Over the hill was a shocking sight that stopped Morrigan and Nora in their tracks. Ahead, was a sprawling city of pyramidal architecture and towers built into an expansive basin, all glowing with late afternoon fires that gently reflected off the beige and grey stone that intermixed within the landscape.
As everyone approached the main gate, the guards standing on the high bastions cocked their heads curiously, but upon seeing Xitzocl within the mix and one of her Kêzi’kân flying the banner of Clan Arak’tarul, a blue, gold and black tricolor flag with a down facing crescent in the center, they quickly moved to open the 35-foot archway gate doors. The stone doors that were ornately carved in an image Morrigan did not recognize groaned as they slowly opened wide enough to allow the group to enter. Once again, Morrigan was surprised by the purposeful lack of technology the Marmuro’k used despite their technological ingenuity.
Hundreds of Marmuro’k denizens moved about with carefree air, dozens of stalls and businesses far more glamorous and supplied lined the main thoroughfare through the city, with many Marmuro’k shouting over one another in some type of bartering system that mirrored auctions.
There were the Marmuro’k form of blacksmiths, trinket vendors, restaurants, clothing shops and everything in between, Morrigan even spotted a S’randin running some kind of jeweler’s stand in front of one of the five story towers as they passed.
Skoll remained on high alert as Morrigan and Nora both gaped in wide eyed wonderment, nearly missing the curious and cautious stares from those around them.
Xitzocl hummed in amusement as she watched the two humans take in the sights, “Welcome to Tikal, our sacred land,” she said proudly.
Morrigan did her best to divide her attention however, she could not help but continue to stare in all directions and nod dumbly. “This is… beautiful,” she breathed out as she watched young Marmuro’k running past one of the stalls, tripping a Timse’h that moved from collecting their items from a vendor. The young Marmuro’k chattered and chirped in high pitched hysterical voices as the Timse’h caught itself and bellowed out after them in a deep, bass filled tone.
Nora giggled at their shenanigans and turned to Morrigan with a bright smile, “This is totally awesome!” she whispered loudly with a mischievous sparkle in her eye.
Xitzocl ushered them deeper into the city as more and more began to notice that two humans and the Bïrûskê walked amongst them. Many of which were torn between calling guards or respecting the fact that they walked with a chieftain. Despite Tikal being a neutral ground where violence was not allowed except within the confines of the Temple of Fire, Xitzocl feared two humans and one of the most dangerous creatures on Tik’Taq’To walking about would negate the rule and start a bloodbath.
Xitzocl led them to a tall tower six stories high. Morrigan looked over the structure curiously, noting that most of the city was reminiscent to the Mayan design she had seen in her history books in middle school however, the tower was more of a unique conglomerate of Roman and Mayan; A mix of concentric rings of pillars with inlayed burning sconces layered between pentagon shaped levels.
Xitzocl stopped in front of the main door made of ornate stone work, carved of glyphic depictions of 13 different symbols, one of them being the downward facing crescent of Clan Arak’tarul.
“This is where the clan chieftains congregate. The Tower of Nix. It is here we shall discuss your beliefs,” Xitzocl stated, her words hinting at her nervousness.
Morrigan furrowed her brow at that, “What is it?”
Xitzocl sighed and looked away though one of her eyes stayed on Morrigan, “A chieftain may only bring one warrior in at their side, meaning that I will have to choose you… Xol-Tau, your mate and the Bïrûskê will have to stay out of the room. Bringing you in will cause outrage, more so because whatever you say or do will reflect on the honor of Clan Arak’tarul… this is a dangerous game, Morrigan, and it may cause a war…”
Morrigan pursed her lips and hummed while Nora snickered. Nora waved her hand in an aloof manner and stated, “Hey, if they don’t know when to bow before a queen, they’ll only find their heads on a chopping block.”
Oh, smart girl you got there, Apollyon interjected.
Morrigan coughed painfully as she nearly choked on her own spit at her comment, shaking her head adamantly as she tried to control herself. Nora only grinned and shrugged, “What? All I’m saying is if they wanna start a fight, they’ll only meet a very painful death, am I right, Xol?” she asked rhetorically as she turned to the giant white Kêzi’kân. Xol bore his full row of reptilian fangs in agreement. Nora nodded proudly, “See! Even Xol agrees and we never agree on anything!”
