# A Tail of Two Peoples - The Tribals

Author: Kythl Moonpaw
Tags: A Tail of Two Peoples, Assassin, Fox, Ocelot, Puma, Reptile, Tribal, Wolf

#10 of A Tail of Two Peoples

Another chapter! Yay! I'll be posting for another bit, but I didn't get as much done during the summer as I like. There may be longer gaps between chapters.

"Alpha," the wolf guide said, bowing to a large, black-furred wolf, who was sitting on the ground.&nbsp; The group that'd been following him was kept back at a respectful distance.&nbsp; "We found trespassers travelling through our lands.&nbsp;They had the Others with them, two to be precise.&nbsp; We have brought them to you."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Very good, Knja'ju," the alpha said, standing up to look at the group.&nbsp; "Go rejoin the village for Last Meal."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Yes Alpha," Knja'ju nodded, leaving then to rejoin his fellows at the fire.&nbsp; The other wolves just dispersed, leaving Kar'na and his group alone with the wolf alpha.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "So," the alpha said, briefly surveying the white wolf.&nbsp; "Knja'ju tells me you were trespassing in our lands.&nbsp; And not only in our lands, but bringing two of the Others as well."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The alpha's eyes flicked to the side, where a russet-furred fox was saying something to the group in general in an unknown language.&nbsp; Though it was consider an insult to speak while the alpha was speaking, the black-furred wolf let it slide.&nbsp; These were foreigners, not expected to know the customs of the wolf.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "That is true, alpha," the other wolf nodded, eyes cast respectfully downwards.&nbsp; This one knew how to deal with a pack.&nbsp; "My friends and I were on our way to the Assassin's Guild hall, just in-"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I know of it," the alpha cut him off.&nbsp; "And I also know assassins frequently cross our lands, to and from the home of the Others.&nbsp; But never in so great of numbers and never with some of the Others in tow."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "They are friends, alpha," the assassin said, eyes still cast down.&nbsp; "They were instrumental in helping some of the enslaved from down south.&nbsp; They wish for refuge in Arlea."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Refuge, eh?" the alpha asked, surveying the reptilian citizens.&nbsp; "And you say they helped free some of the enslaved?&nbsp; Where are these enslaved?&nbsp; I would speak to them."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "This is them, alpha," the white wolf said, gesturing to the group.&nbsp; "They were all in a mine in the-"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "What?!" the alpha barked in surprise.&nbsp; "You mean to tell me they had Ch'kiliil enslaved!?&nbsp; And not only Ch'kiliil, but brother wolves?"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Yes alpha," the assassin nodded.&nbsp; "So is the custom of the Others."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The alpha flicked his ears and huffed, thinking.&nbsp; After a minute, he shook his head and turned to the group of slaves.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Which one of you is the leader?" he asked.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The slaves stared at him with a blank expression and the alpha stared at them for a second, before turning to the wolf assassin.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Are they slow?" he asked.&nbsp; "Why do they not respond?"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "They don't understand you alpha," the white-furred wolf said.&nbsp; "If I may be allowed to interpret for them?"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Please do."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The wolf turned to the group and said something.&nbsp; Almost simultaneously, all their eyes turned to look at the young grey-furred wolf standing near the fox.&nbsp; The fox pushed him forwards and the alpha smiled.&nbsp; They viewed a wolf as the head of their pack.&nbsp; It was as it should be.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "You were a slave?&nbsp; Have I been told correctly?"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The white wolf repeated something and the young one nodded and said something.&nbsp; The alpha waited for the translation.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Yes my lord, we were slaves in the Man'ahjit mine down in the south."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "How did you get free?"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Another pause.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "We escaped in a massive storm.&nbsp; We were almost caught, but leapt into the river.&nbsp; That's where Myra and Aryn found us."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Who?" the alpha asked, turning back to the white-furred wolf.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "That is the name given to the reptilian siblings," his interpretor explained.&nbsp; "Myra and Aryn Sanvar'a."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The alpha nodded and turned back to the grey furred wolf, his ice-blue eyes scouring the wolf, looking for weakness.&nbsp; "Have you a name, boy?"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Kiri," was the answer.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "And I am K'injyu," the alpha answered, smiling at the younger wolf.&nbsp; "How long have you been freed?"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The white wolf translated this to Kiri.&nbsp; He thought about for a minute, before hesitantly hedging an answer.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Thirty days perhaps?"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Hmm," K'injyu said, before looking over at the white wolf and back to the other group.&nbsp; "Well, then I have something to say..."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The group's leader translated this and Kiri waited for the alpha to continue.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Welcome!" the alpha cried, making everybody flinch.&nbsp; "Welcome to our home.&nbsp; You and your party are welcome to stay until night and nightfall.&nbsp; Then we'll help you on your journey."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The white wolf translated this excitedly and the group cheered, hugging each other and generally acting excited.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "If..." K'injyu continued with a twinkle in his eyes, quieting the group almost instantly.&nbsp; "You tell the tribe your story."

