The Hunter's Song

15: The Convergence (Eh'kt)

"Thanks for the new duds," Mourning Crow spun in her new glossy white thermo-bands. We also bleached her loincloth and left the clunky belt at home.

The Convergence festivities were in full swing and we decided to make the most of the morning by strolling the crowded city streets.

"It suits you," I swept a lock of Mourning Crow's prismatic hair behind her ear.

"What the fuck is that thing?" A large brown and green male Zhaguai thundered at my mate. The gold metal embedded in his forehead identified him as a member of Clan Ervo newly arrived from Oja Crux.

"My mate and your death, if you refer to her as a thing once again," I snarled back.

The large brown male stomped forward and flicked his longest tendrils in my face. I outweighed him by at least a hundred pounds and my mouth curled when he gave a double take at my pectoral brand marking me as the most recent Nexus Champion.

"I expect," a lanky yellow Zhaguai from the all-female Clan Asepa interjected, grinning down at my mate. "She is here because she has the strength to cut you down."

The brown male broke his gaze with me and turned with an exhilarated hiss to the yellow Zhaguai woman.

"Jahaa always delivers on the most delightful surprises," the woman stood nine-foot-tall with ten more towering female subordinates flanking her sides.

"I am Gezam of Clan Ervo," the brown male completely forgot about my mate and me.

"Silvu of Clan Asepa," the woman thrummed and narrowed her eyes seductively at Gezam.

I jutted my chin in a random direction at Mourning Crow and we took our leave. Best to avoid standing between hormonal magnetism whenever possible.

The city was sectioned off into various competitive activity zones, giving males ample opportunity to show off their physical attributes while simultaneously diffusing excess carnal energy. It also allowed inquiring females entertainment while inspecting Sahei's available inventory.

"She was shiny," Mourning Crow giggled, looking back. "Asepa... that means Clan Nemesis, right?"

"Yes," I affirmed. "From the jungle and mountain planet Tecu."

"And Ervo means Scourge from the big'ol original homeworld Oja Crux," Mourning Crow stretched her arms wide. "I think I like Jahaa's translation best... Wraith!" She flexed her fingers up into a spooky spider crawl.

I chuckled a little. "It does have a nice ring."

A chorus of roars caught our attention.

"What's going on over there?" Mourning Crow's ear jerked up. "Sounds like hounds."

"Come," I led her through the crowd. "They're running the gauntlet."

It was an obstacle course race exclusive to Zhaguai specialized in fighting with trained hounds.

"That's Clan Vasu," I pointed to a large grouping of men and women sporting matching forehead brands in the shape of a paw.

"Stalker!" Mourning Crow translated with a nod. "From the dry mountainous planet, Komis."

"Someone has been doing her reading," my grin flexed with pride. "They win this competition every cycle, but the event allows our homegrown trainers to gain a taste for new tactics."

"Hey look," Mourning Crow hopped up, pointing. "It's Dran!"

A ring of hard-bodied females encircled the brown and blue-striped Forged warrior. Each of them eyeing one another and scanning their rivals for weakness.