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AR Chapter 358
🕑 Added 2025-04-03 04:00:13 +0000 UTCAfter taking the necessary time to understand my mate’s news, we spent a fair amount of time catching each other up on what had happened over the past three months. Winter was well and truly here, and Sybil confirmed that they’d seen a fair amount of snow already, though none had stuck as far down on the mountain as we were. Up on the peaks where the Shandise had disappeared on the day of our first appearance, white remained. With how close the sea was, I suspected there would be no small amount of snow at some point. However, that was something to worry about later. For now, we needed to focus on establishing a city, with buildings and plenty of places to protect whatever young would inevitably be born here.
Though Sybil was going to be the first Keel mother, there were dozens and hundreds of keelish that were sure to want to lay eggs and proceed with filling the city with more and more of their number. The keelish were going to mate and lay eggs, and there would need to be a place for that. Given that we weren’t burrowing, since we didn’t want to incite another ant war after only barely convincing them to focus their ire elsewhere, we’d need to create nests that could maintain a warm enough ambient temperature to keep the incubating eggs alive.
“The arboreal keelish are sure to have something to say to assist us in planning such things.” Sybil said. “They have lived here for much longer than the rest of us, though much further north, where the winters are sure not to be nearly so harsh.”
“I’ll ask around.” I confirmed. “I’m sure we can get something figured out anyways.”
“Of course you can, my Alpha.” Sybil nuzzled into my neck as she said as much. “Is there anything else that you feel demands your presence?”
“Not right now.” I replied, pulling myself out of the bath. “Though, I should probably smooth out any disputes right now, before they have any opportunities to get too ingrained.”
“If you so wish.” Sybil replied, pulling herself out of the sands with a hand extended to me. I hauled up and retrieved her with a smile.
“I’ll be back soon.” I promised as she retired to the bed nearby. It was stacked with furs, though not as many as there had been in the past. Our rough treatment and abysmal tanning methods didn’t allow for any of the hides to last for too long.
I stepped out into the city, listening to the constant screeches and shrieks of thousands of keelish packed into one small area. Most were finding places to rest, as the defenders were exhausted by over a month straight of fighting and the newcomers were tired by the months of travel and reduced rations. As such, the most established, comfortable places were nearly becoming battlegrounds as the established inhabitants demanded respect and the newcomers demanded accommodation.
As soon as I was seen near a dispute, though, they turned to me for counsel. If it had been a fight for dominance, I wouldn’t have interposed myself, but as I’d introduced the chaotic element, I took responsibility for their actions.
“Today, rest together.” I commanded, drawing on [Skills], [Titles] and my own personal presence. “I will ensure that tomorrow each pack is given their requisite space, but for today, press close and be warmed by another’s presence. Alphas, you are responsible for ensuring that your packs don’t attempt to slaughter each other. If there must be combat, keep it between your own for today. Tomorrow, any fights that need to be settled will be with my blessing. Today, I will ensure you are all fed until you are bursting and given preliminary lodgings.”
I didn’t ask for questions, but I did pause for any explosive complaints. None were forthcoming, so I spoke again, “I’ll say this again to others as I walk through the city, but I want you to spread the word as well. Clear?”
Frills flared in acknowledgement of my command, and of the 40 or so keelish standing in front of me, half a dozen ran out to do as I said.
Without speaking to them any more, I walked away to speak with any other packs that I came across. Fortunately, I’d brought about 1,400 keelish to New Nievtra from this journey, and nearly 1,000 of those came from Tala. Those from Tala remained keelish, prone to violence and other outbursts, but better able to control themselves than most. All keelish respected strength most of all, and while Brutus wasn’t by my side as I walked through the city, I was enough by myself to intimidate any keelish or khatif.
Each individual I saw who I spoke to immediately fell in line. Some were obviously less excited than others, but there was no disagreement or even surly attitudes for as long as I was around. As soon as I’d spoken with three groups, each made up of several packs, the word had spread enough that there was no further need for me to continue with my instructions. When I went to retire to my impromptu home with Sybil, I found myself laughing at my own privilege, that I could have a home to myself with my mate and have no doubt that we’d be left in total peace. Different from how I’d have felt as a human, it felt right that I, the Zaaktif, be protected above the rest, as I would be the first to defend our land as well.
Before I could step into my little home, though, Ytte walked up to me with her strange-five-fingered hand held high.
“Ytte.” I acknowledged her. “How can I help you?”
“For now, I wish to welcome the Zaaktif home and offer any services you see yourself needing. I also wished to request your presence tomorrow. I think I’ve finally learned what the purpose is of the rock that the Allmother gave me, and your presence will be needed to truly explore its use.”
“Great. I’ll be there before midday, though I can’t say exactly what time I’ll be available tomorrow.” I answered.
“Not more than an hour after we breakfast will be a good time, Ytte.” Sybil’s voice called out from within the building. “Our preliminary planning and debriefing will be complete by then.”
“You heard the Zaaktifi.” I added with a smile. “I haven’t yet gotten my claws into everything we have planned for these next weeks, so Sybil will know better than I do. Even after I do, I suspect she’ll know at least as much as I do.”
“Of course, Zaaktif.” Ytte bowed, though she smiled widely as she stood tall. “I’m glad you have returned safely.”
“We all are as well. Let me know if there’s anything you need me to do.” I dismissed her and stepped into my home to sleep alongside my mate for the first time in months. As unconsciousness claimed me, I dreamed, though what I dreamed of I couldn’t remember when I woke to the sounds of argument outside my house.
