blueteamnovel Chapter 174: A Siren’s Call
Chapter 174: A Siren’s Call
Chapter 174: A Siren’s Call
The sun rose above the looming hills of Dusk Valley where the Cairn Tribe made their camp. Warlord Marek Helene sat outside the wooden fence and stared inside the enclosure at the creatures forgotten by history. The Unildyr lazed about the grass, munching on the bones of yesterdays feeding. Their pitch-black eyes stared at Marek with a curious look that denoted some level of intelligence. The problem was, Marek didnt know how intelligent.
Theyve grown, Nokuti muttered.
Yes, they are about the size of a large dog, I think? Crow guessed.
Its faster than what I thought it would be, Marek admitted.
If my ancient texts are any indication, they will only begin to grow more quickly from here on out, Crow said.
Thats unnerving, Nokuti shivered.
You simply dont like them because the hatchlings hate you, Crow said.
They hate you too, Crow, Nokuti gloated.
Yes, Im still trying to figure out why, Crow sighed.Updated from
Youre the smartest guy I know, Im sure youll figure it out, Marek patted his back.
At least they like you, my Lord, Crow said.
Not as much as they like Grim, Marek shook his head. They actually tolerate the axlean. I think Grim even managed to get as close as five feet to one of the hatchlings before they started growling at him. It was incredible.
Perhaps they can tell he is from a different Realm? Nokuti said.
Doubtful. Kyriil is from the Ivory Realm and he loves the Unildyr, yet they bare their sharp little teeth every time he tries to get close, Crow said.
What about Lysaila? Nokuti asked.
Shes refused to even get near the pen. Something about her lamia instincts screaming at her to stay away, Marek shrugged.
I envy her. The only reason Im here is to make sure Marek is safe, Nokuti sighed.
What about Vaughn and Dawn? Crow asked.
Our twin archmagi have not visited the pens once, they said they have better things to do, whatever that means, Marek grumbled.
An Unildyr hatchling raised his pale grey head and made a low-pitch cry. His brothers and sisters soon followed. Their tails waved slowly in a circular pattern.
Looks like they are hungry, Marek raised his hand.
The nearby warriors nodded at the signal. They grabbed the tied-up enemy scouts and tossed them into the pen. The Unildyr moved in a silver blur. Their long translucent claws shredded the helpless scouts in seconds.
Nokuti looked away in disgust, I still cant believe you actually brought those monsters with us.
We couldnt just leave them in that cave, Marek smiled wryly.
Besides, imagine if we learn how to control them properly. The Realm could be ours, Crow said.
Nokuti threw her hands up in the air, I dont have time for your ifs. Hollow Shades scouting parties are becoming more relentless every day. They will find us if this keeps up. We cant fight all the armies of Hollow Shade when they do. Even if we gathered the armies we have amassed throughout Dusk Valley, we are still too small.
Youre right, Marek nodded. Which is why we need the help of the Adder Tribe.
The most influential of the Valley Tribes? A splendid idea. Should I start gathering intel on their elders? How do we plan on subjugating them? Crow asked.
Marek shook his head, We arent, not this time. They are too respected throughout the valley. Attacking them would mark us as enemies of all the other tribes. We cant fight the Valley Tribes and Hollow Shade. But if we strike an alliance with the Adder people, then other tribes might follow us in our battle against the City of Shades.
The Cairn and Adder tribes have never been close. How do you plan on establishing an alliance? Nokuti asked.
Ill personally meet with their chief. I have already called a meeting, Marek said.
Are you kidding me? There is no way in hell Im going to let you go there yourself. The Adder Tribe is steeped in tradition. They already see you as a radical. If you go into their den, you wont come out alive, Nokuti said sternly.
If the Cairns chief doesnt go, how will we garner their respect? How will we convince them of joining our cause? Marek asked.
Send an Unildyr hatchling to the meeting. Show the Adder elders what we are capable of, that the Valley people have a chance to win this war if they stand with us, Crow said.
Thats way too dangerous, for both parties, Nokuti warned.
We can manage. The Unildyr are fine with a cage so long as it is spacious enough, has plenty of food, and the ride is short. Oh, and dont forget there cant be too many bumps. The last man in charge of the wagon didnt fare so well... All in all, fairly easy to accomplish, Crow said.