Morrigan composed herself, making sure her coughing fit had ended before grabbing ahold of Nora’s bicep tightly as she shook her head, “No, none of that, out of either of you,” she said glancing back at Xol before turning her attention to Xitzocl, who stood with her head cocked sideways. “I understand, be careful of what I say and remember I shouldn’t be here. Diplomacy is in my job description so we should be good… hopefully,” Morrigan stated honestly before letting out a deep breath.
Xitzocl’s nostrils flared in contempt but conceded the point, remembering that it was her idea to bring the council of chieftains together in the first place.
“Very well. Follow me, and make sure you are the only one that follows me onto the elevator, the rest will need to remain on the ground floor,” she announced before turning on her clawed toes and stepping towards the two guards that both held an ornate heavy spear and pulsing energy shield similar to the one Yekku built for Xol.
The guards stepped aside and Xitzocl pushed the twin doors open, Morrigan following close behind and noting the glares she received from the guards. Inside the base floor of the tower was a regal equivalent of a waiting room, filled with dozens of Marmuro’k wearing an array of color patterns of the various other clans. Most of the Marmuro’k were engaged in conversation or verbal battles of bravado until Skoll stepped into the room, causing many to stop to stare, and some to hiss in hostile manners. Skoll responded in kind with a show of his large fangs and a low growl as he crept closer to Morrigan.
Morrigan on the other hand, grabbed his muzzle and pulled his face into her side to silence him as she ignored the room full of Marmuro’k. Xitzocl raised her hand announcing, “No need for alarm, these humans are honored guests of Clan Arak’tarul... including the Bïrûskê. Any hostile acts against those present will be considered an act of war against Clan Arak’tarul and Clan Tau, as Xol-Tau accompanies under the banner of the human Inquisitor and has given safe passage to our world on the honor of Clan Tau.”
Hissing gasps and low murmurs immediately followed as the entire room pressed against the walls, allowing Xitzocl and her retinue to enter deeper into the room. Morrigan released Skoll and looked down at him, “Go find a place to lay down with Nora and do not attack anyone,” she enunciated slowly to make sure Skoll understood. Skoll simply whined and licked her hand as an apology before Nora found a clear spot away from the congregated Marmuro’k.
“Knock ‘em dead babe!” Nora cheered as she snapped her fingers and enticed Skoll over with scratches. Morrigan just shook her head at her adorable girlfriend and looked at Xol, giving him a nod.
Xol hefted his mace over his shoulder and nodded, quickly pointing to the side of his head to remind her that he wore a specialized comm bead to fit his anatomy, and that if she needed him, to call him.
A wide birth was made for Xitzocl and Morrigan as they walked towards the elevator on for Xitzocl to stop and turn around, “I nearly forgot, we are not allowed weapons within the council room…”
Morrigan snorted, thinking how she was very much a weapon herself, smiled and nodded as she unhooked her gunblade harness. She quickly walked over to Xol and handed him the weapon before stepping back onto the elevator with Xitzocl. The elevator was a large square platform that could fit at least four Kêzi’kân the size of Xol and was gilded in a gold brushed stone that Morrigan found gaudy.
The elevator rose smoothly after Xitzocl pulled on the lever in the center of the floor, leading up to a set of doors that appeared to be solid gold. Xitzocl snorted as she witnessed Morrigan scrunch her face in disgust.
“What? Its beyond gaudy…” Morrigan defended.
Xitzocl’s reptilian grin made Morrigan smile before she cleared her throat, “Remember, you are considered my warrior in this delegation,” Xitzocl stated. Morrigan nodded before placing her hands on both doors and pushed.
She was greeted by a room of hitched breaths and shallow hisses as Morrigan stared down ten chieftains and their accompanying warriors. Wide eyed, Morrigan quickly stepped out of the way to let Xitzocl through.
“What is the meaning of this!?” exclaimed a short breed of Kêzi’kân Morrigan had never seen before. The rough, gravely voice pegged the Kêzi’kân as a male, but instead of a crest, he had a tall, red, fish-like ribbed fin running along the top of his head.
