“Remember, Lov, the fight starts as soon as your feet hit the sand!” Paxtal called out before the young half-elf jumped. He waved a thanks for the warning, pulling an arrow from his quiver before he jumped down. As his feet landed on the sand of the arena, Manatua chanted a prayer and slammed the hammer head of the ax into the ground.
Lov barely had time to jump after climbing to his feet. He stepped back into the wall, using it to catapult over the wave of earth that came at him. It was as tall as his uncle and flowed like the ocean. The wave crashed into the side of the arena before melting back into the ground, almost water like. Lov landed, feeling the sand give over the stone foundation, half expecting the ground to swallow him. He drew his bow, aiming the arrow for right between the young shaman's feet. Lov needed to get the orc moving, but was unable to get the shot off.
Manatua slapped at the ground with the ax side of the head, scooping a chunk of rock that he hurled just past Lov's head. Lov dropped his arrow as it whizzed past him. It smacked into the side of the arena with enough force to turn to dust. Lov grabbed another arrow, still looking to get his opponent moving.
The orc was still gaining his footing after that last swing, and chose a defensive stance instead of pressing his attack. He chanted a spell softly to himself, looking to see what Lov would do. The half-elf loosened his draw and rushed the orc, an arrow still sitting on his bowstring half pulled, and ready to shoot in a second's notice. Manatua opened himself up, swinging the ax around and down, slamming the awl head into the ground. A crack spread through the stone foundation ten feet wide, right at Lov.
Lov did a flip to the side, dodging little pebbles that flew towards him. They exploded from the rock that had filled the crack. He saw two large stones flying towards him, and he took quick shots at them. He hit them cleanly, splitting them so they flew past his shoulder. He rolled towards Manatua, taking two more shots at the young shaman's feet. It made the shaman stagger back as the arrows split the bands of his sandals between his toes. He stumbled to the ground and Lov picked up a rock from those that had been hurled at him. He ran up, smacking the orc on the head, knocking him unconscious and turned to face the Greatmothers. It had taken four non lethal shots, and a dropped arrow to knock the shaman out.
“Are you really going to make me kill such a promising young chief to show you how strong I am?” he demanded of them. “The hammer is his. He's shown me he can use it to much better effect than I ever could. I would gladly have given it to him if he had asked. What do I have to do to convince you people I only want to guide you to greatness?” Lov walked to the edge of the pit and jumped into the stands before the Greatmothers. They stared in shock at the loss, as the consequences of the fight settled over them. “At least now I know I'll have your power behind me. I know tonight you have a celebration for the people. We'll discuss business tomorrow.”
The Greatmothers watched, shocked into silence as this upstart half-elf strode up the stands of their arena. He walked as if he owned everything. The powerful women had no other champions worthy to throw at him though. He was unscarred and chief of five tribes, including Kahia's own Eye of Gruumnsh. They shuddered to think what kind of an uproar this half-dragon, raised by elves, was going to cause.
Chapter Eighteen
Annika walked down the street, thinking about what she had heard this morning. Her mother, Kahia, planned to wed her to Manatua. Annika didn't want him, he had been shamed in battle today. She had other ideas. She marched purposefully through the Chieftains' living quarters, heading for the young chief's room.
She wasn't surprised to see that he had taken over the largest and most elegant of quarters. She walked in without knocking, shocked to see elven slaves sitting and relaxing about the room. None of them were cleaning or waiting on their chief. No one even appeared to be guarding the master bedroom. They just lazed about. She was so used to the way they acted as slaves, cowering away from the cruelty of their masters. She had never seen them relaxed and conversing before.
Still in shock, Annika went further into the room, heading towards the closed bedroom door in the back. She knocked before shoving her way through, not sure what to expect. Lov was half sat up when she entered, his feet hitting the floor as she walked through the open door.
“Do you mind?” He growled at her, walking over and closing it forcefully. Lov walked back to the bed, and stretched back out on it. His eyes were open, staring at the ceiling.
