Flaming hand lowering, Elinor let Butter communicate with her new soldiers to smooth over the transition of their resurrection and allow her to address the growing tension.

  Elinor chuckled to herself while walking away from the panicked ri’bot, heading right for Valdar. She ordered Adoncia to collect the shivering and naked human girl, who was staring up at the intimidating four-armed gorilla towering overhead.

  To make her orders clear, she told everyone throughout the Nexus not to take any aggressive action; they needed to appear powerful and unbothered, not reactionary like the terrified simpletons. As expected, Krava ordered his warriors to form a defensive formation, being the first to respond.

  Stones were thrown at the giant monster that harmlessly bounced off her thick silver fur and tight muscle, yet she followed instructions, observing the throng with intelligent golden eyes from her lofty position. The Ethereal Clan ri’bot almost lazily evaded the throws—Elinor could feel his boredom at the sloppy attacks.

  Elinor didn’t pay their mobilizing force any mind. “Are you questioning our arrangement, Valdar? I’d appreciate a modicum of faith in my ability to keep my undead in check.”

  A loud shout from behind her made Elinor pause and half-turn; Piko was standing his ground with two of the other senior warriors.

  “Mystic! I have not relinquished my claim!”

  “Is that right?” Elinor mused, vision shifting to Valdar and Fennel. She dropped all pretense to respect in calling them by their titles now that she’d shown a strong hand. Meanwhile, Adoncia came to a halt beside the pile of goods, looking for a dress that the girl could use as she was ordered. “Valdar, could you calm Krava down? I wouldn’t want him to make an unnecessary mistake in attacking someone who has no ill intent.”

  Valdar’s tight eyes and expression drifted between the Roxim’s initial panicked attacks and how the Elite Hunter remained passive, albeit with quite an intimidating posture, given her over-five-meter-tall vantage point.

  “You… are treading dangerous ground, Empress. I will call him over.”

  Appraising the Roxim’s expedition leader, still centered on the quen’talrat and waiting for the slightest provocation, Elinor chuckled;

  “Are you afraid, Fennel? Did not your man challenge me?”

  Piko brandished his ax, whistling to call his large and scarred torlim to his side; his friends did the same. “I have!”

  To her surprise, there was a thoughtful gleam in the Roxim leader’s eyes rather than fear, and he huffed while walking straight for her. Valdar sent Telsar to quiet down his own clan while he went to calm down his friend to come to discuss her actions. On the other hand, Nadraca kept her distance, guarded by four dozen of her warriors and priests, waiting to see how things played out.

  Fennel twisted his ax in his slick hand, rainfall gradually increasing around them, making the quen’talrat’s silver fur glisten in the dying light of the sun, peaking through the divided sky.

  “You actually intend to challenge Piko for that human… with a quen’talrat Elite Warrior? You are, hehe, insane.”

  “Oh?” Elinor mused, finding her hands behind her back while turning to peer at the two-headed gorilla, keeping a close eye on her actions while in dialogue with Butter and the new white-skinned ri’bot; it seemed the toad could speak the quen’talrat’s language, translating for Butter. “You don’t seem that put off by me raising her.”

  “A female Elite Hunter?” Fennel whispered.

  He was still studying the specimen while debating something internally, and it struck Elinor why: if Krava had gained fame by killing one of these, fighting one, much less a supernatural undead Elite Hunter, would put a lot of respect on a warrior’s name. She could use this angle.

  “Not only him… Every human that has been claimed in the Roxim, I will counterclaim. Also, why don’t we make this interesting? The Roxim were known for their bravery during the Fire Wars, yet most of your elders have died, correct?”

  “What do you have in mind?” Fennel asked, many of his warriors now listening intently as the noise settled down. “Are you suggesting a tournament?”

  She wasn’t, but it was a far better direction than she’d hoped for.

  “As I understand it, quen’talrat are basically extinct after every race made a concerted effort to wipe them out during the Fire Wars, yet legends were made during that time. I’m sure your chief would love to allow your clan to host a competition against powerful opponents, which could spread the fame of your warriors.”