He was a pale white with a sun burnt orange lower jaw that trailed down his neck. He wore clothing akin to a tunic of purple and green, flicking his tongue like a S’randin in agitation.
“The meaning of what, Krich-Har’shk?” Xitzocl inquired, looking down on him from across a large circular table as Morrigan followed behind her. Many of the Marmuro’k surrounding the table shied away from Morrigan as if she contained a plague.
A low, thrumming bass of a voice came from the Timse’h next to Krich, an 11-foot-tall reptilian humanoid with the likeness of an earthly alligator, who was over half as wide as they were tall.
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“You bring a human, into our sacred city…” the Timse’h stated slowly, each word drawn out in the Marmuro’k language though Morrigan was uncertain if that was a commonality of the Timse’h or not, but assumed so seeing as each time she heard one speak, it seemed to be slower than the rest of the species.
Xitzocl stopped underneath a banner depicting the symbol of Clan Arak’tarul before addressing the room.
“Yes. As is custom for all chieftains to allow a single warrior to accompany them, this human Inquisitor, Morrigan, stands as my warrior,” she stated smoothly and as eloquently as one could with such a harsh language.
The room erupted into chaos as chieftain and warrior alike began shouting protests to Morrigan’s presence. Morrigan bit her lip as she glanced at Xitzocl, who remained stoic and defiant in the face of so many assaulting voices.
Several minutes passed as Morrigan did her best to ignore the comments thrown at her and Xitzocl as the golden doors opened once again, letting in two more chieftains and their warriors.
One of the two chieftains was a S’randin who stopped at the door with wide eyes as they scanned the room for the source of alarm, their eyes landing on Morrigan. Instead of protesting, the S’randin merely cocked its head to the side and flicked its tongue curiously before moving to their spot under a banner of three shades of blue with three wavy lines in the center, right next to Xitzocl.
“Tlaka- Cho-li, it is nice to see you once again,” Xitzocl stated loud enough for the S’randin to hear as the last chieftain, a blue/white, largely crested Kêzi’kân with a mechanical arm of solid gold colored metal took their place underneath a banner of bright red with a golden burning sun.
The S’randin, Tlaka, chattered quietly to Xitzocl before Xitzocl gave a hissing laugh, “Indeed, but when do we have a delegation without outrage?” she mused.
One of the three Timse’h slammed their fist on the table and bellowed loud enough to hurt Morrigan’s ears, though she was thankful all of the shouting stopped.
“Why call a delegation, Xitzocl of Clan Arak’tarul?” asked the massive Marmuro’k.
Xitzocl glanced at Morrigan before lifting her chin high, “As you know, we have a truce with the human raiders. Between the two Air Clans, Clan Arak’tarul and Clan Gra’wuul, we bore peace with and even established trade with the raiders under the conditions they stay out of our territory unless designated as a trader… now, I bring forth a new alliance…” she stated as she gestured to Morrigan, “This is Morrigan Clarke, a human Inquisitor of the faction, The Inquisition. She has come to our world to bring home one of my own, also accompanied by Xol-Tau and Hi’tet-Tau of Clan Tau as well as Yekku-Kri’ket of Clan Kri’ket… she also comes to form an alliance against the human Federation.”
This spurred more arguments amongst the chieftains however, the Kêzi’kân with the golden arm raised his mechanical clawed hand ushering silence before growling out, “I was uncertain, uncertain that was my strongest warrior down below, much less to be standing in front of the Bïrûskê along with another human… to have thought Xol-Tau had been killed in battle however, you say this… human… brought back one of your own without the notion of returning the rest of our kin?”
Morrigan’s brow furrowed but before she could say anything, Xitzocl interjected, “Xol-Tau, Yekku-Kri’ket and Hî’tet-Tau follow under the banner of Red Death… Red Death being Morrigan,” she declared, albeit it in a defeated tone, gesturing to Morrigan once again.
Her declaration caused a near violent outrage as every chieftain, especially the Chieftain of Clan Tau, argued that Xol would never follow something as weak as a “Mônkee”.
