UE Rewrite: B2 — 60 (23.5). A Work In-Progress (Patreon)

PoV:

1. Klaus (Our Nalvean Ambassador!)

2. Dalria (Our Scarlet Hand Ri'bot!)

Undying Empire Index

Previous Chapter

Inline Edits

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Klaus lay back in the soft, cotton-like bed of Nadraca’s guest room, savoring the warmth and weight of Emelina’s chest on his. Despite their undead nature, her touch brought a comforting heat and electricity that made him feel more alive than he had in years before his death. Her cool breath against his stimulated more than his mind.

He had to hand it to The Empress, she made undeath appealing with all the perks that came with it, including eternal youth. That being said, the riotous chatter of the ri’bot outside was a constant humming distraction. It was no wonder the nalveans booted them off to their own city across a whole river. The toads were much louder than humans with their croaks, their conversations blending into a cacophony that seeped through the stone walls.

Klaus tried to block it out, focusing instead on the tender moment he got to share with this woman. Emelina made it easy with her delicate fingers tracing idle patterns on his ribs.

It’s remarkable how much we’ve accomplished despite all the roadblocks the Mother Superior has thrown at us, he mused, closing his eyes and inhaling deeply while internally speaking to his personal maid through the Nexus.

“Enjoying yourself?” Emelina’s voice was a soft murmur, filled with a playful lilt that sent a shiver through his bones. The scent of her lingered, a blend of local flowers and something uniquely her. Her voice was like fine nalvean silk against his heart. 

Immensely, Klaus replied, a smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth. I could get used to this. Wait, can I not get used to it if I’m still responding like this after a few weeks of having you every night? If so, I’m okay with remaining in this bliss.

She laughed, a sound like tinkling bells, and nuzzled closer. “Don’t get too comfortable. We have a lot of work ahead of us today. Plus, the other maids are getting jealous and pent-up. I’m thinking I should start a rotation so they can return to camp and relieve themselves of such needs every month or so.”

The trouble of having such a small human population… I think I heard some passing talk about some rather dubious…experiments, I could say. Paola and Maite have loud voices when I’m around for some odd reason.

A sigh brushed against his collarbone. “Oh, if you’re hearing them, then they know it. Those two are among the most deviant of the maids I’ve brought. The trouble they’ve gotten in is astonishing for two seventy-year-old women, but they do have their youth back.”

The first light of dawn began to break over the horizon, casting a faint glow through the gaps in the curtains. Emelina stirred, her fingers tapping a gentle rhythm on his chest. “In any case, duty calls, Ambassador.”

He sighed dramatically, watching as she gracefully slid off him. Must you leave so soon? It’s only been all night, and with some light foreplay at that.

She turned to him, a playful glint in her emerald eyes as she combed out her chestnut brown locks. “I must. Someone has to keep you in line.” With a teasing smile, she began to dress, her movements slow and deliberate, knowing he was watching her every move.

Emelina slipped on her maid outfit piece by piece, each addition covering her warm, perfect olive skin that he’d come to adore. “Watch closely, Ambassador,” she whispered, fastening her stockings with delicate precision. “It is my job to dress you, but you’ll have to wait your turn since I need to be properly attired first. Do you see how to clip a bra?”

Klaus propped himself up on his elbows, his blue eyes following her every movement, his throat drying. You make it hard to concentrate, Miss Vega. Perhaps I could be brought in for some hands-on experience.

“Oh? Is that a complaint?” She glanced over her shoulder, a smirk playing on her soft lips that he’d savored not that long ago. “Lessons can come when you manage to negotiate acceptable terms.”

Always keeping me on my toes. And complicated? Oh, you very much are, ma’am,” he chuckled, watching every movement as she slid her maid outfit on. You’re a challenging chestnut to crack. I think I’d learn quite a bit from your lessons. You’ve already taught me so much.

“All good things come with time,” she said, brushing out her hair and checking the security of her outfit.

Once satisfied, Emelina presented herself with a formal curtsy, her maid uniform fitting her like a glove, emphasizing her slender frame and poised elegance. “Good morning, Master Klaus. Might I help you select an appropriate suit for your audience with the Mother Superior this fine morning?”

Admiring his maid princess, waiting to serve him, Klaus breathed out a hot whistle. Absolutely.