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "So," K'injyu said later, going to sit by the white wolf assassin, who was sitting off to the side of the festivities.&nbsp; "What's your story?"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The entire tribe, minus the few on watch duty, was sitting around the fire pit, staring riveted at Kiri's story, via his translator Svara and another wolf with a little experience at Skjanja, the language of the Falskin.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Mine?" the wolf seemed distinctly surprised at being asked.&nbsp; "Why do you want to know?"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I like a good tale," the alpha shrugged.&nbsp; "And I have a feeling an individual as battle marked as you would have a few to share."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The wolf barked a laugh.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "More than my fair share," he admitted.&nbsp; "I've seen a lot in my twenty-three years.&nbsp; I've even been to the camp before.&nbsp; What happened to I'reenu?"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "He lost favour with the tribe," alpha K'injyu shrugged.&nbsp; "In the traditional fight, I overpowered him and he chose to go into self-exile.&nbsp; I don't know where.&nbsp; Maybe I'll be able to place you.&nbsp; What's your name?"  
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Kar'na" the wolf replied, smiling a small smile at him.&nbsp; "I'm Kar'na.&nbsp; Also known to some as the White Wolf of Winterwrath."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Winterwrath?" K'injyu asked with a wince. &nbsp;"You were there?&nbsp; Were you sold as a slave too?"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "No," Kar'na said, eyes going hollow.&nbsp; "But I _was_the sole survivor."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I'm sorry," the alpha said quietly after a brief pause.&nbsp; "I didn't mean to open those memories.&nbsp; That must've been quite...traumatic."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "It's fine," Kar'na said, though he still looked as though he'd seen the ghosts of his past.&nbsp; "That's a story I'd rather not tell, just the same."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The alpha nodded and leaned back with the wolf, listening to Kiri's tale.&nbsp; The young grey wolf was just describing their encountering Myra and Aryn.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The tribe just couldn't seem to keep their attention off the siblings.&nbsp; The only Falskin most of them had ever encountered were the ones who raided and killed in the night.&nbsp; To find two that were actually friendly and talkative was odd to them to say the least.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "So where did you place in all this?" K'injyu asked, gesturing to Kiri.&nbsp; "How did one such as you simply end up helping a bunch of enslaved?&nbsp; I know your guild.&nbsp; You all don't care about those not of it.&nbsp; So why help them?"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I had actually just completed a mission," Kar'na explained.&nbsp; "Assassinating an individual who killed Ch'kiliil just to skin them."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Skin them?" K'injyu asked, clearly abhorred.&nbsp; "Why would anyone sink to such a depraved and horrible act?"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Because there's money in it," Kar'na said sadly.&nbsp; "Nobody's immune to the powers of greed.&nbsp; It's just the sad state of affairs on the world.&nbsp; Ch'kiliil are not perfect either.&nbsp; I've hunted and killed those who sold our own into slavery.&nbsp; Ch'kiliil kidnapping and selling brother and sister Ch'kiliil."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The tribe gave a gasp to Kiri's story.&nbsp; He had just been telling of them running into their former guards and Jarris's betrayal.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "That's deplorable," alpha K'injyu said, shaking his head.&nbsp; "That people could sink so far."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "It's pretty despicable," Kar'na sighed.&nbsp; "And though I love fair Arlea, it is not perfect either.&nbsp; Neither are the Ch'kiliil.&nbsp; I mean, what's the most powerful group in Arlea?&nbsp; A group of killers."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The alpha barked out a laugh at this statement and slapped Kar'na on the back.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "That is true," he agreed.&nbsp; "Though they're far from what they could be.&nbsp; The guild uses what it does to gain a greater foothold and combat the threat of the Others.&nbsp; Were it not for your organization, Arlea may have fallen a long time hence."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Maybe," Kar'na said thoughtfully.&nbsp; "Our guild was founded after the rediscovering of the Falskin threat.&nbsp; And we deal mostly in Falskin, hunting down only those of our own who have betrayed us to them."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "As is right," K'injyu nodded.&nbsp; "We should not be hunting our own, especially not in this time of war and destruction..."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He trailed, off ears perked high.&nbsp; Kar'na trained his own ears searching for the noise.&nbsp; There it was, far in the distance, a lone howl.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Another howl sounded, much, much closer, relaying the first one.&nbsp; A warning.&nbsp; They were in danger.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Hunters," K'injyu said grimly.&nbsp; "They followed you in."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "We can run," Kar'na said, forcing himself to his feet.&nbsp; "We'll get them to bypass the tribe."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "No," K'injyu growled.&nbsp; "We will fight.&nbsp; Your pack is too injured and tired to outrun them.&nbsp; And these ones will find you if you hide.&nbsp; No, we will fight them off."