News: The next chapter concludes Volume 1 of UE, and we move on to the next stage! Elinor’s foundation in this new world is set.
PoV: Koma (The little 3-year-old Ri’bot wanna-be Xaria from the Wixum Clan that Xaria Ectria, of the Delthax, convinced to run to the protection of the ridge with her parents, promising to train her)
Recap: Chief Kalix, leader over the Delthax, has decided to side with Supreme Chief of Storms, Yesenia, praying for their deliverance from ‘Supreme Chief’ Elinor, our Empress.
Xaria Ectria (the ugly female Ri’bot with one tooth) was vehemently against this plan with Chief Kalix’s own cousin, Plant Caller Nina, by her side, and they almost convinced the torn Chief.
However, once Xaria Meji, the oldest of the elite warriors, joined the conversation, it went downhill quickly. The Chief’s odium for the Lethix, Flex, and Elinor reportedly sent his great grandfather to the Pits (Ri’bot Hell), blotted out sounder minds of reasoning.
The young eight-year-old cousin of the Chief, the Plant Caller after her great grandfather’s death, was marched with Xaria Ectria to the Chief’s hut to wait for the end of the battle and their punishment.
They know the Chief is wrong and not seeing things clearly, but both are torn between what they know to be right (ethics) and the Chief’s final decision (law).
How will they save their Clan … is their hopes and prayers in vain?
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Koma took a deep breath, eyes darting left and right as she watched the active villagers work like Stinger Mites. This was the first time she’d been to the Delthax Clan’s lands, and it was a huge culture shock; she’d never seen so many Warriors in her life.
No wonder the Flex and Lethix are scared to attack us … is there really going to be a battle, though? Maybe this is normal for them. What’s even going on?
Jama and her son had quickly broken away once getting them past the front gates to find her husband, leaving her to wander with her family. She caught a few children helping out the adults; a lump dropped down her throat, blinking while she studied their movements.
Why do they seem so much faster than me; am I really that behind?
Ectria’s words returned to her, dampening her mood.
I’m gonna have to work hard to catch up … but she said she’d train me herself.
Her mother glanced down at her. “Hmm. What’s wrong?”
Koma sighed, rubbing her left shoulder, trying not to be noticed by the Delthax youth, and before the others could see her, she steered her family toward the cliff edge. The sight more than drew her parents, brother, and two elder sisters’ attention.
“Wow,” Miru, the younger of her two sisters, mumbled, looking across the valley.
“It’s so much bigger than I thought,” Lura replied, vision drawn to the large Quen’Talrat fortress they’d heard about.
There were a few spots in the Wixum territory where you could spot the massive tower that shot into the sky, showing the unthinkable minds of the Quen’Talrat.
“Honestly,” her father mumbled, gazing at the walls and structures visible on the Northern Shelf, “did they think they could reach The Great River in the Sky before punishment was delivered?”
“Who can tell,” her mother responded.
Utterly oblivious to the conversation, her younger brother, Delrin edged to the steep drop, glancing down at the rushing river below. “Has anyone jumped?” He asked.
“Pfft,” Miru gave him a smirk, licking her two left teeth. “You kidding? I wouldn’t do it.”
“Yeah,” Lura mumbled, “count me out.”
“Umm, I could do it!” Koma huffed, giving her two elder sisters a challenging look.
Her parents shooed them away from the area.
“No, you’re not doing something stupid; I bet even the Xaria would hesitate before jumping that far down,” her mother grumbled.
Her dad glanced around at the busy place. “We came here, Koma, and it looks like something’s going on, but why did it have to be tonight?”
“Eh,” she glanced away, scratching her cheek as her family’s foreheads furrowed. “To be honest, Xaria Ectria said she’d train me if I came here, and she knew I was too young to come on my own…”
“Hold up, what?” Lura glared at her. “You had us trek all the way up here for something stupid like that?”
“No! There’s an army coming, too,” Koma shot back.
“Say that again,” her father bent down to her level. “An army is coming?”
“Yeah!”
“Who?”
“Umm, well, the thing is … I don’t really know,” Koma mumbled.
Her mother knelt beside her. “Who told you this?”
