“Looks like the entire Empire is heading for us.”
Cathan glanced over at the Tigra Beast Caller, whose bird had just alighted on their watch tower. Why the Khan had wanted him to work with this Sarjen was a mystery. Even being at the border was an unusual practice for the Lyonin.
“Sarjen. Given the reported human population, it is unlikely they can mobilize their entire Empire. Now give me a proper estimate.”
The Tigra looked offended. Perhaps he was trying for comedic effect? What would the point of that be for those who were to be the first line of defense of the Majestix?
Cathan’s golden eyes locked with Sarjen’s ones of obsidian. The Beast Caller’s bird ruffled its feathers, puffing up. Ignoring the display, he merely continued to stare at the Tigra.
Sarjen finally broke the connection, turning to gaze northward. “Daria says over two thousand humans are approaching the border, though they don’t appear in a hurry. Not that they’ll need to rush, with those numbers. They’ll swarm over us like Torian River Beetles.”
“Two thousand?” Cathan turned his own gaze to the northern horizon, searching the mixture of forest and flatlands. At the range the bird had most likely detected the humans, they were too far for even a dust cloud to be seen. “Too many for a scouting force and too few for an invasion.”
“What are you thinking, old cat?”
It was an effort not to cuff the youngin. Why someone with less than four decades was given such a critical position was yet another mystery.
“Send word to the other border watches to keep an eye out for other forces. Then have it keep watch on me. I shall go out and meet this force. If they slay me, you will need to take word of my death to my children and grandchildren, so they may avenge me.”
Sarjen blinked at him before slowly nodding. After sending off Daria with the messages, the Tigra walked back to stand beside him.
“And if they don’t kill you? If you’ve been taken hostage?”
Cathan’s eyes narrowed. “No Lyonin would allow themselves to be a captive. They would be forced to slay me.” A low growl rumbled in his chest. What do they teach the cubs these days? There wasn’t enough interaction between the clans of late. Ever since The Sundering.
Sarjen held up his paws. “Peace, warrior. I meant no disrespect.” The Beast Caller reached up to scratch an ear. “What if they’re here to talk?”
“That’s a lot of people for just talks. No one gathers that many bodies and moves towards another nation with peaceful intentions. Their arrival has dark portents.”
The Tigra nodded. “As you say, Warrior. May the One God watch over you and may you die with honor.”
Cathan reached out to grip Sarjen’s shoulder, then turned to descend the tower.
As he walked north, he slipped his battle claws onto his right paw, securing the straps. Perhaps the Khan saw this coming. Why else send someone of his experience to the border? First contact with the enemy reveals critical information.
Upon reaching the border, lined with a knee high wall of loose stones, Cathan knelt on the earth. He sank the claws of his left paw into the soil, whispering a prayer to the Earth Mother to welcome home his body.
“A bit early for that, old cat.”
Cathan leaped to his feet with a snarl, whirling around to find two cloaked Panthras standing a respectable distance away. “Shadow Dancers!” He nearly spat. He’d never liked those who worked in the shadows. A true warrior fought in the light. “What do you two want?”
One pulled back the hood of his cloak, revealing brown eyes and a grin. “We’re here for much the same reason as you. The approaching humans.”
Cathan frowned. “How? There is no way for word to have reached you yet.”
“Oh, we’ve been expecting them.”
The frown turned into a scowl. “You expected thousands of humans and thought not to have warned the border watch?”
The Shadow Dancer held up a paw. “Peace. We’ve only just returned from reporting to the council. They sent us ahead because we are familiar with some of the humans. They are an ally, of sorts.”
Cathan barked a laugh. “The Empire does not ally with those who are not human.”
“Ah, now that’s the trick. These humans are rebels. They disagree with the way the Empire has been run.”
“Rebels? You mean traitors.” Cathan’s eyes narrowed. “Your story does not sit well, Panthra.”
“My name is Bageera. This is Theron. And is it treason to fight against injustice? Is there not honor in resisting a foe you know to be dishonorable?”
Cathan relaxed slightly, then huffed. “We shall see what type of humans you have brought upon us, Bageera.”
“I didn’t get your name.”
“No, you didn’t.”
