The streets were eerily quiet. Several beings hurried between homes, but most were inside. She noticed that many had even closed their shutters, even though it was still only early evening. The sun would start to set soon, and when night came, SJ had no idea of what to expect from the forces in the valley.
The town hall, when she reached it, was a completely different story. A throng of beings was crowded outside, and several of the clerks who oversaw the desks were trying to maintain some semblance of order.
"Please, please, be patient," a tall kobold called. "The mayor will update everyone as soon as he is able."
SJ started through the crowd as many of the beings moved to allow her to pass. They all knew her and her status in the town, her reputation preceding anything else.
"What's going on?" a female orc asked her as she passed.
"I need to speak to the mayor before I share any information. Sorry," SJ replied as she hurried past.
Inside the town hall, things were no better. The old orc who ran the front desk looked flustered; every administrator was present, and each of the desks had a line of beings waiting impatiently to speak with them. There was a nervous tension present, and it throbbed off of all of them. Many of those present were not fighters. They were just townsfolk, worried and panicked by what was happening.
"I heard they have dragons," a voice said as SJ passed them.
SJ turned and stared at the male elf. "No, they don't. And I suggest you don't start spreading any stupid rumours. We have enough to deal with without that," she scolded.
The elf, not having seen SJ approaching, coughed. "I'm only repeating what I've been told," he said defensively, embarrassed at being scolded.
SJ just glared as she turned and continued straight up the stairs. Zigferd's chamber and office were empty, the doors wide open, and she could hear raised voices from the council chamber as she continued up the second flight of stairs. The doors were open, which was unusual, and an orc-guard who would usually be stalwart and ensure that the chambers were orderly looked flustered—his face one of resignation at what was happening.
Zigferd stood at the head of the table, Isavil and Alice beside him. All around the chamber, council members stood, as well as those she could only assume were the visiting village leaders. SJ hadn't had the chance to even meet the majority of them in the run-up to the festival.
As SJ entered, Isavil noticed SJ flashing her a brief smile and grabbed Zigferd's arm, letting him know.
There were too many voices in the chamber. Each was vying for answers and information.
"SILENCE!" Zigferd bellowed, bringing his fist down firmly on the table. It creaked under the impact, his face one of thunder. SJ didn't think she had ever seen him so angry before.
Slowly, the voices lessened; it wasn't instantaneous, as several took the relative quiet to voice their thoughts.
SJ pushed past the councillors and walked to the head of the table where Zigferd stood.
As the councillors saw her, even those still calling became quiet.
"SJ," Zigferd said, looking at her. His face looked drawn and tired. "Do you have any news? The last runner we heard from said the forces were entering the woods?" His brow was furrowed with concern.
"The guard has pushed back their initial approach. Only one group broke through, and a group are chasing them down. There have been losses, unfortunately, in preventing them," SJ said, loud enough for all to hear.
"How many?" a voice called. SJ didn't catch who had asked.
"Seven," SJ said. "And I assume you are all aware that Ballentine fell?"
"We are," Zigferd answered for them all, his face creased with emotion.
"I will tell you what I have seen," SJ said. "There are several hundred enemies in the valley. It appears to consist of three gnoll clans and a draconian clan. Their levels are much higher than the majority of the town, but we do have numbers on our side."
Although SJ wasn't one for giving long speeches or even enjoyed talking in public, she felt a responsibility to do so. She wasn't a leader, or at least not in her eyes.
"They have set camp at the walls. Their forces are split; the draconians are inside the wall, while the three gnoll tribes remain on the plain. I have also seen a few hundred arrive in the valley from the tunnel. They have set up camp behind the wall. Those that have arrived seem to consist of the young and elderly from the clans that are here."
"So they plan on moving here full time?" one of the ent councillors asked.
"It appears that way. It is obvious that they are not used to forests, and thankfully, the main path isn't wide enough for the draconian forces to bring their lizards."
"What are these lizards? The runner didn't give any real details," Zigferd asked.
SJ doubted the runner who had returned from the guards had been one who had been at the wall initially, so he doubted they had even seen one of them.
"They are giant lizards, which the draconians use as mounts. They are exceedingly fast and scaled the wall with ease. It meant nothing to them. Ballentine lost his life defending the wall during their breach, taking one of these monsters down in the process. They are about twenty-five to thirty feet long. Covered in spines and spikes with sharp, pointed tails. They don't stand very tall, but their width is something else. They must span nearly fifteen feet wide, the way their legs splay. This will make them harder to bring through the forest. We know how narrow the track can get, only wide enough for a wagon and horses at several locations, so this is likely to slow them down."
Murmurs had started as she had been speaking, and she paused, waiting for silence again before she continued.
"The gnolls have also brought beasts with them. They have two remaining sand beetles. They are monsters on a different scale. They stand almost fifteen feet tall and thirty feet long. They are armoured with a thick carapace and are exceedingly strong. They were used to bombard the gate. They can easily lift and hurl boulders. Then there are the scorpoids. These are untamed beasts. They are violent and agile. They have vicious pincers and stingers that deliver poison."
"How many are there?" Alice asked, looking concerned.
"Two beetles remain, over thirty lizards, and there are just over twenty scorpoids."
Several gasped in shock as SJ described the beasts and their numbers. The size of the force already was large enough, not including the beasts they had brought with them.
"The only good note," SJ said, getting silence again. "Is that they are in no hurry. They are taking their time before making a move. This also gives us time. If they had pushed straight onto the plateau, I doubt we could have stopped them. But we have a chance now. We know the forests and our land and can use them to our advantage."
"Thank you, SJ," Zigferd said. "Alice, can you take over here while I talk to SJ, please?"
Alice just nodded. "SJ, come with me," Zigferd said. Isavil squeezed his arm as he moved, and he looked at her, smiling briefly. She pecked him on his cheek as Zigferd escorted SJ from the council chamber.
As they walked back down the stairs towards Zigferd's office, the shouting commenced.