“Xaria Ectria. She came to tell Jama, you know…”
“Yes, Xaria Kole’s wife.”
“Mhm, she came to tell her that the Delthax couldn’t help the Wixum, and come here.”
“The Chief…”
“No,” Koma quickly interrupted, knowing what they were going to say. “Chief Yimara said they won’t fight, and we’ll just offer gifts and hope they don’t kill us!”
Both her parents straightened, giving each other worried looks. Her father cleared his throat before giving them reassuring smiles. “Okay, Lura, watch over your sisters and don’t move from here. Okay? Your mother and I are going to go around and see what we can learn.”
“No,” Lura grumbled, giving her a dirty look. “Isn’t she just trying to get attention? How do we even know the Delthax Xaria even talked to her?”
Koma’s blue cheeks darkened. “I’m not telling a lie!”
“Lura.”
“Fine…” Her eldest sister pouted, dropping to her butt to cross her legs. “You lick toes.”
“I do not,” Koma shouted. “You lick toes!”
Miru snickered. “You always repeat her.”
“Nu-uh! You repeat her.”
“By the Chief’s eyes,” Lura sighed, grumpily looking away. “I could have been spending time with Iroan.”
Delrin glanced between his three elder sisters. “Do you lick toes; isn’t that kind of gross? There’s dirt and stuff all over toes, right? That’s what’s on my toes…” He mumbled, wiggling them to draw their attention.
All three girl’s cheeks flushed. “See what you did,” Koma growled.
“Shut-up … no, Delrin, we don’t lick toes.”
“Huh? Didn’t you two say…”
“We don’t, okay?”
“Okay…”
The four sat in silence, parents looking for some answers, but they were forced to move off when no one had any, and after a while, their attention was snatched by a flurry of noise.
Koma’s heart rose as Ectria raced into view, almost a blur. “She’s back!”
“Hmm?” Miru followed her line of sight. “Oh, Xaria Ectria?”
“Wait, she looks kinda scared, doesn’t she?” Lura mumbled.
She wanted to violently protest her sister’s comment, but she couldn’t deny it; her role model was shaken by something.
“Hey, Lura, isn’t that the Delthax Chief?”
“Yeah, I’ve seen him around a few times…”
Their commentary died as the Chief, a young Ri’bot woman, and the three Xaria separated from the throng of Delthax to speak in private beside the cliff. Everyone watched them with anticipation; something big was happening.
Lura’s throat constricted as reality started settling in for her. “Wait … is there going to be a war? If the Delthax—they’re not going to help us—what if Iroan dies?”
“Well, he’s not a Warrior,” Miru noted.
Koma sniffed. “Yeah, so he’ll be killed super fast.”
Tears sprang to her sister’s eyes, and Lura shoved her down. “Don’t say that!”
“Hey!” Koma growled. “I’m just saying, if a war happens, then everyone back home is really weak. You know what the Delthax Warriors say.”
Miru licked her teeth. “No, I don’t.”
“Me either,” Delrin piped up.
Her voice dropped to a whisper as she righted herself, eldest sister giving her an uncertain stare. “The Flex and Lethix have only one or two females.”
“They don’t have moms?” Delrin asked, eyes growing wide.
“No way,” Miru mumbled. “They’ve gotta have moms.”
“That’s not what she’s staying, tongue brain,” Lura whispered.
“You don’t gotta be rude,” her sister grunted, folding her arms.
“They’ll kill all the men,” Lura mumbled, legs collapsing as the thought ran through her mind. “They’ll kill Iroan…”
Koma’s lips tucked under, suddenly feeling bad for her oldest sister; marrying age for women in the Wixum was a bit higher than what they’d heard it was in Delthax because of the high female population, and for Lura to have a reliable companion choice was commendable and was seen as a pretty big deal for them. It was getting close to the time where they’d seal the marriage.
“I’m sure it’ll be okay…” She reassured, but it didn’t come out as confident as she would have liked.
“Yeah,” Lura hiccuped, rubbing her eyes. “Yeah … hopefully.”
Delrin got up, waddling over to hug his big sister. “It’s okay! Koma’s strong; she wins all my friends in games.”
