Valkyrie's Shadow

Before the Storm: Act 6, Chapter 5

Chapter 5

Thats a joke, right? Chimali said, Tell me youre joking.

Im joking, Ilyshnish replied.

Chimali glanced at Pebble and Pinecone, who had already each loaded a bullet into their slings.

Then why does it look like theyre preparing for a fight? Chimali asked.

Because theres a Green Dragon flying this way, Ilyshnish answered.

But you said that you were joking!

You told me to tell you that, Ilyshnish said.

What did he want? At first, it sounded like he wanted to hear a comforting lie. Now, he was accusing her of lying.

While Chimali and his associates continued to panic, the silhouette of the incoming Green Dragon grew large enough for even the Merchants to spot. The captain roared out orders to his crew, most of which sounded practically useless.

W-Winter Moon, Chimali grabbed her arm and shook her desperately, what do we do?!

Panic escalated into terror as a wave of Dragonfear washed over the crew. Several Beastmen jumped into the river while the rest remained paralysed, waiting for death to take them.

Well, first, Ilyshnish replied. The Dragon flies in.

A-And then?

And then it dies.

A loud crack snapped through the air, followed a second later by an ear-splitting shriek as Pinecones bullet shattered the Green Dragons wing at the shoulder. Their would-be attackers menacing dive turned into an uncontrolled plummet, creating a column of water as she hit the river several dozen metres ahead of them. Roars sounded from the distant shores as the Beastmen in the trees cheered their victory.

Mind the water hazard, captain, Ilyshnish called out.

Um, right.

Their barge ponderously manoeuvred around the grounded watered? Green Dragon as she floated toward them. She still looked thoroughly confused about what had happened to her when Ilyshnish gave her head a whack and stuffed her corpse into an Infinite Haversack.

Tell me there arent any more of those things flying around, Chimali said.

Are you asking for another comforting lie, Ilyshnish asked, or would you like to know the truth?

Chimali blinked up at her for several seconds.

Thethe truth, please.

There are plenty more lurking about, Ilyshnish wrinkled her nose at the telltale odour of aqua regia drifting on the wind. A few dozen, perhaps? I dont smell anything out of the ordinary aside from Green Dragonswell, no, thats wrong.

What do you mean?

Green Dragons are native to jungles, Ilyshnish replied. Its the lack of them in Rolengorek thats out of the ordinary. You could say that something like this was inevitable.

I dont understand how you can claim that, Chimali said.

Its not exactly a difficult concept to grasp, Ilyshnish told him. Dragons are Heteromorphs that grow stronger with age. The Jorgulan Commonwealth is ruled by Green Dragons. All they have to do is breed and grow and theyll eventually overwhelm Rolengorek.

It was about as common sense as one could get. Rolengorek had two options: conquer the Jorgulan Commonwealth in a bid to exterminate the Green Dragons or lose to them after a few centuries. It appeared that their time was nearly up.

The way you explain it makes Dragons sound like flying scaled rats, Chimali said.

Accurate, Vltava bleated.

Unable to say anything as she was, Ilyshnish could only silently glower at Vltava.

Do we continue on our course? The captain asked.

We cant fail this job, Chimali answered. At least we know we can defeat any Dragons that come after us.

Not necessarily, Ilyshnish said. The Green that attacked us just now was a Juvenile.

That was a Juvenile? How big do they get? What are the chances that a more powerful Dragon will show up?

That depends on what sort of game theyre playing.

Game?

Chimali looked like he was about to accuse her of lying or something again, so she begrudgingly elaborated on her answer.

Green Dragons fancy themselves expert schemers and masters of intrigue, Ilyshnish told him. And, to be honest, they are about as good as one can get at that sort of thing. Much like how Beastman parents might encourage their children to sharpen their hunting skills, Green Dragons encourage their young to plot and scheme against everyone around them, including others of their kind.

But what does attacking our ship have to do with that? Chimali asked.

The Green Dragon that attacked us was likely one that was pushed out of the nest, so to speak, Ilyshnish replied. The first thing theyll do is scout out territories to lair in. Once they settle on a new home, they then begin asserting their dominance over the area and pick out suitable tribes to serve as their minions.