Annika couldn't resist herself, she climbed into the bed too, laying next to Lov and staring at the ceiling. She wondered what he saw. She edged closer and closer, until Lov waved at her, spitting her hair from his mouth. He glared up at her as she flipped around giving him room. “Do you need help with something?” He demanded.
“What are you staring at there?” Annika asked, sitting comfortably on the bed. Lov couldn't help but admire how beautiful she is. To his light sensitive eyes, she lit the room like one of Jaxon's bulbs.
“I'm not staring at anything, I'm just thinking.” He replied, raising to a sitting position, his back leaned against the wall.
“Well, what do you think about?” She pressed.
“Should I feel compelled to answer you for some reason?” The stubborn half-elf asked, “I mean, that I know you're not someone I trust.”
She stared blankly at the wall, her eyes blinking rapidly in confusion. A smile spread on her face after a moment. Lov felt his dragonhunger stirring at the sight of her. “I'm just trying to decide whether or not I should work with you over my mother.” She replied. Lov saw how the thin robes she wore clung to her skin, showing the curves she had to great effect. His skin began to warm as he considered this beautiful woman. Her heart shaped face and high cheekbones matched her almond shaped eyes perfectly. Her nose was narrow, and just a little long. When she smiled, her fangs stood out clearly, but rather than be repulsed by it, Lov found himself attracted to the sight. “My mother has led the tribes so long, I don't know if she is still headed in the right direction. She bought these elven slaves from the Titans, but those tin headed constructs are our sworn enemies. They're more reviled than the elves even! But you, your notions are even stranger.” She gestured to his bedroom door. “You have slaves out there acting like normal beings. They're not being treated like chattel or expendable. Why is that? Do those slaves hold some sort of blackmail over you? I won't be party to a weak leader!”
Lov laughed at her strange notions. “I treat them like people because they are people. Each one of them has something to offer this society. Even if it is only being a manual laborer, we should appreciate what the person brings. Can you go into the quarry and work ten hours a day with hardly any food or water, and be expected to keep up for days upon end?” Lov gestured to the woman before him, still intoxicated with her scent that filled the room like flowers. “Nor would I expect them to regard you any less than themselves even if all you seem to do is make demands upon wait staff.”
“You are insulting! I do my own work around the city! I ask for help from no one!” She stood quickly, turning for the door, but Lov's voice stopped her. He couldn't help but think that she was beautiful as she glared death at him.
“And living the life as the daughter of a Greatmother is so hard. Don't you use a street kept up by slaves to get around quicker?” He walked to block her path, placing his arm across the door. She glared at him, waiting for him to move. “I don't doubt that you do a lot for yourself, beautiful. But there are ten unseen hands that help you before you even awaken in the mornings.”
“Can I leave yet?” She growled, pushing his arm from in front of the door. She started to pull it open, but Lov planted his foot in front of it.
“Not before you give me your name, lovely.” He replied, giving her his best smile.
She rolled her eyes before saying, “Annika, my name is Annika. Now please move or I will quit being nice.” Her lips curled in a snarl as she attempted to intimidate this man before her.
Lov gave a little chu
ckle before he moved. “That sounds exhilarating.” He said, doing his best impression of his grandmother's predatory smile.
Annika rushed from the room and out of his quarters, not sure what to make of this young upstart. He was brash, he was rude, but she couldn't argue against his effectiveness. She hurried deeper into the city, losing herself amongst her people so she could think.
Chapter Nineteen
Jaxon and Nord were just finishing a game of checkers. Jaxon was finishing winning the third of five, when Lov strode into the tent. They both looked around surprised that the Anuunaki hadn't even announced him. “What in the hell did you do to my guards?” Nord asked his nephew as the half-dragon sat at their impromptu table.
“Nothing, they just know I'm no threat to you. I came to talk with you about my plans for tomorrow.” Lov looked to Jaxon, “I'm going to claim a homeland for the elves with the tribe under my direct control. And make you lead while I go on a journey. I trust you to prepare an army for me, Uncle.”
Nord shook his head, “I refuse. I've had enough problems with this damned army! What makes you think I'm ready to lead a larger one?”