Miru scratched her head. “What? There’s no way Koma could fight a Flex or Lethix. Why aren’t the Delthax protecting us, though? The Chief said we don’t have to worry.”
“Well, they aren’t now,” Koma shrugged. “Xaria Ectria said they’re too strong.”
“Oh … but they should still protect us, though, right?”
She’s such a tongue brain…
Her focus shifted to Xaria Ectria with alarm; her expression wasn’t carefree and cheery, in fact, it looked like she was really depressed with the other woman as Xaria Meji ushered them into the village.
What happened? Why are they… Her gut told her something didn’t feel right.
“I’ll be right back…”
Lura didn’t seem to hear her as she hugged their little brother, tears still falling down her cheeks; he was spouting random things to make her feel better in the confident tone only a child that had no clue about the situation could give. Miru just watched her go with a passive expression, clearly not caring enough to stop her.
Following the three, she watched Xaria Meji enter a big hut that had to be the Chief’s by the size before exiting alone a few moments later. “Huh?”
Meiji didn’t look happy; no, he looked angry, mumbling under his breath while returning to the Chief.
Watching him leave, she noticed her parents just in eyesight. Tongue slapper!
She ducked behind some pots, waiting for them to finish their conversation. It didn’t take long; they moved on to a new person further away, the throng of Ri’bot becoming boisterous in the direction of the gate. She’d seen the face they made only a few times; they were worried.
Koma snuck into the hut, eyes widening as she saw the two women crying; she could understand the Ri’bot that looked seven years old; after all, she was probably even younger than her middle sister. However, seeing her favorite Xaria’s wet cheeks was a shock.
“Xaria Ectria, why are you in here?” Her focus didn’t move from her icon. “You’re crying?”
Ectria sniffed, clearing her throat. “Koma … your family’s still here?”
“Yes?”
She closed her eyes, head drooping. “I’m afraid—I might have made a mistake, bringing you here. You should return as quickly…”
“Wait,” the younger Ri’bot silenced the Xaria, holding up her hand before whipping at her cheeks. “Wait, Ectria … she could be the answer to our prayers.”
“Answer to our prayers; what are you talking about, Nina?”
The name instantly clicked; no one in Wixum didn’t know of the Plant Caller in training within the Delthax. The mysterious Mysticism was the fantasy of many youthful games, trying to see if they had the gift.
“She can deliver a message to the Supreme Chief.”
Koma understood the first part, but the latter flew right over her head. I can deliver a message … to who? The Supreme Chief… “Huh?”
“Is your tongue attached to your throat?” Ectria shot back, tone hardening again. “She’s only five, and you want to entrust the entire—the eternity of our Clan to her?”
Nina sighed, closing her eyes while taking a long breath. “My tongue is perfectly fine where it is. I understand your reservations, but what other choice do we have?” She paused, glancing down at the wooden planks fingers tightening into fists. “Somethings wrong, Ectria … I feel nervous about my brother’s plan, and I fear we are missing something important.”
Whatever was being discussed was way over her head. “Umm, Xaria Ectria, Plant Caller Nina … eh, what do you want me to do?”
Nina and Ectria spent the next few minutes arguing; the Xaria eventually gave in, and the story they told made Koma’s legs weak. She collapsed to the floor, knees trembling long before they finished.
“S-Supreme Chief Elinor—of the,” she swallowed, “of the Pits? S-She—you want me—over there—to a … no, no, no, no!” Koma scrambled back, jumping as her back struck the wall. “I—I can’t talk to a Supreme Chief!, and Supreme Chief of the Storms, Yesenia is—The Supreme Chiefs at war? The Pits … what if she throws me in? I don’t know how to talk to Supreme Chiefs!”
“Please,” Nina pleaded. “Koma, if you do not do this … I have a terrible premonition that we are making a terrible mistake. I would never go against my brother unless I knew he was making a horrifying miscalculation that jeopardizes our Clan—this is even worse than I can express.”
Ectria took a deep breath, scratching her neck, and after a moment, licked her single tooth. “Look, Koma … this is what I told you was stronger than what the Delthax could handle.”
Yeah, no duh … a Supreme Chief!
“Actually, we kind of left out the fact that there might be multiple Supreme Chiefs on Empress Elinor’s side in this conflict.”