Her green eyes narrowed seductively, her voice low and commanded as she placed a hand on her hips, raising an eyebrow. “Then stand up, Ambassador, or do you need my touch for that, as well?”

Can I make my cake and eat it, too? It’s as if a goddess designed to serve has materialized in front of me and asked if I’d like a cupcake. Yes, please!

Emelina’s smile was soft, her touch slightly rougher than needed. “Flattery will get you everywhere, Ambassador.”

He laughed, a deep, rich sound that filled the room. I’m counting on eventually getting everywhere. We’ll see how far I get with walls as high as yours.

Letting himself be guided to his feet in the spacious guest room, designed to accommodate the larger size of the ri’bot, he let her take charge and run him through the paces.

Once finished, he felt as if the suit had shrunk on him since it was one that he’d brought with him on the PR stunt; obtaining the ideal ratio of muscle had filled him out well. Klaus scanned Nadraca’s guest room as Emelina straightened his tie and plucked at places with an expert eye, brushing against a few unnecessary places for good measure.

The bed they’d laid on was practically a California king. The furnishings were simple yet elegant, a testament to the ri’bot’s appreciation for both functionality and aesthetic appeal, given their adoption of nalvean culture. The walls were adorned with intricate carvings, telling stories of past guests’ dreams—something the scaled salamander people did.

As they prepared to face another day, the warmth of the moment lingered on Klaus’ heart as he met lips with the woman of his dreams; she’d been born over thirty years before him on Earth, but that didn’t matter with The Empress’ powers involved.

The long kiss was a quiet reminder of the bond they shared amidst the chaos of their mission. Klaus glanced out the window, the rising sun casting a golden glow over the ri’bot settlement. It was time to go downstairs and meet their frantic host.

Klaus indulged in the lingering warmth of Emelina’s lips, a taste that grounded him amidst the whirl of political frustration. Eventually, he broke away, taking one last look at the space. It might be the last time they were in the smelly toad district since this wasn’t their end goal or mission.

The room was bathed in the soft glow of the morning sun, casting intricate shadows from the carved dreams on the walls. Much of it was meaningless to them, written in the nalvean’s cryptic, circular language. Each line and curve told a tale, a silent testament to the ri’bot’s culture and history, as short as it had been over the past century.

Emelina’s fingers, deft and gentle, smoothed out the last wrinkles in his suit. She stepped back, her emerald eyes scanning him up and down with a critical eye. “Satisfactory. Shall we go down and greet our host?”

Klaus nodded, puffing out his frustration while mentally checking on where all the maids were currently at. We’ve been here for weeks, Em. It’s about time we made some real progress. This recommendation is just to get into the nalvean city, too.

“Patience, Klaus,” she replied through the Nexus, her mental voice carrying the same soothing cadence as her spoken words. “Nadraca’s influence is crucial, and we can’t rush her. I’ve dealt with many drug lords and leaders in my time as an assassin for the cartels. We’re making good time for such a structured society, and The Empress gave us six months.”

At a maximum, he muttered, starting to feel the pressure. I bet she’ll be sailing here in less than four, with how driven she is. The whole of the valley is now a part of the empire, it’s obvious she’d turn her eyes to us next.

“All the more reason to put our best foot forward.”

They moved through the spacious guest room and descended the stairs. On their path, Klaus took in the layout of Nadraca’s home. It was larger than most ri’bot dwellings, befitting her status as High Priestess. The walls were adorned with more carvings, depicting religious rituals and probably important scenes of her daily life or past residence. The air was thick with the scent of burning incense, a reminder of the spiritual significance of their host.

Emelina’s sharp eyes darted to him. “I can sense your discomfort. What’s on your mind?”

The same roadblock. Just thinking about our progress—or lack thereof, he replied, the Nexus transmitting his frustration. We’ve done everything we can on this side of the city. The Imperial Capital feels like a world away, yet we can’t step foot on it without one stamp of approval and an audience with a city officer.

Emelina nodded, her expression thoughtful on their way into the front guest area; Nadraca hadn’t yet descended the separate stairs opposite them, leading to her room. “This audience with the Mother Superior shows the work you’ve put in, and we wouldn’t have gotten there without you sweet-talking Nadraca. The—”

Their silent conversation was interrupted by a mental message from one of the maids, her tone excited and filled with awe.