  “High Warrior?” Piko mumbled, glaring at Adoncia as she tried to approach. His friends barred her way, but her maid was being persistent in holding up the dress and pointing at the girl. “How can we be sure this quen’talrat is even worth such consideration?! Doesn’t it seem small for the stories we were told?”

  A smirk lifted Fennel’s mouth as he turned to stare at the senior warrior—Elinor could see the devious gears spinning in the man’s head—Piko was probably someone that often challenged Fennel’s leadership by his brazen attitude.

  “You have a point… How about a showcase of her prowess, Empress?”

  Valdar and Krava came marching forward to join them; the elderly orange toad was not happy with the several senior warriors that joined him.

  “I must be going deaf! You cannot be entertaining this girl, Fennel! If she can raise the dead, what is stopping her from bringing back The White God? Pits, the whole tongue-burning, flaming Quen’talrat Empire?! Don’t be a fool blinded by glory!”

  Elinor chuckled. “That’s rich coming from you, Krava. You’ve already obtained your glory in front of the Supreme Chiefs, yet now you deny such a privilege to the young warriors of clans not your own? Has she attacked or made any act of aggression, even after being provoked? No. She follows my orders.”

  Murmurs spread through the camp at her words, eyes darting to the massive gorilla as she grunted and worked around her shoulders, glaring at them; she was not impressed by the throng surrounding them.

  Krava’s wrinkled brow furrowed further, hard gaze seeing her words resonate with many of the young that wanted to prove themselves; no doubt it was the reason they came on this expedition in the first place. Worse, now Elinor was getting on Fennel’s better side.

  “It is that very fact that concerns me… You are a crafty creature, Empress. Valdar, can’t you see the potential danger of this pit fiend? The fact she can raise that… thing is beyond words. Did I breach our trust? Yes, but you understand the reason I did it! She raised an Ethereal, Valdar! You know my father’s warning!”

  “What breach in trust?” Fennel growled, fingers tightening around his ax.

  Valdar pressed his staff against his head, eyes closing while likely contending with multiple conflicting factors. Elinor wouldn’t blame him if he stabbed her in the back, given she had played a very aggressive hand. Still, it was necessary to gain the ground she needed, and Butter was sure the High Mystic would be on their side after Krava’s actions.

  “Krava… You know how much I respected your father, and, yes, he did warn the other clans that the Ethereal were going to turn against us, but that is in the past. No one has seen a trace of the clan for nine decades… and you brought a Xaria, Krava—an extra army—it voids the agreement we all made.”

  Fennel’s nose flared. “We agreed to an equal force, Elder Chief. You gave your word—the word of the Lethix! Were your plans to ambush us on our return to claim our spoils? A breach in our agreement is forfeit of all spoils and to return in shame!”

  Elinor couldn’t help but show a leering smile at the growling orange chief; it was a huge blunder to have been discovered, and, naturally, his hateful eyes at exposing that fact were centered on her. His own warriors were now shifting uncomfortably at the looks the other ri’bot clansmen were giving them.

  “This pit fiend is trying to turn us against one another. Can’t you see that?”

  “Am I?” she hummed. “What have I done other than bring your clans a swift victory, spoils to improve the quality of living for those clans that haven’t breached agreements, and offer a glorious testing ground to highlight the strength of the Valley Clans?”

  She turned to address the mumbling crowd of ri’bot that listened in on their discussion that should have been held in private, yet Elinor spun them in her web for all to see.

  “What has the Lethix done—their famed legendary elder chief—but deceive everyone here, unjustly blame me after showing myself extremely reasonable, and try to deflect from your sins by lumping baseless accusations against me?

  “Not to mention betraying the trust of your closest friend and the Grand Mystic Plant Caller.”

  Valdar hissed at her scathing remarks that humiliated not only Krava, but his entire clan, and Mika noted the shameful looks the orange toads had under the looks the other ri’bot gave them. Elinor almost pitied them, as most probably had no idea about their leader’s decision to bring another force.