“Great—yeah, great … what are the other Supreme Chiefs over?”
Nina shook her head. “I can’t be certain, but what I do know is that they are coming, if not already here, and if my brother attacks her—we will all die.”
“The Pits?” Koma squeaked.
“Yes.”
A lump dropped down her throat, the world going black as she quaked; sweat was pouring out of her skin. “I—I don’t know if I can do it—no, I can’t!”
Ectria sucked on her lower lip, causing a few popping sounds. “I don’t know if you coming here was really a sign—I can’t, but what I do know is that you were the only child I felt was worthy of my time.”
Koma’s nerves started to balance out. Opening her eyes, she stared at her role model. “You—mean it? Even the Delthax kids—they’re so much better than me, though.”
She grunted, giving her a sad smirk. “Maybe in discipline and practice, but in spirit—no, not even close.” Ectria glanced at the Plant Caller. “Maybe Nina’s right—you being here is a sign, and it has to be you … someone not a part of the Delthax Clan, pleading our case.”
“What should I say?”
The two renowned figures smiled at her. “The truth.”
* * *
Koma rubbed her left arm as she slowly walked out of the village. She dodged into a nearby burrow, likely created by kids as she heard her parents calling out for her; they sounded desperate, but she was on a mission now—her first mission, given to her by a Xaria.
Waiting for them to pass, she ducked out and crept away from the living area, moving to the gates where a crowd so big was gathered that it could have been the entire Delthax population.
Warriors stood atop the walls while citizens carried spears and bags full of dark thorn barbs; they certainly appeared ready for war. Murmurs were sweeping the group.
“Is there really an army out there?”
“No, it’s not that bad; I heard it was only like a hundred Ri’bot.”
“What are you talkin’ about; didn’t you hear about the flaming Thélméthra and Quen’Talrat?”
“No, that’s not right … all the Quen’Talrat died in the Fire Wars.”
“Right? And who’s ever heard of a flaming Thélméthra?”
“Don’t be an idiot!”
“Who’s an idiot?”
“Yeah, the Elder Chief told us that so many times when we were growing up.”
“Who told you about the Quen’Talrat, huh? I bet it was Imra; he’s always twisting his tongue.”
“Xaria Meji.”
“Huh?”
“Xaria Meji!”
“Oh…”
They fell silent, shifting uncomfortably while giving nervous looks at the closed blackwood gate.
“Flaming Thélméthra, right?”
“Yeah…”
“Damn.”
“Mhm.”
Koma knew about the legendary creatures from her talk with Ectria and Nina, but it still sent a shiver down her spine. Okay … I just need to get over there and talk to … Empress Elinor.
Her small size helped her navigate through the lines. They were too busy to pay her much attention as news of who stood on the other side of the gate continued to spread.
She reached the stairs, leading up to the top of the wall when a voice spoke; it was all around her but wasn’t booming or overbearing. Everyone seemed to hear it as if right next to them. The soft, refined tone held a dignity that was somewhat new to Koma.
“My name is Empress Elinor, The One Above All, Supreme Chief of the Pits.”
The voice paused as the Delthax Chief shouted. “We know who you are, Supreme Chief of the Pits! I see my great grandfather standing before your hoard; I have bad news for you, Supreme Chief; we have chosen to side with the Supreme Chief of Storms, Yesenia, and she will save us from your wrath!”
A confused murmur swept through the crowd at their Chief’s words, and Koma hurried to the top; she swallowed, blinking before getting her first look at a Supreme Chief.
Empress Elinor was a strange-looking creature, wearing cloth like a few of the races the Elder Chief had described during the Fire Wars; speaking of the Chief and fire, both were present. She’d never seen nor heard of green flames, but they surrounded the Supreme Chief, and she assumed the Ri’bot below her was Valdar.
Koma had seen the Elder Chief on a few occasions, few hadn’t, but this version of the legendary figure was new to her; he looked young, strong, and very concerned.
The calm Empress sat upon an Elite Hunter’s palm, held high into the air while showing no sign of being affected by the Chief’s retorts.