“You won’t believe what we saw during our skinny dipping adventure inside the Great Ruby Lake, Emelina! Paola informed, and Maite, her childhood best friend, responded next; the pair had been sent to investigate the lakes now that they had permission to enter them on the Clavex’s side.

“The white roots the Clavex use—the talismans—they do more than just light up and create heat. You were right, Master Klaus, they’re brimming with Life Energy!”

“Oh, you two should join us tonight!” Paola chimed. “The sight underwater is breathtaking, like the night sky. And the creatures down there—massive and terrifying! I think The Empress would love it!”

That sounds incredible, Klaus said, moving to study one of the many artifacts around them, pulsing with a subtle light; it didn’t hurt them unless touched, though. So, it isn’t necessarily this light deity’s power being called upon, but the roots themselves have the Life Force properties. That’s more than we expected. It could be a significant discovery for High Queen Butter.

Emelina’s mental voice cut in, calm and steady as ever. “Focus, ladies. We need detailed reports on the roots’ properties and any potential uses, not cute date spots. The Empress will want every detail.”

“But the creatures, Em,” Maite insisted, her voice filled with awe. “They’re massive! I’m sure The Empress would love to raise a few. Some of them could be used for defense or transport. I swear, one could swallow a bus, whole—maybe it could be used as a submarine!”

“They’re terrifying,” Paola added, far more energetic than needed and her motives became clear soon enough. “You two should join us tonight, and we’ll show you the cool spots we discovered. There are some caves we were too scared to go into, as well, but with you two with us, we’ll be fine! Imagine the shock value alone if we could tame some sea monster pet! They’re cute.”

“Correction. Paola thinks they’re cute,” Maite gagged. “She’d think a slime monster was cute.”

Klaus chuckled softly, shaking his head at their antics. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. We need to understand the ecosystem fully before we start planning how to use it. And much of that is for Queen Tiffany. Go clean up and meet with the other maids to compare notes.

“Alright…” Maite sighed.

“So…is that a no on the deep lake adventure tonight?” Paola groaned.

Emelina’s tone turned playful. “If you really want to get Master Klaus stripped to his fine bare butt, then you two need to find a better excuse. But…it seems your games have sparked a little curiosity in our dear ambassador, so… Perhaps I should join your skinny-dipping adventure. Klaus, you sound rather intrigued.”

He smirked, catching her eye as they moved to stare out of a window, hearing rustling from upstairs. “Oh, don’t mind me. I’ll be just fine imagining it. If you’re feeling hot, maybe you should join them, Em. I’m sure you’d be able to keep those two in line.”

Their mental banter was interrupted as they heard Nadraca’s movements become more pronounced upstairs. Yet, her usual loud grumbles were absent, replaced by a tense silence. She was nervous, and it wasn’t hard to understand why. Meeting the Mother Superior was a significant step for them, and she was the one bringing them.

“Nadraca’s still putting on her silk,” Klaus murmured, allowing the Head Maid to snap her whip at her subordinates in a private link. “Practically shaking her spots off—wait, Clavex don’t have spots. Also, maybe you should have the maids pick out a…buddy to bring back with them to keep their minds focused.”

Emelina chuckled silently, shooting an inquisitive eyebrow at him. “Minds focused? Interesting phrasing, Master Klaus. Are you really not tempted by the prospect of a harem of girls who haven’t seen a male in weeks slathering you with affection? Some of them haven’t touched a man in years, and now they’re all dolled up and beautiful.”

“Woah!” Klaus adjusted his tie and shifted his shoulders at her impish gaze. “I can hardly handle one maid as it is, ma’am. Plus, some of your maids are wild. And here I thought women were the purer half of the human mind.”

“Quite the mistake, Ambassador,” the maid whispered, her fingers finding his tie to fix it again. “It seems Nadraca is coming down. She’s probably more concerned about impressing us than we are concerned about impressing her.  After all, The Empress is the path to achieving everything she wants… You sold that perfectly to her during yesterday’s dinner.”