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I can't ask you to do that," Kar'na said, staring the slightly taller wolf chieftain in the eyes.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Then don't," K'injyu said with a small smile.&nbsp; "We will fight them off.&nbsp; No one gets away with trespass.&nbsp; It's a matter of pride."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "At least allow me to help," Kar'na said.&nbsp; "I cannot stay here in good conscience while you risk yourself and your own for us."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; K'injyu pursed his lips, before nodding his assent.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Fine," he said.&nbsp; "You may come.&nbsp; I have a feeling that you'd show up either way.&nbsp; I'll leave behind some of the pack to take care of your friends."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He turned to the tribe, which was looking at him expectantly.&nbsp; Kiri had stopped his story a while ago and blended back in with the others.&nbsp; Though he was far from done, as a wolf, he could instinctively grasp what that howl meant.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Friends!" the alpha cried to the tribe.&nbsp; "These trespassers on our borders are after our new companions!&nbsp; As the young Kiri has been telling, these individuals have fought their way through whatever the world could throw at them and beyond to get here.&nbsp; The people at our border now are here to drag them back!&nbsp; Will we let them?"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A resounding negative chorus echoed behind, punctuated by fierce howls.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Then let's go!" K'injya said, emphasizing his point with a howl of war.&nbsp; The tribe echoed this and took off after the black-furred alpha, leaving behind only the group, with a few male warriors and women and children as well.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Stay here!" Kar'na said to the group.&nbsp; "I'll be back!"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; With that, he took off after the tribe.&nbsp; Soon, he caught up with them, as they dodged and weaved through the forest.&nbsp; The multitude of their footsteps made barely a whisper as they moved along.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Too soon, they found themselves near the main path.&nbsp; One of the wolf scouts, a little quieter than the rest of the pack, split off and went to the left.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Approaching from that same direction, apparently having no clue of the wolf tribe's concealed location, was a large squad of armoured Falskin.&nbsp; Mixed in with their ranks, were two or three wolves, apparently there to help track down the entire group.&nbsp; Every single Falskin seemed edgy, eyes roving the treetops and bushes, apparently not seeing the wolves.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The scout who'd broken off picked up a stick from the ground and cracked it.&nbsp; Though he was about a hundred yards south of the wolves, the sound was clearly audible.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Every Falskin head turned in that direction and the tribe silently rushed onto the main path, to assemble a wall of people in front of the reptilians.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; One of the soldiers turned back to go down the path and jumped back with a curse when he saw the wall of wolves.&nbsp; The rest of the squad turned to see and a large amount of them twitched, cursed or gasped.&nbsp; A few dropped their weapons.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Be warned," Alpha K'injyu growled to the squad of reptilians who were staring at him and the wolves open-mouthed.&nbsp; "You are trespassing in Wolf Clan territory.&nbsp; Leave now and we will let you live."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The reptilians stared at him for a minute before stepping forwards and speaking.&nbsp; He didn't speak in Wolfspeak, instead talking in a language he actually knew.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Wolf," he said.&nbsp; "My men and I cannot understand you.&nbsp; But you are interfering with our mission.&nbsp; Leave us!"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "What'd he say?" Alpha K'injyu asked, turning to look at Kar'na.&nbsp; Though the white wolf hated to do it, he stepped forwards, knowing the reptilians would now have a target on them.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I'll translate for you my lord," Kar'na said, before switching over to Skjanja and repeating the same thing to the Falskin commander.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "And why would we trust you, wolf?" the reptilian spat at Kar'na.&nbsp; "You, an assassin, who by your very training, is to work from shadow.&nbsp; How can we trust that you'll translate accurately?"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Because the wolves here have plans to slaughter you anyways," Kar'na said pointedly.&nbsp; "Diplomacy can be reached here.&nbsp; I promise, on my word as the White Wolf of Winterwrath, to translate fairly and accurately."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The reptilian glared at him for another second before nodding.&nbsp; "Right wolf.&nbsp; Let's get to it then, shall we?&nbsp; Wolves!&nbsp; You are interfering with Falskin business!&nbsp; Begone and let us arrest the fugitives we came for!"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Kar'na translated this and K'injyu's face tightened.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Never in a million moons," he snarled.&nbsp; "These ones have journeyed through Knjul itself to get here.&nbsp; You have no rights to them."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Kar'na translated and the reptilian captain stared at him quizzically.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Knjul?" he asked.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Kar'na almost translated this, but realized that it was a question he himself could answer.&nbsp; Probably would've been a little embarrassing otherwise.