A small army surrounded her; the Ri’bot didn’t look quite right, twitching every so often while grunting and popping their jaws. A dozen fiery normal Quen’Talrat were mixed among the throng, and the terrifying Thélméthra were being used as mounts by two more creatures with the same general appearance as the Empress.
Most frightening, however, was the white and black Thélméthra beside the deity. She couldn’t bear to look at it for more than a few seconds before her knees began to quake.
Those must be the Supreme Chiefs they mentioned … how am I supposed to get down? There’s barbs and spikes everywhere. Will they even hear me if…
Her thoughts trailed off as Elinor spoke. “Supreme Chief of Storms?”
“We know of the war in the Heavens!” Chief Kalix bellowed.
By the Warriors’ murmurs, a few did not, but several spoke up with confidence.
“We know what you did to the Elder Chief!”
“We stand with the Supreme Chief of Storms!”
“Supreme Chief Yesenia, save us from this usurper!”
She couldn’t see past the Empress that well with the fading light as the sun fell, and the breeze was dying down, allowing their voices to be heard across a greater distance.
Everyone froze as a soft giggle left the Supreme Chief’s throat; Valdar looked up at her with a troubled expression. “You know about the war in Heaven. Is that right?”
“Yes! The signs were clear; the Holy Stones with the storm was the calling of Supreme Chief Yesenia, descending with the Chiefs of old to chase after you; she will hunt you down!”
Shocked and excited voices rose with the news as more Ri’bot joined in the prayer, but the noise slowly died with the Empress’ next revelation.
“I’m somewhat overjoyed, Chief Kalix—and disappointed, at the same time. Yes, there is a war—however, Supreme Chief Yesenia is not my enemy,” she giggled.
The prayers ground to a halt. “W-What?” Kalix mumbled, voice picking up volume. “N-No, the storm—this is a trap!”
“You think the Supreme Chiefs lie? My, how bold the Ri’bot have become.”
There were a few distant protests from a few Ri’bot near the Empress; it appeared as if the Wixum, Lethix, and Flex clan Chiefs and Xaria were present before her, bowing, which sent a quake through her body.
This is for real! A Supreme Chief … she’s not an enemy of Yesenia. Then—she wouldn’t save us, would she? Is that what Nina was scared of … her gut feeling?
“Be that as it may, you did not say that Supreme Chief Yesenia would not come to our aid. We follow her, and you said it yourself, you are not enemies, but that does not make you allies. The Nalveans have taken the Supreme Chief in as their Goddess, and we serve her as well.”
“Mmh, I may not be quite so friendly with Yesenia … yet. We still need to discuss such things after our descent. Valdar, why don’t you illuminate your great-grandson on why I am here.”
Valdar walked forward, taking on a cool and commanding presence that outstripped anything she’d seen him wear before.
“Chief Kalix, I will make a full account of my failings. The Gateway was a test—I read the situation wrong … misunderstood the message sent by The Jungle, and for that, I have paid the price.”
“You cannot be my great-grandfather!” Kalix spat, hands gripping the side of the wooden barrier in front of him. “My great-grandfather would never stand beside the Flex and Lethix!”
“I see,” Valdar breathed out a depressed sigh. “You cannot let go of your hatred—even with a walking miracle in front of you.”
“All I see is a curse, placed on our Elder Chief,” Kalix shouted. “I swear I will release you!”
“My boy—please, don’t make the same mistake.” He glanced around the wall, eyes lingering on her for a moment. “My Clansmen. Empress Elinor is merciful and just, but mercy cannot overpower the demands of justice. I cannot pay for your sins.”
His pleading words made Koma’s skin prickle.
“Pay for our sins?”
“What have we done?”
“I haven’t done anything, have you?”
“Not that I know of…”
“Please, before it’s too late, let me explain. The Empress has gifted me this opportunity in her mercy.”
“I don’t want to hear the lies she forces you to say through your revered lips!” Meji shouted, lifting a large rock, the size of his fist.
Xaria Kole held out a hand. “Please, wait … if it’s Elder Chief Valdar, we owe it to him, even if it’s a trick. Chief…”
The two Xaria locked dangerous eyes, both arms shaking as Kole countered his strength.