  There wasn’t much he could say, to her amusement. It was damning proof that Valdar was the one to bring it up, which, honestly, had been a mistake on his part to reveal it in public, and the worst was yet to come since she had all the poison she needed to spread the toxic emotion of distrust and betrayal—she was the victim of his prejudice, and she could paint every other clan in the same light.

  “You speak lies and twist intentions, pit fiend,” Krava snarled, hand going for his knife, but Valdar held his staff between them. “Valdar… I am not wrong!”

  “Suu-shhh,” the elderly Mystic’s hands were shaking as he sighed, likely torn in multiple directions, yet he was the true leader and organizer of this expedition; he couldn’t compromise in his position, even with a lifetime friend. “You have done wrong, Krava. Be wise…”

  Butter, you are a genius, Elinor laughed, mirroring her twin, who had been the architect of much of this plot. He’s losing in the court of public opinion and has taken a major hit in the view of other clans… Will he act aggressively after this or not, though?

  The frustrated elder chief saw the looks on every other clan; the news was swiftly spreading, and, thanks to her framing, the court of public opinion was on her side. The reputation he’d cultivated over his life was plummeting, and for good measure, Elinor decided to twist into his gut.

  “Do you want to know the sad truth about the Lethix’s actions, Valdar, Fennel?” Elinor asked, bringing the crowd against not only the leader but its members while honing in on the topic that would dig the largest wound in the other ri’bot’s pride.

  “Krava brought a Xaria, extra forces, and has constantly been questioning your wisdom in engaging with me… because he doesn’t trust you or anyone else… In fact, did you even inform your warriors about this monumental decision to betray the accords you agreed to?”

  She looked up with a chuckle, scanning the looks the other orange ri’bot gave one another. “I didn’t think so… I did not influence you, Krava. Own up to your own failings and leave with your clan in shame. Heh. The other clans will enjoy your spoils.”

  “Empress… that is very harsh,” Valdar groaned, Krava in disbelief at the mutters and comments many of the warriors nearby offered. Elinor was providing them a way to get more goods, so of course, they’d side with her, and all the humans the Lethix claimed were once again free to be traded.

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  “Am I wrong?” she asked, doubling down and looking to Fennel, who was glaring daggers at a man he’d respected likely more than most people in his life not five minutes ago.

  “Tell me it isn’t true, Former Elder Chief. Has the Lethix insulted the Roxim’s strength and doubted our pride by bringing more warriors than was agreed on?”

  “Ugh… I cannot speak to his motive—” Krava’s nose twisted, tone dangerous as he cut off the High Mystic.

  “No need to speak for me, old friend. I will not twist my tongue. No, Fennel, I do not have faith in the Roxim’s military prowess, and the fact you must lead your expedition speaks volumes as to the state of your clan. Word among most clans in The Valley is that the Roxim will not last the decade! Only the Lethix are keeping the Xaltan busy enough to not overrun your sorry clan.”

  The two teeth on either side of Fennel’s mouth punctured the skin, drawing crimson to run down his chin, but Krava’s dead-serious eyes said he knew the warrior wouldn’t make a move.

  “Throw the dagger, boy, and see what happens… No? I thought not. Does anyone else wish to challenge me… No?” he asked, rising to his full height while staring everyone down. “Empress?”

  Butter, what are their names? It feels as if they’ve accepted my rule after your talk.

  Her twin’s snickers rang through their private connection.

  “The big girl is called Quin’Alse, but you can call her Quin for short since the latter part is more like… Daughter of Alse. Believe it or not, she’s actually quite young for a quen’talrat and is conscious of it. Our misty boy is Garu, and he has a fascinating ability to convert liquid to steam on contact with his skin.”

  Interesting. I’ll learn more when we have the time; I have a clan to whip.