Nadraca finally descended, holding a bundle of incense meant to calm ri’bot nerves. The rich scent filled the room, mingling with the swampy morning air; it took a few days to get used to. Her steps were measured, each one deliberate and careful. Klaus straightened, offering her a warm smile as Emelina curtsied.

“Good morning, High Priestess,” he greeted, his voice smooth and reassuring. “Cold feet?”

Nadraca managed a weak smile, her hands gripping the incense tightly. “Just preparing. By the way, we’re still awaiting the promised silk shipment from The Empress. What you’ve provided has already piqued the Mother Superior’s interest. It’s a start, but we need more to convince her fully.”

Klaus nodded, understanding the weight on the toad woman’s shoulders; she was staking a lot by bringing them in, and after the disaster of going behind the Mother Superior’s back to partake in the Crystal attack on Earth.

“This is our chance to prove we can help bring your clan out of the nalveans’ debt. I’m well aware of your needs. We’re all in this together.”

Emelina stepped forward to make a few slight corrections to her silk, surprising the toad. “We appreciate your efforts, Nadraca… Ah, the fold here slipped out. It represents the positional difference between a priestess and a high priestess, correct?”

“It does… You humans learn quickly.”

“We do our best,” she smiled, stepping back to join Klaus. “We are so thankful for the opportunity you’ve given us to show the Mother Superior what The Empress can provide for the Clavex.”

Nadraca took a deep breath, her grip on the incense relaxing slightly. “I appreciate the kind words, but I’m not blind to being slathered with silk. You need me. I need the products you can provide. It is a trade.”

“I’m glad we’re on the same page,” Klaus said, flashing his teeth. “Were you going to eat the fish you saved from the market yesterday or shall we go without breakfast?”

“Without,” Nadraca mumbled, setting the incense on the table and gripping her talisman to offer a prayer with one hand as her other held her belly. “Yel’tisa, support me.”

With those parting words, the three of them moved toward the entrance. Emelina sorted through the buzz of information sent to her from the maids scattered across the Clavex’s city; when she’d collected everything, she’d fill him in on the details. This was a critical milestone, and he had to be focused.

Klaus breathed in the muggy morning air as they stepped out into the bustling streets of the Clavex city, alive at this hour. The early morning swamplands were thick with humidity, mingling with the scent of fresh earth and the lingering traces of incense from the many religious homes; although, not everyone worshiped Yel’tisa within the Clavex. The city was alive with activity as the solid green-skinned ri’bot went about their daily tasks.

Nadraca remained quiet beside him, her mind clearly focused on the upcoming meeting with the Mother Superior. Klaus, however, felt a surge of confidence as he walked through the now familiar streets, greeting the ri’bot with a warm smile and a wave. He’d spent much of his time here memorizing everything in his strolls, even if he had been a bit distracted by Emelina.

“Good morning, Takar!” he called out to a toad stacking woven baskets near a marketplace stall. “How’s the harvest looking this season? Looking to sell a lot of those today?”

Takar looked up, his wide mouth stretching into a grin as the backdrop of giant nalvean vessels, even by Earth standards, moved in the background. “Morning, Ambassador Klaus! The harvest is bountiful, thanks to the recent rains. I might sell out before the day’s end!”

“That’s excellent news, buddy,” Klaus replied, holding out two fingers before tapping his chest in a friendly nalvean departure gesture. “Keep up the good work. Your craftsmanship is unmatched on the pier.”

As they continued down the street, Klaus waved to a young ri’bot tending to a cluster of vibrant flowers that illuminated at night. “Lena, those flowers are looking stunning, girl. Are they for the Light Festival next week?”

Lena’s eyes lit up with pride. “Yes, Ambassador! I’m preparing them for the celebration; it’s the perfect timing for them to bloom. It’s going to be a grand display. Will your empress be here by then?”

“Probably not, but she may attend next year’s Light Festival. I’m sure if your flowers are there, it will be beautiful,” Klaus said warmly, giving her another nalvean gesture. “You always have a knack for making things look spectacular. The maids loved those bouquets you gave me yesterday.”

“That makes me happy!” the teenage toad said, brimming with pride.

Nadraca glanced at him, a flicker of admiration in her eyes as she whispered, “You remember everyone’s names and what they do. It’s impressive.”