After a moment’s thought, Kalix’s nose twisted. “Fine … this is only proving Supreme Chief Elinor’s unrighteous dominion!”
What? How did he come up with that? When should I say something? I just—I don’t know…
“The Supreme Chief has made me aware … there is a war in the Heavens, and she was forced into our Realm with many other Supreme Chiefs. With her great power, she forced all of the Heavenly hosts to descend, and here, they are rebuilding their strength for another battle.
“Supreme Chiefs Edmon, Tiffany, and Iris have joined Empress Elinor, Supreme Chief of the Pits; they serve The One Above All. She is not a usurper, but there are other Supreme Chiefs that seek her position.”
Koma was fascinated by the story; she’d never dreamed such an event was possible, and here she was, living through it. She could personally serve The One Above All, talk with her as she speaks with her parents, and it seemed everyone else was stunned by the revelation as they listened.
Not one, but four Supreme Chiefs stood before them, and one was the leader of the Heavenly hosts, ruler of the Pits, the gatekeeper of the Jungle in the Sky, now at war with her own court.
“It pains me to say, I mistook that great power that The Jungle showed me, and instead of reconciling with the idea of the Supreme Chiefs coming to us in person … I attacked them. One of my closest friends, Chief Komath, attacked Supreme Chiefs Edmon and Tiffany … the young Xaria is paying the price for such a sin.”
Kalix snorted. “We are siding with Supreme Chief Yesenia. Why should we continue to listen to you prattle on about a Supreme Chief that has lost the grip of her power?”
“Watch your tongue, boy,” Valdar snapped, shutting the Chief’s jaw with the heat in his tone, and showing a hint of the legend he was known for. “I will not have you disrespecting the Supreme Chief again, or I will be forced to subjugate you myself.”
Koma’s skin prickled with unease as a low hum sounded from the earth with a soft pulse that ran up her leg. The Elder Chief was a Plant Caller … a powerful one.
A lump dropped down her throat, and she cursed her body, eyes reflexively closing. Focusing again, she noticed everyone was on alert.
“What I’m trying to warn you of, is that Supreme Chief Yesenia is not happy with the Ri’bot … she came down with Empress Elinor, and was a part of our raid of the Gateway. Do you understand what I’m saying? Have you not connected the dots from what Jolah, Keali, Nular, and dozens of other Warriors witnessed during our attack upon the followers of Supreme Chief Elinor and Supreme Chief Yesenia?”
Oh … oh, that’s not good. The picture started to unfold in Koma’s mind. That’s why Empress Elinor laughed at them calling upon Supreme Chief Yesenia? They believe they’ll be saved when they insulted and attacked her … wow, that’s stupid. I thought the Delthax Chief was supposed to be smart?
Her vision returned to Valdar as his tone became sad.
“I’ll say it another way, my son. There is no Ri’bot that can sacrifice his own blood to atone for the sins of another. If Jolah murdered Empress Elinor’s loyal follower, would her law … no, even our own law, which is just, take the life of her brother? No.
“The law requires the life of she who hath murdered, and there are many lives on her hand alone; therefore, nothing short of an infinite sacrifice on her part could wash her hands clean … the Pits is the destination for her.”
A fearful voice spoke up, hesitating a few times. “B-But Elder Chief—y-you were there, too. We didn’t do it alone!”
“Don’t feed into the lie, Jolah!” Kalix growled. “You broke no laws!”
Koma had to support herself with her hands, arms pressed against a flattened wooden plank that guarded the Warriors against possible projectiles shot from below. Do I even need to say anything? The Supreme Chief knew everything with one question … wait, was she doing this for us—them? This was for the Delthax to recognize the error of their ways. Is she that merciful?
“But Chief … he’s not wrong—we did kill them … hundreds, and if—if they were followers of the Supreme Chiefs…”
“No! It’s not true! The Roxim and Komath understand something is wrong with this, and that’s why they’re leaving the valley … I know there’s something she’s not telling us!”
Elinor’s voice returned, just as calm and pervasive as before. “The Komath and Roxim are leaving the valley … hmm.” Her tone lightened. “Your Elder Chief has given you words of wisdom, pleaded for your behalf, and even went through the Pits, paying for his own crimes, including those he inflicted upon the other Supreme Chiefs.