Jaxon nodded, “I agree, you don't seem to understand just how limited in scope your uncle here is.”
Lov thought for a moment before proposing something else. “Fine, we'll set you up as a figurehead, and put Jaxon in charge of it all.”
Jaxon sputtered and attempted to argue, trying to jump to his own defense, but Nord jumped in. “I think that's a wonderful idea! He can bribe them with those blue bulbs he's been talking about selling to them!”
“No! NO, NO, NO!” Jaxon jumped onto his chair, stamping his feet on the seat. “I'm not letting you steal my profits again! I already paid for a damned army for you, Nord!”
Lov reached out, taking the halfling by the hand and pulling him to his seat. “Listen, Jaxon. You'll still be profiting, just in another way. Instead of money and coins, you'll be gaining power in a rising empire. Which is more important to a comfortable living, money, which you already have plenty of? Or power, to set up the rules as you want them?”
Jaxon stopped for a second, considering what Lov had said. “Total control?” he asked, “With Nord defending me if anyone tries to challenge me?”
“Even better, they'll challenge Nord instead of you.” Lov replied.
Jaxon jumped from his seat, doing a little dance around the tent, kicking up his heels in glee, before settling back down and calmly replying. “No, I refuse. I wouldn't be able to live with myself if I got my best friend killed. ”
Nord rolled his eyes, thinking of all the times Jaxon had talked him into battles. “I have a feeling I'm going to be doing a lot of fighting soon.”
“Yes, you are, Uncle. And I expect you not to kill them.” Lov pointed south towards Heart. “Remember we're going to need a strong army for what I have planned.”
“You never like to do anything easy. At least I don't have Missy staring over my shoulder inspecting everything I do.” Nord gestured to the board, setting it back up to play another game against Jaxon. “We'll do our best, Lov, you go get everything set up.”
Lov left, leaving the two older men together. “He is pushy!” Nord complained before turning back to Jaxon and his game.
As Lov was crossing the plain back into the city alone, a large flash caught his eye to the east. He ran off to inspect it. When he got there, he saw a beautiful woman standing in the middle of a scorched circle. She calmly pointed up at the sky, and Lov looked up to see what she was pointing to. He stood astonished as new stars began to paint the sky, filling in empty spots in the darkness.
“Damn Wyrms don't know what they're doing when they muck up the universe like that.” She complained. She had blue and green scaly skin like Lov's and purple hair. It spilled long, straight, and luxuriously down her back. Lov lost a step when he saw how beautiful she was. “So, you're the young one Tryton was talking about.” The woman said, walking towards Lov. “He said you show a great deal of potential with our gifts, before he went wyrm, that is. I don't understand the spell your grandmother has him under.”
Lov watched as the woman shifted forms, becoming an elf maiden. Her skin was soft and supple and nary a stitch of clothing upon her. She chuckled as she watched Lov's scales darken as he blushed. “You're cute. I see why Tryton wanted you kept away from me, I can be a bit…corrupting. Still, I came to help you. Looking into the future, I see a crossroads before you, young one. On the one hand, you have your uncle, and just your uncle, leading your armies to Heart and salvation. On the other, you have him surrounded by friends and family that support him. One is doomed to fail, the other is guaranteed to succeed.” She painted a swath of the galaxy, putting a bright white cloudy streak in the sky. “Problem is, you're linchpin is gone. I'm going to tell you how to get Sanche back.”
Lov shook his head. “Sanche has been dead for at least a month now, what good would bringing him back do?”
She tugged at her ears before replying, “Who is there for your uncle to confide in but you? And who is there for you to speak your mind to?” She pointed to the sky and a few more stars appeared. “Besides, your window of opportunity is short. The unicorn will only be accessible on this plane for a limited time, and she can fix any hurt. You have to be on the Rainbow Island within two months time to even ask if she'll try to save Sanche. All I know is if you don't do this, Nord is doomed to fail as the leader of your army.” She changed shape again, becoming a small winged iguana. “That's it, all I had to say. Just trust your feelings once you have Sanche's body, and trust the mermen.” She took off into the night, leaving a stunned Lov staring after her. He walked back to the city in silence, processing everything she had told him, and devising a plan. He wished Missy were here to help him relay his messages.