  “Hehehe. How pathetic,” Elinor shot back, emerald irises burning into his. “Like any bully, the instant you’re backed into a corner and checked, you resort to violence. Some legend—some hero—you are a clown, Krava, blinded by anger and pride of glory you’ve lost in your old age.”

  A tremor shook the ground, causing every panicked eye to rise to the giant gorilla’s flaring noses as both heads centered on the orange chief; the creature’s massive feet ripped up the earth, and her tail slapped the mud, spraying muck everywhere while facing them.

  “You can say anything you want, Krava—talk—but you’ve faced an Elite Hunter in your youth; are you confident as you are right now to face Quin’Alse? Think carefully,” she whispered, meeting his tight gaze.

  Quin bellowed a roar, four arms pounding her chest before baring her teeth, ready for combat and blood, making everyone nearby flinch as Elinor calmly awaited the chief’s response.

  Several seconds passed in silence, the falling rain and distant thunder rolling across the still scenery and tense atmosphere. Elinor refused to back down, and, taking one last look at Quin, Krava turned and walked away, Valdar moving after him.

  “Krava…”

  “You’ve made it clear where you stand, old friend,” the orange leader growled, returning to his camp. “I still have my pride, and I will own my lashes. We will leave the spoils… excluding the one human, and, Valdar…”

  Krava slowed to glare back at her. “I am going to call a War Council with the great chiefs of the Plains… I suggest you join it when the drums echo across The Valley; I don’t want to see you on the wrong side.”

  His high warriors moved to execute his order to retreat back to their territory, leaving Elinor and Fennel to watch the orange toads pack up their belongings in shame. They’d have to travel through the storm, not that it would be that challenging for the toads if they abandoned the bulky goods they’d stolen from the humans.

  Fennel rubbed his slick neck, still quite aggravated by Krava’s words about his clan. There were probably very few people the high warrior would let say such things without cutting their throat, and the former Xaria was one of them—it probably only hurt more coming from such a respected chief.

  Elinor shifted her attention away from the Lethix, knowing the other clansmen would be eager and watchful to make sure every last piece of human goods would be returned to the center. The loss of the cultist was a shame, but it was to be expected he’d want something to show these great chiefs. Still, she’d bought herself time, fame, and power—this was her victory.

  “I have high hopes for the Roxim,” she whispered, showing a wry smile to the disgruntled warrior, attempting to alleviate Krava’s slap across the face that, no doubt, every Roxim member had felt. “Naturally, I don’t think this tournament should be held immediately—time for preparation is needed—we want everyone to witness the strength of the Roxim.”

  She turned her question to the discolored toads that were listening, and most were hearing it from those at the front of the crowd. “What do you say about a grand tournament, open to all clans and creatures, held at a Roxim stadium? The Roxim can show their glory and make Krava eat his own tongue.”

  “Heh. You are growing on me, Empress,” Fennel grunted. “I will bring it up with our chief, but first… Piko! You still wish to retain your spoils?”

  The senior toad had been working himself up with his boys while Elinor handled the far more dangerous threat; it was merely showmanship at this point as she turned to Quin, who sallied forward, making several nearby warriors drop to their butts before scrambling up again.

  “Yes, High Warrior, I am no coward!”

  Just an idiot, Elinor dully muttered to her maids and warriors’ snickers. Make it quick and decisive to set the tone.

  She lifted her hand in acceptance, with Audrey following her with the umbrella. Adoncia had finally gotten the other senior warriors to hand the dress to the shivering teenage girl, yet the black-haired Columbian’s eyes were centered on Elinor, her panic subsided.

  The humans around the camp swiftly took notice of the Plant Callers removing the vines cuffs from the Lethix prisoners and the orange toads packing up to leave. Hope lit in many of their faces while turning from them to Elinor—she’d won a huge victory.

  [Achievement Achieved - Empress Branch: Gain 100 subjects]

  [Achievement Feat - Rising Empire: Budding]

  Elinor chuckled to herself at the advancement as Butter cheered, floating up to dance in the air. She had been instrumental in bringing them to their current status, which is exactly what Her High Queen should do.