I still dont get what that has to do with this game, Chimali said.

They play the game as rulers might. Most of the time, the tribes do their bidding, expanding the influence and wealth of their overlords and fighting endless proxy wars with the minions of other Green Dragons nearby. Green Dragons themselves wont personally participate in such conflicts unless theyre reasonably certain that victory is assured or their influence is so pitiful that they have to do everything themselves.

Which one was that attack on us?

Probably the latter. Most societies portray Dragons as nigh-invincible monsters, but most arent anything of the sort. Young ones are closer to strong Magical Beasts in power.

Everyone remained silent in the wake of her words, seemingly digesting the information that she had shared with them. Once the last of the ships crew was fished out of the water, they resumed their journey upriver. The next few hours showed no signs of imminent attack, though the behaviour of the local shipping was telling.

Everyones sticking close to the riverbank, Chimali noted. They must have hunters hidden in the trees to fend off attackers.

I noticed a few patrols, Ilyshnish said, but its deterrent enough.

Should we follow their example? The ships captain asked, Itll be slower going, but much safer according to what youve said.

That would undermine the precedent weve just established, Ilyshnish replied.

The captain exchanged a confused look with several members of his crew.

Precedent? What precedent?

I think I understand what Winter Moon is saying, Chimali said. We just made a decisive show of force. Scurrying to safety will cast our strength in doubtbut is it worth the risk?

Theres hardly any risk, Ilyshnish scoffed. If anything, the ships hugging the shore would be attacked first. Unless a far more powerful Green lurks between here and Kira, well remain unmolested for the remainder of our journey.

How did you come to that conclusion?

Its just how Greens are. I mentioned that they were very good at plotting and scheming, but that also means that theyre very good at thinking themselves into pointless circles. The ships travelling along the shore are safe because the Green Dragons imagine risks nearby that may or may not exist. We appeared vulnerable since we were sailing far out of range of potential shore support, but all of the Greens that watched their sibling or whoever get turned into crafting materials understand that were an overwhelming threat. Our ship is now something that theyll ignore as potential prey, and anyone having second thoughts may take weeks to make up their minds about attacking us.

that seems stupidly convoluted, the captain said.

Someone once told me that thinking makes you dumb, Ilyshnish said, and thats evidently the case here.

As Ilyshnish had predicted, they reached the long lake below Kira without a peep from the Green Dragons patrolling the skies overhead. Even the bravest of them wouldnt come within a kilometre of the ship. Several river barges called out to them to get to safety, but they were pointedly ignored.

The shores are teeming with Merchant traffic, Chimali said. It doesnt look like theyre fighting a war at all.

The Jorgulan Frontier is still hundreds of kilometres from here, the captain said. I know weve been invaded and all, but the invasion cant have gotten so far in so short a time.

Someone tell the Dragons that, Chimali muttered.

Much like the rest of the Oriculons course, the floodwaters had reached into the surrounding jungles. The way through the trees was mostly unnavigable for Merchant vessels, so they anchored themselves offshore while dugouts came to bear their cargo away. For the most part, the people seemed to be making do.

The degree of organisation here is far greater than what weve observed on the rest of our journey, Ilyshnish said.

Thats nar Kira for ya, the captain said. Their seat on the High Council isnt just for show.

But cracks are still showing, Chimali said. Things may look like this, but trade is barely being pulled eastward. That should mean they dont have the resources to import goods for the war effort.

Ilyshnish swivelled her ears from ship to ship, focusing her hearing in an effort to catch any useful conversations. If there were any problems, however, they werent being discussed.

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

If there are so many Dragons around, Chimali said as they rounded the bend of the lake, why dont they attack us all at once?

Blue Dragons would do exactly that, Ilyshnish replied. But Greens are so wrapped up in their scheming that they dont even trust their own siblings. Any suggestion of cooperation would be immediately seen as suspicious as would any agreement to cooperate.

How do they sleep at night if theyre like this all the time?