Chapter Twenty
An Anuunaki shook Nord awake the next morning as the sun rose. He dressed then headed out of the tent walking for the city. The sky was lit up with blues and oranges that faded into dark purples. He passed the almost empty camp of Anuunaki sleeping around him, the outer guards, as always, vigilant. Long shadows crept through the camp, and Nord realized he could see his breath on the air. The tall elf hopped onto one of his four guards, pointing them towards the city.
He dismounted as they neared the gates, walking up to the gate watchers. He observed as a large, muscular orc sized him up. Nord saw that he had no scars under his thick mat of fur, a rarity in the elf's experience. The orc put his hand out, blocking Nord's way. “What business do you have in the City?” he asked, puffing out his chest.
Nord had to admit, it was impressive. The orc had a large barrel chest and a flat stomach. The skinny giant smiled down at the gate watcher. “I'm here for Lov.” He stated, waiting patiently.
The orc growled at him. “Wait here.” he said, walking to talk to the other guards.
Nord tapped his foot impatiently before beginning to pace. His nephew was probably still lazing about in bed at this hour. He came back, stopping before the tall elf. “You can pass, but follow your escort. Don't try to deviate, or he will kill you.”
Nord bowed low, walking past the guard. The Anuunaki moved to pass the orc, and the large man blocked their path. Another fight was stopped by Nord telling his guard to wait. They settled back impatiently, pacing twenty feet from the gate. They refused to head back to camp.
A smaller guard led Nord into the city towards a beautiful complex, all cut from one stone. The giant elf recognized the symbols and gods of the dwarven people. They were wiped out in the Dragon Wars by the great Wyrms spreading their destruction. An entire mountain range had disappeared. The land had been flattened and grown, and flattened again in the course of one battle. Only Dalanar's sacrifice had solidified the world again. The orcs were what remained in the land after the war.
Nord shook his head to see the great halls of the dwarves stooped to such levels. Crude stone work attempted to repair breaks. But it failed to show the same craftsmanship the
dwarves had mastered. They walked to the top floor, past other official seeming rooms partitioned by cloth. On the fifth floor, Nord found Lov standing before thirteen powerful looking women.
The tall elf couldn't believe what he was seeing. Only Amon's child would find a way to stick himself in the center of power. Already Lov paced before the Greatmothers, dictating to them the way things were going to be. Nord shuddered at the similarity between father and son.
“Now, we will still keep our tribes. But more as a clan, split into individual tribes. All tribes are one tribe! You are Gruumnsh's lost children. Forging our own destiny from a world that tried to throw us away.” The orcs standing about the room gave a soft cheer. “We will take what has been denied you. Your leaders were killed for no more reason than their ambition. Savage ambition to be sure. But only trying to better your people as anyone else would. All the other races had a hand to help them. For the elves, it was the dragons. For the humans, it was the dwarves, for the dwarves it was the Ogier. Each lifted the other up.
“I want to do that for you. The orcs show the promise of being a powerful people.” He pointed out to the others in the room. “I want to make you powerful. But first we have to break a broken system.” He pointed towards the southwest, towards Heart. “There's a cancer we have to clean from the land first. The Titans have been corrupted by their own good. The system refuses to see the darkness that creeps into it even as we speak.”
He pointed back to the orcs in the room. “You are the knife I want to use to cut that growth free. Free ourselves of it, and we create our own destiny.” Lov spread his arms wide as silence settled over the room. For a heartbeat, the young chief worried that he had bitten off more than he could chew.
Then, the orcs standing in the room all began to cheer. “Lov! Lov!” The Greatmothers did not look pleased. Two smiled large, while the rest glared at the young half-elf. It reminded Nord again of Amon. The Elven parliment had looked just like that when the brothers had taken over the army.
Breath of the Titans: The False Titanbringer: Complete Trilogy Page 25