Klaus chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. “It’s the least I can do for the welcoming atmosphere they’ve given aliens and all the support we’ve gotten. Lena’s parents let two of our maids stay at her place; it’s important to let everyone get used to our presence. The Clavex have been nothing but good to us, and I want to show them the same respect.”

Emelina’s voice echoed in his mind with a playful glint in her green eyes. “Those late-night name games seemed to be worth it, Master Klaus.”

Klaus smirked internally, his reply laced with jabbing sarcasm. You made it easy, gatekeeping yourself with all the correct answers.

Emelina’s laughter was like a soft melody. “Every gate has a key, Master. You just need to find the right one that fits.”

Klaus couldn’t help but marvel at the foresight their Empress had shown by sending this woman to support him. Ever since her arrival, his motivation had soared. He sent a more serious response back to her, mentally projecting the image of throwing his arm around her shoulder and pulling her close.

You’ve been a tremendous help, Em. More than I can say.

Emelina’s smirk said it all. “Is that what you call it? I’d use a more colorful word.”

Nadraca, who had been walking in silence, looked between them curiously. “I find it hard to tell with my limited interactions with humans, but sometimes the looks you two give each other make me wonder if you’re tongue-tied.”

Klaus couldn’t help but shake with laughter at the ri’bot expression for marriage, drawing an imaginary dagger with ruthless glee while preparing to throw it at his target; even the great black widow next to him wouldn’t be prepared for its bite. Voice low and laced with silk, he carefully maneuvered to bump shoulders with the assassin, giving her a deadly wink.

“I’ve thought about it,” he said, his voice filled with genuine affection. Butterflies took flight in his stomach as he glanced down at Emelina, hoping to see a reaction.

Emelina’s emerald eyes met his, a rare blush coloring her cheeks. “Well, Ambassador, if you can navigate the politics of the Nalvean Empire, I’m sure you can figure out the intricacies of the heart,” she whispered so softly he could hardly feel the needle prick his heart before her enthralling poison spread.

Trying to fight the heat from reaching his nose, he coughed and shook his head, knowing she wouldn’t accept his hand even if he offered it due to appearances; the proper maid, through and through, setting an example for her brainwashed—ahem, loyal minions. She was his perfect Colombian senorita.

As they continued their walk toward the Temple of Yel’tisa, he couldn’t help but feel a renewed sense of purpose and determination. Life was worth building within the Empire…no, eternity was.

The streets of the Clavex city were a hive of activity. Toad creatures bustled about, engaged in various tasks. Some were repairing fishing nets, while others were tending to jungle crops in small garden plots. Each new building reminded him of a mix of Chinese and Egyptian artistry, a canvas of intricate carvings that depicted religious stories and dreams. He had to wonder what they would look like or say when The Empress added their language to their empire’s growing cultural literacy.

As they continued, Klaus paused to greet a group of children playing a game with colorful stones. “Morning, little ones! Who’s winning today?”

The children giggled and pointed to a particularly enthusiastic ri’bot boy. “Jaru’s winning, Ambassador! He’s got the best aim!”

“Good job, Jaru!” Klaus praised, giving the boy an encouraging nalvean salute. “Keep it up, and maybe you’ll be a champion one day. I heard Teku’s the best on the east block, but not for long!”

Jaru beamed, puffing out his chest with pride and still showing off his lingering tadpole tail. “Thanks, Ambassador! I’ll keep practicing!”

Klau continued the interactions with the Clavex people, strengthening their image of humans and the empire; Emelina’s poise and grace beside him had its own effect.

The streets grew busier as they neared the heart of the city, where the Mother Superior’s grand temple stood and he took a moment to take it in. The temple stood as a testament to a unique cultural amalgamation, its structure a harmonious blend of the two alien influences.

The roof, a cascade of tiered, upturned eaves, was glazed in vibrant reds and greens that shimmered in the sunlight, reminiscent of a traditional pagoda. Beneath the colorful canopy, the walls were carved from massive, seemingly sandstone blocks, their surfaces etched with dreams from the Mother Superior herself.

Majestic stone columns lined the entrance, their lotus-shaped capitals entwined with what he could only describe as a dragon the size of a mountain, no doubt symbolizing the Avana that The Empress had told them about, which had devastated the eastern ri’bot valley and killed the quen’talrat Silver Queen.