By establishing vast information networks and highly defensive lairs. Dozens of them. Even if you wanted to catch one while theyre sleeping, your chances are slim.

If they dont want to risk themselves, they could still send the tribes under them to fight

I believe thats whats happening here, Ilyshnish said. Except its not in the way that your people are accustomed to. Everything that their minions will do serves the purposes of their masters.

You mean to say that its all part of this game you speak of

Precisely.

I wonder if the warrior clans use this to their advantage.

I know a certain warrior lord who would have the time of her life in a situation like this, Ilyshnish said.

Really? Do you think you could convince her to help us?

Id have to go all the way back to my territory to ask, or at least close to it.

Oh.

Chimalis momentary excitement faded away, but then it came back again.

Surely shed be interested in a mutually beneficial relationship with Rolengorek? I know that we seem like primitives to the outside world, but Master Leeds said that we have much to offer in the way of natural resources. Il-Enxoc would be more than happy to establish a relationship

Ive been meaning to ask this for a while now, Ilyshnish said, but are you authorised to speak on il-Enxocs behalf like this? I understand that you have your propensities as a Merchant, but shouldnt you be consulting with your lord before trying to forge any international ties for Rolengorek? Even the nicest of the lords that I know of would skin anyone who tried doing what youre doing.

I-Is that so? Chimali looked away from her, Master Leeds says that opportunities are best seized when fresh and I dont think hes wrong.

I hope these warrior clans of yours dont think the same way. Theyll be falling into every little trap that these Green Dragons set for them.

While Ilyshnish believed that her mistress would consider the conflict with the Jorgulans entertaining, she also knew that she wouldnt just abandon her duties to play around with some jungle tribes. Considering that the Sorcerous Kingdom had just finished slaughtering upwards of a million Beastmen, Ilyshnish wasnt optimistic about Rolengoreks prospects when it came to enlisting its help.

It wasnt long until they cleared the bend in the middle of the twenty-kilometre-long lake, revealing the city of Kira at its eastern end. The city was structured similarly to those that they had seen along the way, though its position which was carved into a narrow peak by the confluence of two major rivers lent the clanhold an especially stark vertical relief. While it would have been a pain for Beastmen to get from place to place in the city for everyday tasks, the decision to make a highly defensible settlement had paid off when it came to mitigating the impact of flooding.

Unlike the cities that had come before it, only the harbour on the lowest tier of the city was submerged. Everything else stood high and dry. Their ship was directed to a berth along a temporary pier by one of the harbour officials, who came up to them with a leather scroll in hand.

I will speak to the master of this vessel, she declared in rolling basso.

Chimali and the captain exchanged a glance. The Ocelo Merchant stepped onto the pier to stand in front of the Nar official.

This vessel is the property of ocelo Pachan, he said. My name is Chimali, the Merchant overseeing its cargo. What can I do for you?

The official didnt immediately respond, her gaze travelling up the length of the vessel. It paused at each member of ocelo Pachans warrior escort before settling on Ilyshnish and her companions.

Who are they? She asked.

Guests from the world beyond, Chimali answered. I believe they come from a place far to the northwest of here. Theyve been in Rolengorek for months now, travelling from west to east.

And your cargo?

I was charged to deliver this directly to nar Kira, Chimali replied. We appreciate your clans regard for our circumstances in Ghrkhorstorofhekheralhr, but we still mean to contribute what we can.

Speak plainly, Merchant, the official growled.

No beating around the bush here, I suppose.

It was a strategy that would be considered unacceptably rude in civilised circles, but one had no choice but to fall in line here. Chimalis conversational tactics would be severely restricted in Kira, limiting his negotiation capabilities in an already unfamiliar battlefield.

Artisans under ocelo Pachan have been commissioned to produce equipment, Chimali said. Our lord, il-Enxoc ocelo Pachan, has decreed that this equipment is to be delivered to nar Kira to gird its newly-proven warriors.

The official loomed over Chimali, looking like she might devour him at any moment. After one last glance at the barge behind him, she turned and gestured to the sentries nearby.

