Page 100 of Alien Warlord's Fury
"Thank me by not reopening your wounds." She turned away with a hint of a smile.
Outside, the settlement hummed with activity. Humans and Nyxari worked side by side repairing structures. Rivera directed a team reinforcing the eastern wall, her practical knowledge complementing Varek's understanding of local materials. Across the central square, Jen and Iros led a mixed group cataloging local plants. I paused, watching this unexpected harmony. Perhaps Hammond's threat had forged stronger bonds.
"Impressive, isn't it?" I turned to find Ravik approaching, his dark silver skin bearing Shadow Canyon scarring. His presence here was unexpected.
"The council requested your presence," he said. "As witness to Hammond's defeat and... other matters". The way he said "other matters" made it clear he referred to my bond with Claire. News traveled quickly.
"Shadow Canyon agreed to attend?" I asked, falling into step beside him.
"We had little choice. Hammond's corruption of the Nexus affected all clans". I sensed his discomfort. "And what does Shadow Canyon think of this?" I gestured to the mixed work groups.
Ravik's eyes narrowed slightly. "We think it temporary. Necessary, perhaps, but temporary".
I said nothing. The bond between Claire and me was proof our peoples' futures were intertwined.
We walked toward the council hall. Inside, representatives from all three clans had gathered. Claire sat near the front, her silver markings catching the light. She looked up as I entered, our bond humming. Her relief at seeing me flowed through our connection, along with anxiety about the proceedings. My tail gave a slight flick of acknowledgment. I sent back reassurance as I took my place beside her. Her hand found mine beneath the table briefly before we turned our attention to Mirelle.
"This first formal meeting of the Tri-Clan Alliance comes after great sacrifice and greater victory," Mirelle began. "Hammond's corruption has been purged, but questions remain".
I stepped forward. "The Aerie Kin stand with our Eastern and Canyon kin. But we must proceed with the caution of the eagle".
Ravik moved forward. "The Shadow Canyon stands ready. But we do not share all our secrets freely". Tension rippled through the chamber.
Lazrin frowned. "If we are to stand united, there can be no half-measures".
"The eagle does not reveal its nest," I countered. "But it flies with the flock when danger threatens all. Perhaps a middle path? Each clan maintains its traditions, but we establish protocols for sharing vital information".
Ravik's eyes narrowed. "And who determines what is 'vital'?"
"A council," Lazrin suggested. "With representatives from each clan".
"And the humans," I added, meeting Claire's gaze. "They bring valuable perspective."
Some Aerie elders shifted uncomfortably. "The humans lack our history," one muttered. I felt Claire's anger spike, but she remained silent.
"With respect, Elder Tavik," I said, "it was a human, Claire, who stabilized the Nexus. Her connection proved stronger than any Nyxari in generations. The Aerie teachings speak of balance. We face a great threat. We must find new paths forward".
Lazrin nodded. "Nirako speaks wisdom. We propose a joint council for Nexus monitoring, with representatives from all clans and selected humans".
Ravik crossed his arms. "The Canyon will participate, but reserves the right to withhold certain knowledge".
"As do the Aerie," I agreed.
"Then we have an agreement," Lazrin said. "Now, let us hear the reports from the western territories".
Ravik stepped into the center. "Our scout teams returned this morning. Hammond is dead. Consumed by the Nexus backlash. His compound is unstable, the corrupted access point collapsed—a positive development. Some followers were killed; others scattered. We have captured seventeen".
"What of the captives?" Elder Tavik asked.
"Integrate them," Claire spoke suddenly. All eyes turned to her. "Most were manipulated. They have useful skills".
My Aerie kin showed disapproval. I stepped forward. "Claire speaks from human experience, but even the broken branch may sprout new growth".
Ravik shook his head. "The Canyon cannot accept them".
"The Eastern Settlement has outposts where they could contribute while proving trustworthiness," Lazrin offered.
After brief discussion, Lazrin summarized. "Joint patrols capture remaining loyalists. Willing captives work in monitored outposts toward integration. Resistors face exile". Murmurs of agreement followed.