  “Success! Priss, you got a new Feat. I’m dying to learn more about it!”

  In time. We still have much to accomplish, she said, pausing to see the battle between Quin and Piko.

  Every eye was on the pair, though Elinor noticed Garu had vanished. He was somewhere in the trees to her east, following Butter’s orders. It seemed these new undead had made quite the impression in everyone’s mind.

  The thumps of the heavy, four-armed gorilla transferred through the earth as Quin moved to a more open area, making grunts and pounding her fist against her chest or earth to insight fear in the onlookers, but Piko wouldn’t be intimidated.

  Elinor’s focus was less on the fight and more on her potential subjects: the teenager she’d saved held her breath, hugging herself as Adoncia made sure she was okay. It wasn’t hard to have faith when a massive monster like Quin was battling for your safety. Most eyes were on the two combatants, but there were quite a few lingering on her.

  Water dripped off Quin’s silver fur, tail weaving threateningly and making those near the goods in the center of the field back up. Butter informed her of an interesting fact about her new Army Lieutenant—she was their first soldier with a subclass—Quin was a Fire Brawler.

  Elinor watched as shimmering, gray flames sparked along her fur, running along her tail, back, arms, and legs, leaving her chest bare—all Elite Hunters had the base ability. The pitiable ri’bots’ eyes were encased in fear as she grunted for Piko to attack her, slamming the ground with her bottom left palm.

  Elinor imagined the ri’bot’s sweaty hands were white as they gripped his shield and ax; his crocodile-toad pet quivered before the much larger ape, unsure if it should run or not as the fire illuminated the area.

  Fennel stood off to the side, looking between them. “Start when you’re ready, Piko… Your family will know of your courage should you fall.”

  “Heh… I feel like a rock licker,” he laughed, shifting to lift his shield in Elinor’s direction. “I take back what I said, Empress. I do not doubt your power. Thank you for this opportunity—for the glory of the Roxim and the Supreme Chiefs—may my ax swing true!”

  Elinor couldn’t understand the sudden change of heart; perhaps it had to do with their culture. He was now so eager to die, and she saw the Roxim start hitting their axes against their shields as the torlim bellowed in the back.

  “If you seek honor and glory… Quin will not hold back; may your journey to the other side be swift.”

  Screaming, he popped his tongue, issuing his beast to attack while jumping to meet the towering giant. A fleshy, brick-like wall left a trail of flames as one of Quin’s palms met the senior warrior, crushing him into the mud while another hand blurred, punching straight through the open alligator-toad’s open maw to blow the creature apart from the detonation of flames inside its belly.

  It was over before it even began, leaving the crowd speechless and Elinor sighing as Quin lifted her massive palm, revealing the boiling blood and steaming flesh that had been Piko.

  “Hmm. Well, is there anyone else from the Roxim that wishes to challenge Quin, or should we save that for the tournament and give you time to prepare?”

  Mumbles swept the throng, Quin looking for her next challenger, yet one after the other, they rescinded their claims, excitement budding in the tribe at the future event. She hadn’t even discussed the details, and they were already talking about it like it was going to be the Super Bowl.

  “Very well. Adoncia will gather the humans and bring them to the bartering area; I will finish speaking to the humans, and we can begin the trade. Does that sound reasonable, Fennel?” she asked, taking control.

  He nodded, wearing a thoughtful grin while studying the corpse of his clansmen; ri’bot culture certainly was strange. “I will discuss the details of your suggestion regarding a tournament as we barter for weapons. Hmm-hmm. I haven’t been this excited since I first picked up a blade… A real quen’talrat Elite Hunter,” he whispered, appraising Quin like the finest of racehorses.

  Letting Adoncia handle much of the shivering and confused humans, Elinor proceeded to Valdar’s camp to meet with her mother and a small group of people that had been selected to represent their groups.