Get this cargo offloaded and secured, she said. Double the harbour watch. You, you, you and you: this way.

Each you was accompanied by a gesture of the officials claw, indicating Chimali, Ilyshnish, Vltava, Pinecone, and Pebble. Everyone else appeared to be nonexistent as far as the Nar was concerned.

Following Chimalis lead, Ilyshnish silently followed the official. They were led up through the levels of the city, eventually arriving at the clanhold occupying the forested plateau at the top of the mountain. Nar hunters were stationed around the perimeter at regular intervals and she spotted just as many lurking in the giant branches overhead. Going by the defenders average strength, Green Dragons like the Juvenile that had attacked them in the morning had no chance of penetrating nar Kiras defences. Even the survival of a regular Adult was in doubt.

Even the way this place is constructed is a counter to Green Dragons.

She sensed the currents of air as they flowed through the area. When faced with a highly defended position, a Green Dragon would simply unleash its breath weapon overhead, allowing it to settle on the victims below. However, there wasnt a single place where the poison gas could pool long enough to choke out the clanholds inhabitants.

Wait here, the official said.

Ilyshnish looked up at the weathered stone gate marking the entrance to the clanholds central complex. So far, everything she had seen in the clanhold was relatively new. The structure before her was out of place compared to the other buildings of the city and the clanhold, but it didnt have the same feel as the ruins of ocelo Pachan. Maybe it was a last-ditch effort by the survivors in the region to salvage the memory of what existed before the Demon Gods. A futile imitation that ultimately did nothing to hold back the darkness that engulfed Rolengorek in the aftermath of its destruction.

The official returned several minutes later in the company of a much more powerful individual, though he was still a regular warrior by appearance. He almost addressed Ilyshnish first before visibly checking himself and looking down at Chimali.

Vogroth nar Kira will receive you in the main hall, he told them.

Chimali brightened upon hearing the newcomers words. If Ilyshnish recalled correctly and there was no doubt that she did Vogroth nar Kira was the person in charge of the convoy that had come to pick up reinforcements in Ghrkhorstorofhekheralhr over two months previous.

The fellow in question awaited them in the aforementioned hall, seated behind a long stone table piled high with what passed for records in Rolengorek. The locals didnt have a formal writing system, but they did keep track of things in various ways. Unfortunately, the materials that they used didnt last very long in the jungle, so even the most well-kept of those records were eaten by vermin or rotted away within a few years.

If Im not mistaken, Vogroth said once they stood in a row before him, you four were part of the group accompanying Enxoc ocelo Pachan when I spoke with her in Ghrkhorstorofhekheralhr.

I guess some of them do take note of non-warriors.

The harbour authority mentioned that she goes by il-Enxoc ocelo Pachan now, Vogroth, their escort said.

Well, at least someone is doing well for themselves, Vogroth rose to his feet. Would you care to explain this developmentChimali, was it?

For once, Chimali was at a loss for words. He was standing before a member of the ruling clans and the idea that one could arbitrarily jump ranks as Xoc had was a ridiculous notion whether one was in Baharuth, Rolengorek, or anywhere else with a formalised hierarchy for its ruling class.

It was necessary, Ilyshnish said.

Hohthe outsider speaks, Vogroths emerald gaze shifted to Ilyshnish. Necessary according to whom?

Necessary according to the realities of the situation, Ilyshnish replied. Il-Enxocs influence has already grown far beyond that of a minor lord. Not only have Ghrkhorstorofhekheralhr and its surrounding territories fallen under her direct rule, but the nearby cities also look to her for leadership. Its true that your confederations High Council hasnt officially recognised her, but that hardly matters at this juncture. She is rallying the central territories and preparing them for the long war that has only just started, which serves to increase Rolengoreks chance of survival.

I cant say that theres anything wrong with your reasoning, Vogroth said, but your lord will still have to deal with the High Councils reaction to her unorthodoxmanoeuvring.

She isnt my lord, but does that mean you personally approve of what shes doing?

Vogroth let out a snort before retaking his seat.