As believers passed through the grand gate, they kissed their talismans, the light glowing at their channeled belief. When entering through the front gates, they were greeted by a serene courtyard where a tranquil pond reflected the ornate structures around it, merging the principles of their holy lake goddess around a pyramid.

Once inside, he marveled at the temple, an imposing structure, its towering spires reaching toward the sky and outshining any other building within the ri’bot settlement. Of course, it couldn’t compare to the structures across the river, but this was impressive for the toads—their best work.

It was adorned with carvings of the Clavex’s light deity, Yel’tisa. The entrance was guarded by stern-looking Ri’bot warriors, their green skin contrasting sharply with the bright silk sashes they wore, a testament to their rank and dedication.

Yel’tisa’s statue stood as a majestic figure, embodying the essence of the Great Ruby Lakes. Her form resembled that of a nalvean salamander, with elegant, slender lines and an aura of divine power. Her skin was a blend of translucent ruby hues and shimmering scales, glowing with an inner light. The scales, polished and smooth, reflected the vibrant colors of the lakes, creating a mesmerizing effect.

From Yel’tisa’s back and shoulders, white roots extended, merging seamlessly with her body. The slender roots intertwined with her figure and extended into the lake itself. Her dress was silk, matching some of the linen he’d seen worn by the few nalveans who walked the docks.

The painted garment somehow shimmered and flowed like water, likely some optical illusion, accentuating her divine presence to her followers. Her feet were adorned with thicker roots, intertwining with the ground, drawing from the lake’s life-giving waters.

As they approached the entrance, Klaus couldn’t help but admire the grandeur of it all. The intricate details on the massive doors depicted scenes of light and darkness, battles fought, and the enduring spirit of the Clavex people. Culturally, they were far ahead of the valley ri’bot, but that went without question with what they were looking at every day across the river.

Nadraca stepped forward, leading the way and taking a bundle of incense from a priestess who jogged out to meet her, word likely spreading that the High Priestess was on her way.

Klaus placed a hand on her shoulder, not shying away from the wet sensation it had. “Trust the process, Nadraca. She’s no doubt heard all about us. Now, we just have to believe she’s as reasonable as you believe. Let’s go.”

* — * — *

Dalria’s dark orange skin rippled with goosebumps as she stood at the entrance to the Xaltan’s hidden enclave. The dense canopy above barely let in the storm’s howling wind, but the flashes of Supreme Chief Ulsa’s lightning kept the forest momentarily lit. She felt the vibrations of each bolt through the ground, a constant reminder of the power that the Supreme Chiefs supposedly held. Yet, her faith wavered now.

Dalria glanced at Jennifer, the human whose manipulation had led her here—her power was real. Everything she’d done: forcing the clanless to attack the ri’bot camp when they left, assassinating Elinor’s mother to allow the Whispering Darkness to attack, and coming here… All of it was calculated. She’d seen a glimpse of the terrifying, dead form of Revilla in her dreams, awaiting to be resurrected.

Jennifer’s eyes were cold and calculating, even as she shivered in her soaked clothes. Despite her knowledge, the human woman was shockingly fragile and required much care. Dalria had seen the fire Jennifer could conjure with mere words, how she could turn resolve into doubt and doubt into determination. Dalria had felt it herself, felt the mark of Revilla searing into her chest, rewriting her destiny.

She followed Jennifer into the heart of the Xaltan cavernous camp and outside of the raging elements, where the imposing figure of Chief Noklan awaited them. His black scales shimmered in the dim light, a testament to his clan’s strange lineage and the secrets his clan guarded so fiercely. She’d heard rumors about their Xaria and Mysticism from Chief Krava, but standing in this powerful clan’s home was another thing entirely.

Dalria had heard whispers of their shifting abilities, their mastery over illusions and shadows, but seeing Noklan in person, she understood why the Xaltan were feared and respected throughout the whole valley.

“Chief Noklan,” Jennifer began, her voice a mix of respect and mystery. “Thank you for seeing us on such short notice. I’m happy to see Chief Krava left on such positive notes on his way out of the valley to meet with the Great Chiefs of the Plains.”

Noklan’s eyes narrowed. “Chief Xaria Krava spoke of you humans. He said you would be passing through due to the weakness of your body. Just because I respect Chief Xaria Krava does not mean I will entertain others. Speak quickly.”