* * *
Palcon looked at the approaching border wall with mixed feelings. On one side it was a representation of safety, at least temporarily. There had been several monster attacks on the way here and they’d lost some people. The Majestix kept their lands well patrolled.
Second, it signaled the time of preparation towards conflict with the Empire. Conflict on a scale as hadn’t been seen since the last portal invasion. The attack on Feron’s compound had involved hundreds. The fight with the Empire would encompass thousands, even tens of thousands.
Catching sight of the three figures waiting at the wall, Palcon called for a halt. It took a while for the message to filter through the entire group. Once things were settled, he informed the Travel Council of his decision, then walked alone to meet the waiting Majestix.
As he neared he was able to identify the two cloaked Panthras as the Shadow Dancers from the raid. Their tall Lyonin companion was new to him, though. Hopefully his half remembered lessons on proper etiquette would work here.
Stopping a respectable distance away, not within weapons range, yet not too far as to appear cowardly, Palcon drew himself to his full height. His good eye could see signs of age in the Lyonin, and his gear appeared well cared for. This was an experienced Warrior.
Resting his hands on the hilts of his swords, Palcon locked eyes with the Lyonin, then bowed slightly from the waist, never breaking the gaze. Once straightened, he said, “Greetings, Warrior. I am Palcon of the Human Rebellion. I come seeking the peace of the Majestix for myself and for those under my care.”
The old Warrior’s eyes widened almost imperceptibly. Slowly, the Lyonin returned the bow with exactness, matching Palcon’s movements. “Greetings, Palcon. I am Cathan of the Majestix. May you find the peace you seek.”
There was a moment of silence before Cathan continued. “Where did you learn that greeting?”
“My father traveled to Central for the Games before I was born. He learned there then taught me.”
Cathan nodded. “I have competed in the Games. Their loss is another tragedy of The Sundering.” Seeming to relax further, he indicated Bageera with a toss of his head. “This one says he was expecting your… group.”
Palcon bowed greeting to the Shadow Dancer, though it was slightly shallower than the one he’d given Cathan. HE could detect a hint of a smile in the Lyonin’s golden gaze and a slight curve to Bageera’s lips.
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“I hope you’re ready for us. I’m not sure how far behind the Empire will be. We also expect more groups to join us, at least coming from Terrace. There might be more we aren’t aware of, as well.”
Bageera nodded. “Khan Shaka thought that might be the case. Word is going out to the other border towers to be on the watch for refugees, rebels, and the Empire alike. We’d like to enlist some of your people for identification purposes as well.”
Palcon smiled. “Sounds like your Khan is wise, indeed. I hope to meet him soon.”
There was a glint in Bageera’s eyes that Palcon didn’t like. “I’m sure they’ll be excited to meet you soon. We’ve also got a group with wagons and supplies heading from the city to meet up with us on our way. We can start organizing into groups at that point as well.”
“Sounds like an excellent plan.” Palcon’s smile grew brighter, then he turned back to Cathan. “Warrior, if I may, I’d like to leave someone with you to brief you on our group, as well as what we expect the Empire to bring to bear.”
The Lyonin nodded and Palcon took his leave, followed by the Shadow Dancer. As he neared the group he found Evalyn waiting for him.
At some point Evalyn had obtained a wooden staff. Each day the staff became more intricately decorated, almost like it was being carved, though it never seemed to lose any size. There must be a nature elementalist of some skill in the group that she was going to.
By now the staff had vines of ivy crawling up its length, with delicate flower blossoms nestled within the ivy’s embrace. It also seemed to be sprouting branches at the top.
Palcon expected her to say something about being left behind. All along the trek she hadn’t allowed him to be more than a few yards away, except when taking care of personal needs. Not that she said much either, seemingly content to watch, even when he was training men in the evening or guiding the group during the day.
Evalyn just watched him, her gaze switching to the Panthras for a moment before returning to him. He gave her a quick greeting before heading to the Travel Council to give them the news. She did fall in behind him for that meeting at least.
* * *
Ethaniel spoke up during the council meeting. “Vincent and I will go with the group traveling to meet the Khans. We’ve met them before, especially Khan Shaka. She’s the one that organized the raid on Feron’s compound in the first place.”