I am not my father, he said, thus I have no right to speak for the High Council. Do not take any of my words or actions as an indication of such. Now, lets get down to the business at hand, shall we?

It took a moment for Chimali to realise that everyone was waiting for him to speak.

Ah, ermby our lords command, ocelo Pachan has organised a contribution to the ongoing war efforts in the east. The vessel we arrived in also brought with it a shipment of one thousand sets of leather armour. With them, our lord trusts that you will use them to help preserve the lives of the warriors who have recently proven themselves in our struggle against the Jorgulan Commonwealth.

Recently, you saydoes that mean that these shipments will continue?

Not only will they continue, Chimali replied, but they will also increase in volume. Our lord intends to harness as much of Rolengoreks industrial capacity as possible and direct it towards supporting the war effort. Of course, ocelo Pachan will send reinforcements from our own ranks once theyre combat-ready.

I see, Vogroths claws tapped rhythmically against the table. Is there any particular reason that ocelo Pachan chose to deliver this shipment to Kira instead of one of the cities closer to the front lines?

Several, Chimali replied. Nar Kira is already aware of our existence, which helps us avoid any of the complications that we might experience with the other clans. Also, practically speaking, ocelo Pachan has no idea where the front line is. As a Merchant, it already feels outrageous enough that we were attacked by a Dragon not a day away from your city. As the individual responsible for delivering this important cargo, I wouldnt dare risk carrying it any further.

A low growl rose from behind the table. Chimali fell back a step.

What happened to this Dragon that attacked you? Vogroth asked, Where did it fly off to? There were no reports of damage to your ship.

Rather than flying anywhere, Chimali answered, it fell into the river. Our defenders were able to put it down before it could reach us.

Do you have any proof of your claim?

Chimali looked up at Ilyshnish. Ilyshnish looked around the hall.

We never got a chance to dress our kill, she said. Is there a convenient place where we may do this?

Vogroth glanced over her with a puzzled look, but eventually rose again to lead them back out into the courtyard. The residents nearby jumped in unison when Ilyshnish produced the serpentine corpse of the Juvenile Green Dragon and tossed it on the ground. A small crowd gathered to watch as Pinecone and Pebble moved to dress their kill, chatting excitedly among themselves.

How many other Dragons were in the vicinity when you attacked? Vogroth asked.

A few dozen, Ilyshnish answered, but they were content to see whether the attack would be successful or not.

Good, Vogroth said. Once in a while, one of these things will decide that an apparent opportunity is worth the risk. This should give the rest something to think about for the next week or so.

Do you mean to say that attacks such as the one we experienced are already routine?

They have fallen into a somewhat predictable pattern, yes, Vogroth replied. The younger Dragons have little recourse but to involve themselves personally in the conflict to gain prestige in the eyes of their peers. Fighting on the front lines would be suicide for them, so theyve infiltrated the skies safely past the war zone.

So you understand the nature of Greens.

The Nar scion chuckled.

Weve been fighting them for centuries, so I like to think that weve at least gained some understanding of our enemies.

Then what about the changes to security once your official learned of our cargo?

Many of the Commonwealths races are aquatic or semi-aquatic, Vogroth replied. The lord of this lake wont tolerate any Dragons dwelling in his domain, but he cares little about the camps of Jorgulan raiders that have moved in. Anything of value left unattended on the water tends to fall victim to their raids.

It seems that you have the situation well in hand, Ilyshnish said.

This is nothing compared to whats happening further east. So long as the measures weve enacted are observed, things are not so different from before the invasion.

I believe that Chimali should be informed of these measures, Ilyshnish gestured to the ocelo Merchant. Hell be responsible for relaying them to those managing the logistics between ocelo Pachan and nar Kira, after all.

Beside her, Chimali bowed slightly.

Its reassuring to know that youve already secured a route to Kira, he said. I will ensure that our Merchants will comply with your protocols.

Indeed, Vogroth raised his voice by several notches. We have much to discuss. Too much to discuss just standing here. I will have my people prepare a suitable meal: tonight, we will hold a feast to welcome the rise of a reliable new ally!

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