Total pages in book: 98
Estimated words: 91775 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 459(@200wpm)___ 367(@250wpm)___ 306(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 91775 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 459(@200wpm)___ 367(@250wpm)___ 306(@300wpm)
Tan’zor and I continue on to my father’s dwelling. It is the largest building in our village, with a courtyard full of plants that my father adores tending. Thick mushroom caps dot the gardens, next to stone sculptures honoring our ancestors. Behind the courtyard, my father’s home boasts multiple rooms. Once, this building was filled with people. I am told my father’s father had his mate in his bed, and there were so many of their children that all the rooms were filled, even the large hall that my father holds his chief meetings in.
Now, the building is empty of all but my father. My mother is dead, the sickness claiming her long before I could remember her, and no other children will be born. My father’s father and my father’s mother, and most of their children have all passed, many struck down by the sickness. I should live close to Bel’eb, as a proper Chief’s Fist would, but I moved out many cycles ago and he never said a word of protest. He has given up on me.
Two of my father’s most loyal guardsmen stand outside the door to his meeting hall, the sight of which surprises me. Why does he feel the need to keep others out? What is so very important? They nod at me as I approach, but one holds a hand up when Tan’zor remains at my side. “The chief will see you alone, Rem’eb the Fist.”
I narrow my eyes at the guards. “Tan’zor the Careful is loyal.”
“Your father’s instructions were clear.”
Were they, now? I glance over at Tan’zor, but he puts two of his hands up in amused apology. “We will talk more later, my friend. You know where to find me.” Tan’zor grins at the guards. “I shall just take another stroll along the wall. All is well.”
I grunt, but I don’t like it. Tan’zor is trustworthy. He is loyal. What’s so very secret that he cannot be included? What is my father up to?
Once Tan’zor walks away, the guards step aside to allow me to enter. I eye them and move forward, and turn and wait for the doors to shut behind me. Once they do, I move to face my father.
Bel’eb the Mighty looks as he always does. His shoulders are back, his chest full and proud. His mane is a stark pale gray but his face is unlined, his horns sharp. He wears the medallion of the ancestors that he won many years ago in combat, proving his worthiness as chief.
My lip curls in disgust as I see the male hovering over his shoulder. “Kin’far the Exile. I should not be surprised to see you here, spreading your filth. What poison are you whispering in my father’s ears?”
The exiled male smirks, crossing one set of arms over his chest. “I am merely proving my loyalty to Bel’eb the Mighty, sharing the wealth I have brought back.”
“Not more fruits plucked from the forbidden gardens? You have been told—”
“Not fruit.” He lets out a little giggle that sets my nerves on edge. “Something that tastes far sweeter.”
My father raises his hand. “Enough from both of you. Kin’far is here because he has done us a great favor. I thank him for his loyalty. He hopes to someday prove that he is worthy to dwell within the Village of Those Who Remain once more.”
Him?
I spit on the floor in front of my feet. That is what I think of Kin’far the Exile.
My father’s eyes narrow. He turns toward the exile. “Leave us. We will speak again soon. Send Cas’zor back to me.”
Kin’far nods and slinks away from my father’s seat, receding into the shadows. A few moments later, Cas’zor the Worthy returns. He is Tan’zor’s eldest brother and has long been a trusted assistant to my father. I like him far more than the exile, and I can tell from the stiff look on the warrior’s face that he does not approve of Kin’far or his antics either. He moves to take his place at my father’s side, his expression unreadable.
“Has there been another raid on the above lands?” I ask, unable to stand all the subterfuge. “You know I do not approve. There is no sense in poking a lizard’s nest. It is a sure way to get bitten.”
My father waves my concerns away with an idle hand. “You worry too much, my son.”
“Noj’me the Attendant has spoken to the oracle. It warns us—”
“Of the people above. Yes, yes, I am well aware.” My father’s eyes gleam and he leans forward in his chair. “I am not afraid of them. Nor am I afraid of the oracle’s nonsense. I have a solution to our problems, my son, and you should be grateful.”
I draw back in surprise. “A solution to the rebels?”
How is that possible? The rebels hide in corners, letting their whispers carry their discontent. They will not be satisfied until the females of our people are taken out from behind the wall and mingle freely with us once more. Even if it costs the lives of many, they want a return to the old ways. My father opposes it, because it will destroy what is left of us. Even now when I walk through the streets, there are too many empty homes, too many families that have been wiped out completely. It is not a solution, but the rebels think with their cocks alone.