More and more insults and rebuttals of impossibility were thrown at Morrigan and Xitzocl. Morrigan’s teeth ground together harder and harder as she tried to remain composed like Xitzocl however, the more insults that came at her, the more the floodgates of her anger chipped away. She understood that the Marmuro’k felt they were physically superior, which in most cases was true, but they had no idea who it is they insulted. She reflected on everything she had been through; every hardship she had faced, every life she had cut down in order to become an Inquisitor and go to Tik’Taq’To to return Qiote to his home. Except, the Marmuro’k did not respect kindness, not on a societal level, this much she knew; they respected strength.
“Enough!” she roared as she brought both fists down on the table, a surge of her energy crackling over her arms as cracks spread towards the center of the stone table.
Everyone Marmuro’k went silent and turned towards her, including Xitzocl who was equally surprised.
“Next time you insult someone be sure they do not speak in your tongue!” Morrigan growled before letting out a deep breath. She knew if she worked herself up too much, Skoll would have a field day down below.
“Xitzocl speaks no lies, I, Red Death, name rightfully given by Xol-Tau himself as he kneeled before me and swore his devotion and allegiance to me, have taken Xol-Tau, Hi’tet-Tau, and Yekku-Kri’ket under my own banner…”
The Chieftain of Clan Tau scoffed, “There is no way Xol-Tau nor any Marmuro’k would swear fealty to something as weak as a human or do something as dishonorable as bend their knee!”
Morrigan smirked at that, “Weak? I have killed numerous enemies, survived the poison of the Iaktai, and tamed the fabled Bïrûskê, yet you dare call me weak! I may be a human but I am as much of a Marmuro’k as any one of you! Even more Marmuro’k than some of you,” she bit out bitterly, staring the Chieftain of Clan Tau down.
Several of the chieftains began to murmur to each other as the Chieftain of Clan Tau bore his fangs at her. She picked up whispers equal of both intrigue and disbelief of her audacity.
A bright yellow S’randin with the same frills as Yekku chirped loudly at Morrigan’s direction. Xitzocl leaned over to translate, “The Chieftain Izden-Kriket of Clan Kri’ket would like to have an audience with Yekku-Kri’ket…”
Morrigan nodded and looked at the wide eyed S’randin, “Izden-Kri’ket, I thank you for your civility, I shall summon Yekku-Kri’ket, as well as Xol-Tau, for all to hear,” she stated before some of the chieftains began arguing over the acceptability to bring more to the delegation floor. However, Morrigan did not care as she touched her comm bead, “Xol, fetch Yekku and the both of you come up here, also leave the weapons… Nora, I need you to make sure Skoll behaves, things are a bit heated up hear.”
“Yeah, no shit. The baby boy got all growly a few minutes ago. If he starts misbehaving, I’ll just put him in time out, are you okay up there precious?” Nora asked.
“Yeah, I’ll tell you later,” she stated as she heard the elevator begin its descent.
Most of the Marmuro’k chieftains silenced themselves as they waited for the elevator to rise again.
Within a moment, Xol flung the golden doors open in a display of threatening strength as he let out a warning hiss to the room, all the while shifting his gaze towards Morrigan. He gave a respectful bow of his head to her before narrowing his eyes to the rest of the chieftains.
Yekku was just as tactless as he sprinted around the right side to place himself next to Morrigan, chirping happily as he pushed his head into her ribs. Morrigan could not help but grin at his adorableness as she wrapped her arms around his head in a light hug.
“I know buddy, I missed you too,” she cooed as he let out a purring click.
Izden chirped loud enough to garner Yekku’s attention, Yekku shot his head up straight to see his former chieftain waiting. Yekku’s eyes went as wide as physically possible as he nervously wrung his hands and looked between Morrigan and Izden repeatedly.
Morrigan smiled, “It’s okay Yekku, he wanted to speak with you, go on, it’s okay,” she encouraged him.
Yekku flicked his tongue against her cheek making her giggle before he awkwardly stalked over to Izden. Morrigan turned her attention to the rest of the chieftains who all stood frozen, some staring down Xol and the rest staring down Morrigan.
Oh, you’ve definitely pissed a lot of then off hehehehe, Apollyon informed her.
Morrigan smirked, “At least it shut them up for the moment. Okay, let’s get this show on the road,” she mused and turned her attention to Xol.
