A Game of Chi Book II: A Throne of Tears

Chapter 1: Cragger I

CRAGGER

Cragger watched in awe as the Rhinoceros Tribe tore through Crokenburg's forces with ease. They really don't stand a chance, Cragger thought. The ships were sinking, the ravens had turned tail and fled, and now, little by little, the Citadel was being liberated. It's amazing how a well-planned ambush and assault can fall apart with the element of surprise. Cragger moved away from the window and turned to face his sister. "How long have you been planning this?" he asked. Crooler shrugged as she sipped her wine. "Since I was crowned. I knew Uncle would come after us, so I made sure we had allies."

"But the rhinos? They can't tell a rock from themselves in a mirror."

"Not all of them are like that, Craggy-wag. And even if they were, they served their purpose. They've destroyed our enemies." She's got me there, Cragger thought. He looked outside again and saw the last of Crokenburg's ships heading east towards Firestone. He thinks he'll be safe there, Cragger mused. We'll give him a wakeup call. Another horn sounded, and Cragger could see both the castle and city gates shutting. "The survivors will be trapped in here," Cragger realized. Crooler nodded. "And the rhinos will make sure they never leave." Cragger looked up at the sky, and despite the smoke from the bellow plants, he could see that there wasn't a raven in sight. Crooler began heading towards the door, but Cragger put his hand on her shoulder. "Wait. What if they hadn't come? What if they betrayed us?" Crooler flashed her unsettling grin. "You said it yourself, Brother. They're as dumb as rocks. And rocks don't know when they're being used as tools." Shrugging him off, Crooler descended the stairs of the observatory, and Cragger quickly followed.

Cragger and Crooler made their way to the throne room, where various crocodile guards had gathered previously. "Your Grace!" shouted Crug as he saw them come through. The rest of the guards stood at attention and did the same. "At ease," Cragger said. The other members of the Queen's Council were there as well, and Rukus looked especially confused. "Your Grace," he began tentatively. "Are there other rhinos outside?" Crooler nodded. "Yes, Rukus, there are. Don't worry; I'll explain everything soon." Rukus nodded and retreated. "Crawley!" The crocodile scampered forward. "Go outside and check on the situation. If my traitorous uncle's forces have been destroyed, please invite the rhinos in."

"At once, Your Grace!" Crawley ran outside, and Cragger took in the sight of the throne room. Miraculously, no bellow plant had found its way into the hall. However, the nearby explosions had caused a layer of dust to descend onto the floor and the splendid golden chair, and several of the stained glass windows were stained with more than just dye. It really is a miracle that this place didn't collapse, Cragger thought. Maybe Croctus is watching over us after all. Soon afterwards, Crawley returned, and with him was a female rhinoceros with purple markings on her head and horns. Behind them was a huge troop of large, grey, muscly rhinoceroses, all carrying bloodstained hammers, axes or even shields. Crawley walked until he was a fair distance away from Crooler and then bowed. The female rhinoceros did the same, and the other rhinoceroses followed her lead. Crooler nodded. "Rise," she commanded. They did, and Crawley stood off to the side. "Thank you for coming to our aid, Rinona," Crooler said. "It was my pleasure, Your Grace," Rinona answered curtly. Cragger was surprised at how muscular she was. "You asked, and we delivered. If I may presume, this could be the start of an excellent alliance between our two tribes." Crooler chuckled. "Indeed, Rinona. How is your father?"

"Rhigor is still bedridden, Your Grace, but I assure you, our strategy had his approval."

"Then you are the leader of your tribe?"

"Until he wakes, I am." Crooler nodded, satisfied. "Good. Are these all your troops?" Rinona shook her head. "No, Your Grace. Many of them are still outside, finishing off your enemies." That's not all of them? Cragger had thought that the group which had entered behind Rinona had been large already, but if there were still more outside, he was glad he had not been fighting on Crokenburg's side. "Very well, Rinona. Help them finish the job. Once my uncle's forces are dealt with, please call them to the throne room. You are dismissed." Rinona nodded and led her group of rhinoceroses back outside to do as they had been told, while Crooler turned back towards her brother. "You really thought of everything, didn't you, Sister," Cragger said, shaking his head. "I did, Brother. I told you."