“A second in the Pits is an eternity upon the mortal plane. Your family, ancestors, and yes, each and every one of you will pass through before my seat to be judged for your works. Many steps precede entry into paradise. Among those, you will give an account to me, and if your heart is pure, then you will be light as a feather to swim across the Great River in the Heavens. Weighted down by sin—dragged into the Pits to be purged of your impurities within the melting pot.”
A quake shot through every Ri’bot and Koma wasn’t the only one sweating.
“I tell you now, even if you reject me … you will still stand before me upon your dying day—and I will remember you.”
Kalix’s blue skin was dark with anger as she finished. “Lies, lies, lies! Attack!” Kalix roared.
A few Warriors glanced left and right, waiting for the first to respond, but most shied back.
Xaria Meji jumped down, soon followed by several tough-looking Warriors, and Xaria Kole begrudgingly took up the rear, clearly disturbed by the evolving situation.
Empress Elinor was the first to respond, Valdar returning to the Supreme Chief with a crestfallen expression. “If you wish to fight, I will not stop you. In fact, I will only send one representative. If you manage to cut Grand Chief Camellia, then I will consider your spirit and determination sacrifice enough to leave you in peace.”
One of the Warriors gasped as a red-furred creature; similar to Elinor bounced forward with giddy laughter. “Oh, this will be so much fun!”
Sucking on her lower lip, Koma nudged the Warrior. “Who is that?”
“I didn’t know,” he mumbled. “How should I have known that—that creature was an Grand Chief?”
Koma frowned, returning her focus to Camellia. The Heavens recognize Anicent Chiefs for their powerful contributions to the Ri’bot race as a whole … no, wait, maybe more than just the Ri’bot? I don’t know … they’re usually strong Warriors of some kind, though, and all the Xaria need to do is cut this Grand Chief for everyone to be forgiven? Sounds too easy.
She tensed as they all ran at Camellia, surrounding her, but all she did was stand in the center, waiting for their attack. What’s she doing?
The air in her lungs caught as the Warrior’s tongues slid into their pouches, pulling out blackthorn barbs before showering her with the projectiles. Well, that was … huh?
Camellia stretched out, humming in an uninterested tone as the sharp edges struck her skin, bouncing harmlessly to the ground. “C’mon, no, not those weak things again! Come here; fight me!”
She darted forward; the nearest Warrior kept his hard wooden shield up to protect himself while drawing her focus; the others closed in. Koma’s mouth dropped open; within moments, three elite Delthax Warriors were pasted across the grass and rocks, shields turned into splinters while the remaining six retreated with sharp curses.
The Grand Chief had only made one singular motion with her fur, flattening three Ri’bot while sending green globs of blood, bone, and guts spraying across their companions. Horrified cries gave rise, and more than one Delthax lost their dinner, including Koma, as the Grand Chief reached down to snack on the remains.
Koma’s stomach heaved after the initial shock; she’d never seen carnage like this. She—ate them…
“Mmh, sour—so good!” She squealed, grabbing what looked like a heart before biting into it.
Jama’s terrified voice cut past the throng. “Kole, come back; don’t fight the Grand Chief!”
“This is Empress Elinor’s true image!” Kalix bellowed. “This is what she will do to us all; we must fight!”
“Are you insane?” Kole’s wife accused. “Their spears broke on contact—she’s literally eating them; it’s hopeless!
“I concur,” Elinor replied, voice still soft yet easily heard. “Grand Chiefs come from many different races, and some are—more brutal than others. If you recall, I did not want this outcome…”
Xaria Kole jumped back a few feet before yelling, “Meji, don’t!”
Koma didn’t know what happened. The Xaria had vanished from sight as the light of the setting sun played with her vision.
“A pity,” Elinor sighed. “Attacking me directly was a mistake, Meji … the Pits await.”
Her eyes stopped on two halves of a Ri’bot; Xaria Meji, the strongest of the Delthax Warriors, lay in two pieces, cut down the center, two meters in front of the Supreme Chief.
“Huh?”
She wasn’t the only one to sound confused with the outcome.