“Xol, it appears your former chieftain, as well as some of the others believe it impossible that you swore your loyalty to me or even named me Mirina Sor,” she stated lightly.
Xol eyed her sharply with bore fangs before turning his ire towards the room. She watched as his clawed hands curled into tight fists, knowing full well that he desired his mace. Morrigan considered it a silver lining that weapons were not allowed in the delegation.
The Chieftain of Clan Tau and Xol stared at each other, both in deep contemplation before the surprisingly short Kêzi’kân warrior that accompanied the chieftain spoke out. Morrigan was not sure whether the warrior was simply young or a respective runt of the litter however, the sheer ignorance of what he said made little difference.
“This human, claims it is Marmuro’k, as if anyone would believe such a lie, just as it tries to lie and say you kneeled before her,” he stated with a hissing laugh.
The irony of not allowing weapons into the delegation was that every being in the room was a weapon themselves, which they were quickly reminded as Xol leapt onto the section of stone table that had not cracked under Morrigan’s strike and moved to seize the warrior by the throat.
Xol lifted him to eye level, holding him a foot and a half above the table and hissed in his face all the while every warrior and chieftain lost their minds over the hostility. Morrigan and Yekku were the only ones unaffected by Xol’s usual outrage when it came to Morrigan’s image and reputation.
“Silence!” Xol roared with enough force for Morrigan to feel her bones vibrate. Everyone went silent as the short Kêzi’kân struggled to breath within his vise grip.
“Red Death earned her name, Azuhcu’ach-Tau; one I gave her after bending my knee for she is the strongest warrior! Stronger than any Marmuro’k, long ear or human! She is above us and you all shall bow before her!” he bit out ferociously with his gravelly undertone before unceremoniously dropping his quarry on the ground.
Morrigan blushed as she shrank slightly, leaning over to Xitzocl and whispered, “I think he’s laying it on a little thick…”
Xitzocl grinned a sharp reptilian smile, “When a Marmuro’k believes in something as much as Xol believes in you, there is no amount of mercy to match,” she mused which only made Morrigan shrink back even further.
Azuhcu’ach, Xol’s previous chieftain, let out a low hiss with his teeth bare and his golden hand curled into a fist, “Marmuro’k never bend the knee, not even to their chieftains. You are no Marmuro’k, merely the shadow of the warrior you once were if you bow, especially to such a lowly creature.”
Morrigan’s eyes went wide in surprise as she expected Xol to begin tearing into the room and driving the delegation into a bloodbath, but to her surprise, Xol merely grinned a rather vicious grin.
Even Xitzocl looked at Morrigan with worry given how Xol handled such an insult. Yekku flew off into a seething tirade that was unlike him. Though Morrigan could not understand what he was saying, given the looks he had been receiving, she could assume that it was beyond insulting as the majority of the room hissed in anger.
Xol-Tau on the other hand let out a hissing laugh at Yekku’s gibberish before crossing his arms stoically. She could see the glint of defiance in his eye that she often saw when he disobeyed any of her orders that he truly did not agree with.
“Fine, then she will see Lakai the Ancient. Lakai will see her value and permit her the Trial of Fire, which she shall complete, then you shall bow before her,” Xol stated in a cool, dark manner.
There was a collective gasp in the form of a surprised hiss as Xol raised his chin in triumph. Morrigan felt nervous as she looked around the room, many of the eyes having shifted from Xol to her.
Before she could say anything, Azuhcu’ach hummed in thought before crossing his own arms, “Fine. Lakai will kill your pet human for entering our sacred ground and taking part in our delegations. A human has no right here nor anywhere near Tik’Taq’To, you sealed her fate Xol, and you are banished from Clan Tau, he who betrays his kin,” he huffed indignantly before stepping away from the table and leaving. Several others followed, though more than Morrigan expected stayed behind, if only to see what the human would say now.
Morrigan blinked as she looked from Xol to Xitzocl, uncertain about the predicament Xol had thrown her in. Yekku chattered with his previous chieftain, occasionally pointing in her direction and squawking excitedly, further increasing the number of curious looks of those who stayed behind.
“So… who is Lakai?” she inquired cautiously.