Obsidian Scales

Chapter 14

Silas laid on the furs in the healer hut. He was on his belly, his tail curled around him and propping up his arms and chin. He was not pouting, though Veraldi and Sivena claimed he was. He just wished the damn manticore didn't ruin most of his plans. He had planned to introduce Lily to the village, get the Elderscales approval, then sweep her away to a secluded den and claim her as his mate. But no, that damn manticore went and ruined everything. Though he had to admit that he was able to show off his ability to protect his mate in front of her.

He felt his chest swell with pride at that, and having this time to rest let him think about where exactly he wanted their den to be. Lily didn't deserve to be dragged into some disgusting hole or abandoned cave. Though the bone-littered cave he once inhabited wouldn't be a bad start. The thought of taking her on a pile of bones...while it sent shivers down his spine he remembered that human skin was soft, especially hers. She might not enjoy being pricked with bones. He pushed that thought aside for later, that would be the last resort if he couldn't think of anything better.

His thoughts were interrupted as Veraldi burst into the hut, the flap slapping against the side loudly. His usual playful and cheerful demeanor was completely gone, replaced with a serious one. "The Elderscales have summoned you. You'd better hurry, it's urgent." he said. Silas sat up, his head tilting, but he uncurled himself and went with Veraldi to the Elderscales, who were gathered around a bonfire in the middle of the tribe. The Elderscales consisted of two older males and one older female. One of the older males was a bit taller, and his scales and skin were covered in grotesque scars. Krest was considered the oldest and the leader of the Elderscales. Rumor was that his scales used to be a beautiful black, but with age and so many battles they turned dull and greyish. To his side sat Milith, a lovely brown scaled female with similar colored skin. Her hair had grey streaks, but her eyes, amber and bright, revealed so much knowledge. To Krest's other side was the thin and gaunt Vilius, who had an air of death. His black hair was long and stringy, trailing down to his waist. Some of it covered his similar black eyes. He was considered the youngest out of the trio, but was known for being vicious in battle, and to others when he felt especially spiteful.

Kess stood next to Milith, panting in quiet puffs and looking at Silus with wide eyes. Silus looked to him questioningly and then to the Elderscales. "Older ones, why have you summoned me?" he asked with respect as all had been taught. Milith looked at him, a small smile on her face. "It appears young Kess here has come with a request from your new mate." she said softly, her voice the embodiment of kindness. Milith was seen to everyone as a grandmother, she even softened the hearts of the toughest warriors. His eyes widened. "Lily?"

"She has been captured by slavers."

Silus felt his heart stop. Slavers...she had told him of women going missing in the town. And now they had her. He shouldn't have left her alone, he should've asked Veraldi or Kess to stay with her. Rage flooded his veins, and a low hiss escaped from him. "I must go after her." he stated, looking to all three of them. Even if he didn't get their permission, he would go on his own and save his mate from those males.

And then he would slaughter every male there until he painted the forest red.

Vilius chuckled. "Your eyes are full of rage. Rightly placed." he said, his voice raspy and quiet. He sat up a little more. "She provided a deal for her and the other females rescue." he explained. "She said it would benefit us. Would you know anything about that?" he asked, slowly moving closer to him. "If the deal truly is beneficial then yes, we will most likely help." His black eyes gleamed with mischief. Back in his day, he had quite the silver tongue, and it still had it's wicked uses even to this day. Silus refused to look at him and instead looked to Krest, who remained silent in contemplation. He nodded at Silus to continue. Releasing a breath he didn't realize he was holding, he spoke "Lily is a farmer. She wanted to speak to you about coming to terms with a trade deal." he explained. "She would give the tribe livestock produce and we would trade her our produce from our kills and some from our livestock.

"She wanted our people to come together. She thought it was unfair that we had to stay in this forest for years. One of the best ways to have two people come together is through trade...at least that's what she believed."

He fell silent as he watched the Elderscales look among each other. Krest then spoke, his voice like rolling thunder. "And you believe she would not fall back on her word?" he asked. Silas nodded. Veraldi, who had been silent beside him, stepped forward. "I also trust Silas' judgment. I have only just met Lily, but Silas trusts her. That's good enough for me." he said, placing a hand on Silas' shoulder, giving it a shake, which made Silas chuckle. Kess also perked up and nodded, agreeing with them. The Elderscales looked back to each other, quietly deliberating, and once finished Krest sat back. "We have come to a decision. Milith, Vilius?" he gestured to both of them. Milith spoke first. "I vote to help them. It has been a while since we have had humans in the village. I should like to see them again, and to get out of this musty old forest." she chuckled. Vilius nodded in agreement. "It has gotten dreary here, and that Lily of yours seemed to spark interest in this village. I can't wait to see what will unfold if she stays..." he grinned. Krest nodded. "We are in agreement then, Silas, you may take our warriors to assist you."

Silas bowed his head, adrenaline already rising in his chest. "Thank you, great Elderscales. I shall leave immediately." he said, wounds be damned. He barely felt them anyway, and his armor would do well to protect him against feeble human weapons. "Just a moment," Krest stopped him before he could leave. "I think you should pay a visit to the armory."

~/~

"So let me get this straight," Kate said, placing a hand to her temple as she looked at Lily in her eyes. Lily had told her story of meeting Silas to Kate and the other girls. She half expected them to recoil in horror and mark her as a witch or sorceress. What she didn't expect was most of the girls huddling closer to her, entranced by her story. They asked her all kinds of questions about Silas, and what he was like. Talking about him and his personality calmed her down as well. She knew he would either be proud of the things she said, or posing himself to fit the picture. But now here she was, staring down her friend who seemed to be struggling to compose herself. "You have been secretly meeting with this...Naga, who is handsome as sin," she continued. "And you didn't think to tell me?" she demanded quietly. Lily gave an awkward smile. "Um...yes?" she responded.

Kate let out a deep breath. "Do you know how long I have been trying to get you to fall for one of the guys in town? And all it took was being rescued by a handsome snake man?" her whisper was shrill, and she looked to the camp to make sure the men didn't hear. When nothing happen she looked to her. "You are crazy, Lily!" Lily lowered her head, about to apologize but Kate spoke again, "But I still love you. And this Silas better be as amazing as you say he is. And if he hurts you I'll kick his ass." She huffed. Lily let out a chuckle and moved forward, pulling her into a hug. "I didn't know how you would respond, but I think you'll love him." she said sweetly. Silas would probably have a run for his money at Kate's tongue lashing. The thought made her chuckle. Letting her go, Lily watched as some of the men began to sleep for the night, while two other men stayed awake to keep watch. She heard Milo speaking to one of the men in his tent. "We can't afford to stay longer. We'll have to leave at daybreak. I've paid off most of the guards but some are starting to get suspicious." he said. The other one grunted. "Very well, I'll inform the rest of the men." he left the tent swiftly, stopping to look at the women in the wagon. He scowled, as if he was looking at a burdening task, then went to his bedroll to tuck in for the night. Kate looked to Lily again. "Do you think they'll come?" She asked. Lily looked up to the trees. "Yes."