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Knjul is the wolf belief of hell," Kar'na explained.&nbsp; "An ultimate pit of despair, torment and death.&nbsp; Betrayers and murderers get sent there."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Then you should enjoy the people you'll meet down there," the captain sneered, before turning back to K'injyu.&nbsp; "You fail to understand.&nbsp; I have my orders.&nbsp; I will remove whatever gets in my way of carrying out those orders.&nbsp; Namely, wolves who dare stand in my way."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "And we will slay any trespassers," K'injyu replied, accentuating his point with a growl.&nbsp; "Namely, reptilians who outstay their welcome."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Well then my men and I shall be _very_ brief.&nbsp; Turn over the fugitives...and we'll go..."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; One of K'injyu's ears flicked and an arrow flew past his shoulder to impale in the captain's stomach.&nbsp; The reptilian staggered backwards, tumbling to the dirt, gasping.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "That was your warning shot," K'injyu said calmly as the reptilians bared their weapons.&nbsp; "That wound will not be fatal.&nbsp; But remain here and the next one will be.&nbsp; I suggest you leave."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Never," the reptilian captain ground out.&nbsp; "Soldiers!&nbsp; Attack!"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I was afraid he'd say that," Kar'na muttered as Knjul itself broke loose.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The tribe split apart and disappeared into the forest, where they'd be a more effective fighting force.&nbsp; The Falskin started after them in the woods, but were clearly not prepared for bush-fighting.&nbsp; Their heavy armour weighed them down and gave people a pretty clear sense of where they were.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; One of the soldiers flew upside-down, a triggered noose wrapped around his ankle.&nbsp; Another guard fell into a pit full of spikes that'd been covered with leaves.&nbsp; A third pushed aside a vine and was shot by an arrow from another trap.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The soldiers staggered to a stop, carefully scanning the woods before them for more traps.&nbsp; And this is when the wolves struck.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; One of the soldiers, a simple footsoldier, received an arrow to the neck, right in the most vulnerable spot.&nbsp; He fell to the ground, dead before he impacted.&nbsp; That single arrow triggered a reaction as arrows rained down on the guards from the trees, where the mostly non-engaged scouts had hidden.&nbsp; Within less than a minute, all were dead, dying or injured.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "This is all of them," K'injyu said, looking over the pile of bodies.&nbsp; "All of them except those that lived."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Kar'na nodded.&nbsp; There were about twenty bodies on the pile, all that was left of the squad that had pursued them.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "And the prisoner?" Kar'na asked, glancing over at the trembling Falskin who was over to the side, bound hand and foot with two wolves standing careful guard over him.&nbsp; His armour had been confiscated by the wolves, leaving him on his knees in little more than what the wolves themselves wore.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "We'll send him back," K'injyu shrugged.&nbsp; "With a message.&nbsp; Come, Kar'na, I have need of a translator."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Yes alpha."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The six foot seven, black-furred wolf alpha loomed over the prisoner.&nbsp; The terrified emerald-green reptilian looked up in fear as K'injyu got down to one knee in front of him, to be almost at head-height.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "You're aware that you're the sole survivor, yes?"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Kar'na translated this and the Falskin glanced over at him before making his reply.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Yes my lord."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "And you are aware the Wolf Clan does not take prisoners?"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The Falskin trembled and nodded, a tear sliding out of his eye.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Then," K'injyu said, drawing a bone knife.&nbsp; "That's all there is for it."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He slashed and the reptilian flinched, eyes jerking closed.&nbsp; He opened them a second later to see that, strangely enough, he was not dead.&nbsp; Instead, his arms were now free, the rope now severed.&nbsp; However, he was still far from assured.&nbsp; K'injyu looked menacing.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I'm not dead?" he asked in confusion.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "No," K'injyu answered when the translation came through.&nbsp; "And you're not dying today.&nbsp; I have a purpose for you yet."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He stood to his feet as one of the guards cut the binds around the Falskin's legs.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I need you to deliver a message," the wolf said.&nbsp; "That my people are not to be messed with.&nbsp; And take this arrow.&nbsp; Tell your commander that no one will be spared these should they ever be seen to trespass again."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The Falskin nodded frantically, accepting the arrow and racing off back the way he came.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "That might just provoke them," Kar'na muttered.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Good," K'injyu smiled.&nbsp; "I hope it does.&nbsp; Until then, you and your friends are most welcome to spend the night here.&nbsp; In the morning, I'll travel with you to the guild."