  “That was badass,” one of the men laughed, swallowing as Quin’s fire died down, and she moved to stand nearby; the ape girl was young and curious about Elinor’s behavior. “Umm, Empress, what are the orange toads doing—are they leaving?”

  A smirk lifted the corner of her mouth as she turned to observe their sullen retreat. “Yes. They broke an agreement with the other clans, and I maneuvered them into a position to be forced to leave—empty-handed. I am handling it, but things are looking in our favor. Continue to trust me, and everything will be okay.”

  Her mother beamed at her, eyes practically swimming with conflicting emotions of concern and pride. “What about the, eh… Clavex, was it? You’ve negotiated with the Roxim and trapped the orange ones, but what about the green?”

  Elinor breathed a long stream of air before shaking her head. “I still need to negotiate with their leader; we have a few days, though. Now, go and organize the other humans in the same manner, including the bartering area. Once everyone is gathered together, I will give you further instructions.”

  They accepted the charge and jogged off with several ri’bot warriors following them. Interestingly, the Delthax guards gave her a quick salute in passing; it seemed her influence was continuing to grow.

  Frowning up at the rumbling heavens, Elinor’s gaze fixated on Valdar as he returned, looking tired. With him was a terrified twelve-year-old girl with mossy green hair and bark-like skin; he’d singled out one of the changed individuals.

  “Empress… Do you realize what Krava is going to do?”

  “Of course I do,” she smiled. “He is going to bring together an army to face me, using Quin and Garu as an example to rally other clans to his name since you’ve sided with me. It’s quite pathetic, really. The coward is afraid to face me without preparation and is trying to save face… What is your name?”

  Not particularly interested in the topic since she would have plenty of time to strengthen her budding empire, Elinor turned her attention to the trembling pre-teen, motioning for her to join her under the umbrella.

  “There’s no need to be scared; I’m here to protect you,” she soothed.

  The girl opened her mouth, stammering while trying to articulate herself. “I-I no ssspeak English… Deutsch…”

  Lips falling, Elinor hummed, drawing Valdar’s eye; despite recognising the German word, she didn’t know the language, meaning she’d need to get a translator.

  “Is something wrong with her, Empress?”

  “She’s from another land—with another tongue… What do you need from her?”

  Valdar rubbed his chin, seemingly trying to not focus on how disastrous and messy this expedition had become. “You know not other tongues for your race, yet you speak ours? Regardless, this… child has great potential as a Plant Caller. I wish to see how your Mystics call upon their gifts. Can you not communicate with her?”

  “I can… It will just take several minutes to get the proper person to translate. Am I to assume you are about to create a cover for us from the storm?”

  “I am,” he confirmed, spotting Carlos still engaged in covering key goods with tarps they’d brought. “My disciples are setting things up as we speak, and I believe she can help us. Is that possible?”

  Elinor figured the girl could probably understand English to some extent; most other nations learned a basic amount of the language.

  Lowering herself a tad to look at the girl in her teary blue eyes, she showed a gentle expression while speaking slowly. “Can you understand me? No one will hurt you; I promise. Hmm?”

  The girl’s bottom lip began to quiver as she broke into tears, stepping forward to hug her; it seemed she had her answer. She smelled of earth and greenery, having a rough feel to her skin.

  “There, there…” After several seconds, Elinor rubbed her back and pulled the soaking girl away to direct her toward Audrey. “This is a very nice lady, even if she looks scary. Are your parents here? I see…” she sighed at the sniffles the question elicited. “Well, that’s okay; I can make everything better. Where I go, you go. Trust me.”

  Getting up, Elinor took the girl’s hand, squeezing it while having Adoncia make some inquiries to see if anyone spoke the language. “You can stay with me for now. Okay?”

  She looked up at the giant gorilla overhead and nodded, trying to give her a smile as her chest fluttered.

  Elinor glanced around with the little girl giving Valdar an uncertain stare. She was making wonderful progress by the looks the other humans gave her; Elinor had shown her strict side and now her kind, drawing more to her banner.

  My empire is actually growing...