He couldn’t understand the wince on Palcon’s face, but at least he agreed.
* * *
“Your objects are noted. Again. They are also denied. Also again.”
Khan Kubla was unable to hold back the snarl, his ears flattening against his head as he glared across the table at Xhere. The Tigra had the nerve to sit there with his claws steepled, looking calm and collected as always. That he merely raised an eyebrow at the snarl was just as infuriating as the denial.
“We are about to be at war with the Human Empire, due to that one’s bungling.” Kubla pointed a claw at Shaka before continuing, “And to prepare for that you want to welcome humans into our lands. Not a few humans, either. Thousands!”
Xhere gave him a level look, his dark eyes as unreadable as ever. “War with the Empire of Man was inevitable, given their stated philosophy on ‘abominations’, as you have previously brought up. That does not change our duties. The Accords state that we are to provide shelter from war for those who seek it.”
Kubla slammed a paw onto the table, causing the heavy piece of furniture to jump slightly. “The humans have broken the Accords!”
The Tigra shook his head. “The Empire of man is in violation of the Accords, not the humans. The two are not the same, just as no clan is the entirety of the Majestix.”
Kubla dropped into his chair, digging his claws into the padded armrests. “These human refugees you seek to coddle are nothing but trouble.”
The sneaky Panthra finally weighed in, little did her opinion matter to him. This entire situation was all her fault.
“I disagree. The humans bring a variety of skills and knowledge, which we have been lacking in due to the Empire’s closed borders. Additionally, there are numerous mages among their numbers, a talent that is rare among the Majestix.”
Kubla huffed, crossing his arms over his chest. “Trust you to look at the economic side of things.”
“Of course.”
Xhere took back over the conversation. “While your concerns are not without merit, they have been weighed and found deficient against the needs of Honor and the potential benefits. However, I would ease some of your concerns.”
Kubla blinked in surprise as the Tigra continued.
“The humans will not be housed in the city. They will be assigned an area to the east, between the city and the mountains. That will make them easy for the Panthra to observe.” Xhere offered a nod towards Shaka.
“They will only be allowed into the city in small groups and only with an escort. You are welcome to attach one of your warriors to each escort.”
Those were actually better terms than Kubla was expecting. He’d had visions of humans swarming through the city, with every harm they came to being laid at his feet. Reluctantly, he relaxed. “Very well. I withdraw my objections. For now. I will be watching the humans. At the first sign that they’re a threat, I will deal with them accordingly.”
Xhere nodded his head. “Of course.”
Kubla managed to suppress his snarl and shoved free of his chair, stalking from the council chamber.
Once outside the building, Kubla was surprised to see Sasha rather than his bodyguards. As if reading his mind, she grinned at him. “I’ve sent them off to get your direct observation of the humans. Plus, I knew you’d need to talk after the council meeting.”
A pleased purr rumbled in his chest, the last bits of frustration at the meeting bleeding away. He reached out and pulled Sasha tightly against him, bussing her cheek. For a moment, he just reveled in the feel of his mate, her scent, and the knowledge that she belonged to him.
Finally drawing back, he gazed into her laughing golden eyes and grinned. “You are wise. We should talk.” Hooking her arm in his, he turned them towards home.
“The humans are to be settled out of the city, on the eastern side. We’ll be allowed to escort any humans who enter the city.”
“At least they aren’t in the city, nor on clan lands.”
“To which I could no longer argue against them being granted safety in accordance to the Accords. They prepared their arguments well.”
Sasha grinned. “You may not like them but you’ve never denied their intelligence.”
Kubla gave an amused snort. “Would make things simpler were it not the case. All this intrigue is a waste of time. Give me straight up combat.”
“Soon you’ll have all the combat you could want. Any word from the Shartha on our armor?”
Kubla grumbled. “They haven’t been able to fully duplicate the human’s armor qualities, though they have managed to produce a superior version of our own armors.” He grimaced. “At least they’re good for something.”
Sasha gave him a grin. “One good thing about all these refugees. And as for the humans, perhaps we’ll be able to pick some out of the herd to play with.”
There was a hunger in those golden eyes, one echoed within his own. With a growl, he swept her into his arms and ran the rest of the way home. That was enough talk. It was time for play.