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The night was filled with activity.&nbsp; The Wolf tribals put out a bounty of food for their visitors from down south.&nbsp; All styles of Ch'kiliil food were put before them, namely to say, raw meat.&nbsp; Lots of it.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The Ch'kiliil group seemed excited at this and clearly enjoyed it, while the Falskin siblings equally as clearly seemed revolted.&nbsp; They weren't even touching the large amount of food that the wolves laid before them.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Hey," Kar'na said, sitting down beside them.&nbsp; "What's the matter?&nbsp; Not hungry?"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Myra smiled weakly.&nbsp; "Not for this stuff, Kar'na.&nbsp; It doesn't quite...agree with our palates.&nbsp; Do they have any cooked meat?&nbsp; Or fruit and vegetables even?"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Sorry kiddo," Kar'na smiled.&nbsp; "Those types of food don't agree with us any more than raw meat agrees with you.&nbsp; As a species, we find your food...disagreeable."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Really?" Aryn asked, surprised.&nbsp; "So your people'd rather eat meat like animals than cook it?"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Kar'na's expression cooled minutely, though Aryn didn't notice.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Yeah," he said.&nbsp; "We don't eat cooked meat.&nbsp; I mean, I do.&nbsp; But only when in Parai, for appearances sake.&nbsp; I really don't like it."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He stood up and smiled at them.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "But after going through Parai, being forced to eat your food, I can understand not liking something and not wanting to have it.&nbsp; I'll go find some fruit.&nbsp; Be back in a while."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He headed off, determined to find some fruits and vegetables for the young Falskin.&nbsp; Meanwhile, not far away from them, Kiri was wrapped in an avid discussion between himself, Wraith, Svara, K'injyyu and Knja'ju, the scout that found them.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "So you never knew where you came from?" Knja'ju asked Kiri, via his proxy, Svara.&nbsp; "At all?&nbsp; No one ever told you?"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Socialization wasn't really encouraged by the slavers," Kiri said as Svara translated.&nbsp; "They wanted us to be in the dark and hopeless.&nbsp; Would prevent our escape."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "You escaped anyways though," K'injyu pointed out.&nbsp; "I suppose their system wasn't as well thought out as they would've hoped."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "It most certainly was not," Wraith said.&nbsp; "But we still would never have left without a push from Svara here.&nbsp; He helped get us out of there."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Svara hesitated, but translated anyways looking sheepish.&nbsp; Kiri was surprised.&nbsp; Svara was the last person in the world he would've thought to be modest about what he did.&nbsp; He usually was the most arrogant.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; K'injyu ruffled the younger fox's fur and smiled at him, saying something in Wolfspeak that Svara didn't translate.&nbsp; That didn't matter to Kiri.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "So, you all escaped Parai," K'injyu said a minute later, wrapping up his conversation with Svara.&nbsp; "Do you think you would've been able to without help?"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "No," Kiri and Wraith answered simultaneously, before Kiri continued on solo.&nbsp; "We owe most of our freedom to Kar'na.&nbsp; Had it not been for him, we would've been dead in Simil, the first city we entered.&nbsp; We were captured by a Flayer."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Jarris, right?" Knja'ju asked.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Kiri nodded.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "So Kar'na helped you all through Parai?" K'injyu asked.&nbsp; "Under no obligations whatsoever?&nbsp; He just helped you?"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Yeah," Kiri answered, looking at K'injyu strangely.&nbsp; "Under no real obligations.&nbsp; He's a good enough person to rescue us without another motive."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I suppose," the alpha said, leaning back.&nbsp; "Kar'na has a bearing of such.&nbsp; A noble individual.&nbsp; He would drop whatever he was doing to help people.&nbsp; I'm just a little surprised there aren't more of you.&nbsp; I would've thought he would free whatever slave he came across."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "He sort of...did," Kiri said, thinking back.&nbsp; "He helped a group of slaves we met in the underworks of the arena.&nbsp; And he helped that jaguar, J'inuan.&nbsp; They all made it across the border thanks to him."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Curious," K'injyu said.&nbsp; "Well, Kiri, you and your friends have a most powerful story.&nbsp; Keep it and use it.&nbsp; The emotions in that story will translate well into strength, if you build on it."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Though Svara translated, Kiri still didn't seem to understand.&nbsp; Nor did the Alpha really expect him to.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Get some rest," K'injyu bid.&nbsp; "You have some more travelling tomorrow."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The former slaves all nodded in agreement.&nbsp; Kar'na walked by, completely overladen with fruit, and the others stared at him curiously.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Why...?" Knja'ju asked in confusion.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Probably best not to ask," Kiri grinned.&nbsp; "I don't even _pretend_ to understand Kar'na all the time."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; All the assembled burst into laughter and K'injyu stood up.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Well," he said, a kind smile on his face.&nbsp; "I'm retiring for the night.&nbsp; Goodnight, everyone."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Goodnight Alpha."