He makes a viable point, Marek nodded.
You cant be serious, Nokuti groaned.
We still need someone to guard the hatchling. The twins? Crow asked.
No, they said they were busy, remember? I dont think they will be much help any time soon. Maybe Grim, Marek said.
No, the axlean already makes our people uncomfortable. Having him at the negotiations is too risky. Same goes for Lysaila. The Adder people revere snakes. Having a lamia there would only tempt them to capture her, who knows what they would do with her? Crow said.
Nokuti? Marek looked at her with a glimmer in his eye.
No way in hell will I guard one of those murderous babies. Nor will I leave your side, I am here to keep you from getting killed, Nokuti kicked him lightly.
Yeah, I guess youre right, Marek smiled wryly.
That only leaves Kyriil. He loves the Unildyr, he no doubt will take the job. The elf is eccentric, but he is still a powerful chromatic white high-master, Crow surmised.
You forgot the part where Kyriil is an idiot and a lecherous pig. We cant leave him in charge of any Unildyr nor have him talk to any of the Adder elders, Nokuti frowned.
Which is why Ill have Crow go with Kyriil to keep him in line, Marek said.
What?! Nokutis eyes widened.
I was already planning on taking Crow with me to the negotiations. I think this works well. Kyriil will keep the Unildyr safe during transport and Crow will act as my representative during the negotiations, Marek said.
As you wish, my Lord, Crow bowed.
Uh, no. You cant trust Crow with something this important. He is an outsider, Nokuti crossed her arms.
Thats hurtful, Crow mumbled.
Crow may not have been born in the Cairn Tribe, but he has been with us longer than any of the others in our team. He has proven himself over and over. I trust him with my life, as should you. Crow will be my representative. That is final, Marek placed his hand on the smaller mans shoulder.
Thank you for your trust, my Lord. I will not fail you, Crow swore.
Nokuti stared daggers at the masked man. She bowed to Marek, Very well, my Lord
Thank you for understanding, Marek smiled. He turned to Crow, Youll leave in a few days. The meeting place will be at Widows Crag at dawn.
Widows Crag is close to the river towns, how is that safe? Nokuti said in exasperation.
There may be many soldiers at the river towns, but none of them stray too close to the crags on account of how dangerous they can be during flood season. More importantly, none of Hollow Shades scouts will think to look there, Marek explained.
Nokuti pounced on Crow and threw him to the ground. She hissed, and hovered her fangs over his throat, Give me one reason why I shouldnt rip your throat out right now.
Marek hasnt killed me despite my knowledge, he whispered into her ear.
Nokuti shoved him away, Marek knows?
Obviously, I told him. I am loyal to our lord, same as you.
Marek only ever told me his secret. How do you know about it? Nokuti narrowed her eyes.
I am literally our tribe's spymaster, in charge of information gathering. I wouldnt be very good at my job if I didnt even know the name of the man I followed, Crow dusted off his feathered cloak.
And yet you still follow Marek, an aristocrat, a son of one of the families responsible for the attacks on our people for the last three centuries. Why? Nokuti muttered.
I believe Marek can change this Realm for the better.
She sat down on the ground, Even if it means plunging the entire Dusk Valley into war?
What? Are you having misgivings? You? Nokuti, the great vampire general, fearless mage of the Cairn Tribe? I dont understand.
I doubt you would, she laughed bitterly.
Maybe if you explained. I find a friendly ear always helps.
As if you could be any help.
Try me, Crow sat next to her.
...It has to do with Marek, I cant say.
I know he is a Helene. How much worse can it get?
Nokuti bit her lip.
You may not trust me, but Marek does. And you trust Marek, no? Besides, you can always kill me if I ever talk. Who better to voice your thoughts to?
Nokuti sighed, You really are insufferable.
Im listening.
...It was 16 years ago. Mareks mothers name was Tamora Helene, heir to House Helene. She had been kidnapped years earlier and had been forcefully married to Mareks father, the previous tribe chief. But Tamora finally managed to get word out to her twin sister via a traveling merchant.
I see, things are beginning to make more sense Crow nodded slowly.