Elinor’s head moved to Kole as he stared at his fallen Warrior in disbelief, and she spoke clearly and distinctly. “I offer this one last time with the final warning. If you surrender and comply, then I will be your Goddess. Refuse me…”
She paused, a hand lifting to direct their attention to a large piece of cloth, hiding what was underneath. “This will be your light punishment before entering the Pits. Supreme Chief Tiffany.”
One of the figures sitting upon a Thélméthra rose, clearing her feminine voice. “Allow me to introduce a familiar face, your fellow Warrior and sinner, Folcra.”
The sheet was removed.
Koma’s hands shot to her mouth. The Warrior was pinned to a cross-shaped log with several long metal spikes; foreign symbols burned into his blue flesh, tears streaming down his cheeks as his teeth dug into his lips.
Chief Kalix jumped off the battlement, fury in his voice. “Enough! I said attack! Attack, damn you, cowards!
“Observe a minor punishment!”
Supreme Chief Tiffany placed her right middle and thumb together, causing a sharp snap.
The symbols glowed, and even the Chief slowed to a horrified halt as they observed the nightmare.
Folcra’s ribs poked through his skin, loud cracks and pops resounded throughout the area, seemingly amplified by the Supreme Chief’s power. Nerves, bone, and veins popped out of his writhing muscles, forced through the skin before the wounds knitted around the objects, exposing what was supposed to be tucked safely inside. Green blood oozed from the ripped flesh as the process continued.
The Warrior didn’t even grunt, but his bloodshot eyes told them everything. The silence between each snap, pop, and crack was worse than screams. Soon, his lungs were outside his body, pumping frantically, followed by the heart.
Next, green blood, oozing out of his eyes, nose, ears, nails, mouth and organs, more than a body should hold. It kept flowing, cascading in layers down the exposed parts to pool below, painting the black wood a sickly color.
The blue in his skin and vivid green began to discolor, wrinkling as he aged; his eyes fell out of their socket, tongue dangling with the remaining sinew while he continued to suffer.
Kole dropped to his knees, seemingly losing the will to fight with the other Warriors that had followed Meji.
It lasted forever; Koma could hear the blood pumping in her own ears with each sickening noise. She didn’t know how long it lasted, but her legs were weak by the end, and eventually, Folcra croaked his last breath.
“Monster…” Kalix mumbled in dismay, unable to process everything that happened, staring at the horrifying disfigured thing that had once been one of his best Warriors. “You’ll pay for this!”
He turned to find Valdar beside him, Koma hadn’t even noticed him change locations, too focused on Supreme Chief Tiffany’s presentation.
“What—no, why…”
The Chief’s own knife was lodged in his chest, held by his great grandfather as the whole Clan witnessed their leader’s shocking death. Kalix left hand jerked up to wrap around Valdar’s hand, right shaking while grasping the back of his killer’s neck.
“I gave you this knife when you were eight … it belonged to your father. He would be so disappointed if he could see you now—maybe, Empress Elinor willing, someday, you can join him after paying for your sins. Goodbye, Kalix … I love you.” He twisted the dagger, ending his life.
Not a soul moved, locked in limbo as their world fell apart around them.
As if reminding them that this could have all been avoided. Empress Elinor’s sad voice stung their ears. “If only you had opened your heart. I will leave Valdar and the other Chiefs to stabilize your Clan. Once a new Chief has been selected, Valdar will lead you back to my Throne Room for the next stage of my growing Empire. Take this time to mourn and rejoice; peace has come to the valley. ”
Her ghostly green eyes lifted to survey the petrified, and to Koma, if felt like there was no wall separating them; the Empress could get to them anywhere. Turning away from the crowd, she left, taking what used to be Folcra with her.
The moment her presence was no longer felt, the spell broke; they fell to their knees, tears dripping down their cheeks as they wailed.
Koma’s emotions mixed within her like a whirlwind, horror, elation, relief, and uncertainty. She didn’t know if she should laugh or not. It was absurd; she’d witnessed mercy and punishment of the highest order.
I didn’t need to do anything… the Empress knew without me saying a thing. No … did she read my mind—my heart … I felt that pulse. Her hand pressed against her pounding chest. She is The One Above All … she has to be!