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The morning came fast.&nbsp; Too fast for Kiri's liking, but he still awoke refreshed.&nbsp; Which is why, wide-eyed and bushy-tailed...so to speak...he was ready to go.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; However, it seemed that the rest of the party wasn't quite so awake.&nbsp; Myra and Aryn were both seeming to have trouble waking up, Kytra was nowhere to be found, along with Wraith and Svara, and Ari was being woken up by Knja'ju.&nbsp; The wolves were already all awake and bustling around.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Kar'na had warned Kiri that the tribals would've been awake, but it was still neat to say.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Hey sunshine," Kar'na greeted, a smile on his face, golden eyes wide awake.&nbsp; "Ready to go?"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Kiri grunted and sat upright, looking around the clearing.&nbsp; Kytra was just re-emerging from the woods, where he'd apparently been.&nbsp; He walked over to Knja'ju and Ari, joining with their conversation.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "If everyone else is," Kiri yawned.&nbsp; "These guys are so nice Kar'na."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Don't let them get your guard down," Kar'na advised.&nbsp; "Yeah, the tribes aren't nice, but most are very xenophobic."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Zeno...what?"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Not important," Kar'na shook his head.&nbsp; "I simply meant that they don't trust outsiders.&nbsp; The only reason we're still alive is that I _know_ this tribe.&nbsp; Well, that, and we _were_ refugees.&nbsp; Though their hospitality is absolute, I still want to continue on."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Alright," Kiri said, getting to his feet.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "That's the spirit.&nbsp; I'll go gather the others.&nbsp; If all goes according to plan, we should reach the Guild's Headquarters by this eve.&nbsp; Tomorrow, many of the recruits are going to be promoted to novices.&nbsp; And I hope to be there."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; With that, the white-furred assassin headed off, beginning to gather the others.&nbsp; A shadow appeared over Kiri, and he looked up.&nbsp; There, K'injyu was looking down, a smile across his muzzle.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Gara Kiri," he greet.&nbsp; "Kora shtray tasa?&nbsp; Tu wulf tufra, shi."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I have no idea what you're saying, Alpha," Kiri explained, eyes averred in respect.&nbsp; K'injyu laughed and helped Kiri to his feet, before walking off to go speak to Kar'na.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Kar'na listened to the big Alpha for a bit, nodded, then turned to look over the group, most of whom now seemed to be assembled.&nbsp; Kytra seemed to be having a tad bit of trouble extricating himself from a mob of wolf pups, who seemed curious about their visitors.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Alright team," Kar'na said, raising his voice slightly and clapping once.&nbsp; "While we indeed owe the tribe much and thank them for their hospitality, it is time for us to move on."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The group cheered, and the wolves howled, even though almost all of them had absolutely no idea what Kar'na was saying.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "So, in that regard, we best get a move on.&nbsp; We'll be finishing the journey through Wolf territories, before ascending Viper's Walk. &nbsp;Their, we can arrive at the guild.&nbsp; Hopefully, by mid-afternoon."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He looked to each of their faces individually, before nodding once, satisfied with his group.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "So, each of you grab a bag of supplies, and we'll be off."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And with that, they were.

Source: https://sofurry.com/s/B1QABPg1
Part of the series A Tail of Two Peoples
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