Nokuti wiped her eyes, House Helene had sent a secret squad of soldiers to rescue Tamora. She wanted Marek to come with her, but he chose to stay with me. The morning the soldiers arrived, Tamora was waiting for them. Except it wasnt just a squad. It was an entire battalion, they rushed our tribes tents, killing everyone in sight. ...They killed my parents.
Nokuti cleared her throat, When Tamora announced who she was, the soldiers cut off her head. I still remember Mareks hoarse screams. The gentle giant I had always known died that day, all that was left was a vengeful son. Marek killed dozens of soldiers with his bare hands. I protected him with my magic. Our warriors fought off the enemy, but by the time we had won, half our tribe was dead, including our chief.
Marek doesnt want revenge against Hollow Shade. He wants revenge against House Helene Crow muttered.
And hell stop at nothing to get it. Its consuming him. How many more innocents will have to die? How many more children will have to grow up without their parents. All because of this war Marek started. The war you helped him start The one I helped him start. Ugh, I dont even know why Im telling you this.
I suspect you have been wanting to tell someone for a very long time. No one else knows Marek is a Helene. I was the only option, wasnt I? Crow said quietly.
I never thought I would be telling you any of this, she grumbled.
Well, I do have one of those faces I suppose, wink, wink. Get it? I said wink because you cant see my face.
Nokuti rolled her eyes.
Crow cleared his throat, So, let me get this straight. Everyone else thinks the Cairn Tribe was simply unlucky and attacked by another army sent by Hollow Shade to exterminate the Valley Tribes. No one knows their families died because of Mareks mother. That would really change their leaders narrative wouldnt it?
If you tell anyone, Nokuti glared at him, her fangs glinting in the candlelight.
Crow raised his hands in surrender, My lips are sealed. My only question is, why did House Helene betray Tamora?
Nokuti clenched her fists, Isnt it obvious? Tamoras twin sister wanted the Helene throne. Everyone already thought Tamora had died years ago. She just made sure it was the truth. Luckily, Tamora never mentioned Marek. Otherwise, they would have sent more soldiers.
Crow chuckled to himself.
Nokuti frowned, A-are you laughing? Are you actually fucking laughing!?
A bit, yes.
What's wrong with you? How can you find any of this funny!?
You wouldnt believe me if I told you, he shrugged.
She shot to her feet, This was a mistake. I should have never told an insolent ass anything.
Crow stood up slowly, Oh, Nokuti, that's what I love about you. I mean there are so many things I find endearing about you; Your loyalty to Marek, your devotion to the Cairn Tribe, and lets not forget your magical prowess or that fierce yet beautiful expression, like the one youre wearing right now.
Nokuti pulled out her dagger, Are you really hitting on me you cad!
Crow snapped his fingers, And there it is! What I love about you most, your anger. That prideful anger that tricks you into believing you can do anything. That is your curse, you were unlucky enough to be born with a taste of power. The prodigy of the Cairn, life must have been easy for you. You probably thought you could shape your future in whatever way you wished, fate was yours to control.
Nokuti placed the tip of the dagger under his jaw, Be quiet before I slit your throat and drain you dry.
Hm. Except that perfect little ideal world was ruined the moment your precious tribe was attacked. You realized that you couldnt stop your parents from dying, because contrary to your belief, you were not actually powerful, you had no control. Its the same realization you are having now. You cant kill me, because we both know Marek instructed you not to touch me. And you are oh so loyal to him, arent you? Crow pushed the dagger away.
She clenched her jaw but said nothing.
You are angry, Nokuti, though not at me. You wish you could stop Marek and end this war before it even really begins. But you cant, can you? Because at the end of the day, you know deep inside, you dont have the resolve to stop the one you love. You hate that about yourself. A pawn beholden to her own feelings.
I am no ones pawn, she growled.
Of course not. You simply came into my tent to lash out your anger and frustrations because it was the only logical and reasonable conclusion. No?
I am going to kill you someday, Nokuti snarled.
I really do love that anger in those scarlet eyes, Crow said tenderly.
...What are you really after?
Crow placed a finger on his chin in thought, Hm. Would it be too straightforward if I said, You?
Her brown cheeks flushed red with anger. She clenched her dagger with a white-knuckle grip.
Someday, she muttered and turned to leave.
Have a lovely evening, general.
You truly are insufferable.
Crow sat down and picked up his book, Noted.