Dalria watched Jennifer, trying to ignore the itch beneath the mark on her chest. The human’s manipulation was infuriating, but she needed to hear Jennifer’s plan. She wasn’t sure if she should inform Krava of these conversations she’s been having along the way with various ri’bot, and that uncertainty frightened her a little.

“The Roxim have awakened their old Firewalking Mysticism with the help of the new empress in the valley Krava spoke of, Empress Elinor,” Jennifer continued, her voice steady despite the chief’s imposing presence. “With the added technology they’ve been given from Elinor, it would be disastrous to attack the Roxim at this time. However, I have a solution.”

Chief Noklan’s eyes gleamed with interest. “Elaborate. Your chief warned me about this Empress Elinor, and I respect the legendary Xaria’s word. If he is calling the Great Clans, then it is best to strike now rather than wait for later.”

Dalria felt a surge of irritation. I can’t believe Chief Noklan would even entertain the idea that the Roxim, of all clans, could pose a threat to the Xaltan. How does she know just how far she can push? If she’s going to sway someone like Noklan, she needs something substantial, even if the Roxim have their Firewalker Mysticism again.

Jennifer tried to hide her chilled shakes, water still dripping off of her soaked jacket, yet her voice was steady. “I know you’ve been using Ranglar in your primary Mysticism of mimicry,” Jennifer said, causing Noklan’s fingers to tighten against his wooden throne and the Elder Chief nearby to hum. The human plowed right on, though.

“While the giant illusion cats are a formidable predator of the forest, they are far from its greatest predator that wiped out everything stronger before them… You haven’t been able to use the essence of what you truly want—the Crawling Shadows of your valley’s legends that mortally wounded the White God.”

Dalria’s eyes widened ever-so-slightly in shock. Only her chief, Chief Krava, had ever been able to take down one of the Crawling Shadows. How does this human know so much about our world? She hasn’t spoken to the Whispering Darkness except once. Even when dead, can Revilla give such knowledge?

Jennifer smiled slightly, noticing her reaction as small as it was. “I can help with your compatibility issue so that even your high warriors can utilize the eggs you keep secreted away below our feet.”

Chief Noklan glanced at his father, the Shifting Elder. “This is your expertise. What is your opinion, Father?”

The Shifting Elder, Elder Chief Varnak, stepped forward, his gaze piercing. “I find it interesting as to how Krava learned of our secret. We will get answers to that soon enough.”

Dalria’s body went numb as Xaria seemed to emerge out of the shadows; she hadn’t sensed them at all.

“However,” Varnak mused, stroking his wrinkled chin, “the Shadow Xaria under me can channel the Crawling Shadows, but only for two hours before death. If our high warriors could do the same, it would change everything for us. What is the price of such an unimaginable thing, Human of the Komath?”

Jennifer’s smile widened. “Yes, no matter what, the spider’s poison will eventually take the lives of those who channel it. That being said, the high warriors could channel it for thirty hours before death. What do you think your Shadow Xaria could do if they take the mark of Revilla? ”

Varnak rose to his full height, over two hands taller than her. “The mark of Revilla… Some Mysticism of yours could extend their compatibility and increase their power that significantly? But it is not without risks, as the Elder Chief suspects. We must consider the implications carefully.”

Dalria felt a mixture of awe and trepidation. She is actually convincing them… That promise is a heavy one, though. If she succeeds, could we destroy Elinor before Chief Krava calls the War Council?

“We will need to see proof of your claims,” Noklan said after a moment’s thought. “If you can deliver what you promise, then perhaps we can form an alliance with the Komath. But if you deceive us…”

Jennifer’s eyes showed a venomous glint. “I more than understand, Chief Noklan. I will provide the proof you need. Together, we can bring a new era to your clan… The rise of the Xaltan. Lead the way.”

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Author Note: I think this is a good point to split the volume to create Volume 2 from V2 - 0 to V2 - 23.5, which would be about 150k words for Volume 2. Once it hits public I'll start changing the names to reflect the start of Volume 3 from that point on! I think foreshadowing and developing a bit in the background like this is good as we fill out the world building and surrounding plots of the empire. =))

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