The Barbarian Mate [Being Edited]

Chapter 27

Rubes shake Althea awake. Althea hasn't been a morning person since her stomach was becoming a pumpkin and it doesn't help that her child was kicking.

It's hard to believe that a few months ago she was childless and now she was expecting. It's a bittersweet moment.

Althea sit up with the help of Rubes. "What is it?"

"We just got news that more people want to join the tribe and Yeilk doesn't want to make any decisions without you."

"OK let's go." She get off the bed and walk out with Rubes. Yeilk came to her to make sure she was OK before carrying her to a seat. "So where are they?"

"They are on their way. Hans is leading them here."

"More homes?"

"We got a few extras."

"Hans will be here soon,"Rubes said. "They are offering jewelry for a place here."

"Jewlery has no use here."

"Try telling them that."

Hans could be seen in the distance a few minutes later. There's over a dozen people.

A few kids ran ahead of the group chasing butterflies and whatever unlucky critters happen to be in their way.

"Chief."

"Hans. This all of them?"

"Yes Chief."

"Chief Yeilk. Chief Althea."

An elder step forward and bow.

"What make you travel this far?"

"Ghouls Chief. We're all that remains of the river tribe."

"Ghouls?" Althea look at Yeilk with a grown. "I thought those are no longer around?"

"Though so too."

"But that's not all Chief,"the Elder said. "They were being led by a wizard. We don't know his name."

"Ruel." Althea look at Rubes.

"Who is Ruel?"

"My brother." Yeilk fist clenched. "I should have killed him when I hand the chance."

"You can't blame yourself brother. We didn't think he would bring back the Ghouls. You can do it the right way now."

"No. I'm not going back down that path." He get up and walk away. Althea look at him worriedly.

"You can stay here. We can't promise safety with the new development."

"Thank you Chief."

Althea get up and went insearch of Yeilk. There's one place he go when he want to think.

She make her way to the forest. She didn't know he has a sibling apart from Rubes but she know he have a reason not to mention him. He always have a good reason for what he do.

She reach the lake and he was sitting by a tree. He look like he was battling with himself. She hate seeing him like this.

She slowly lower herself beside him. "Don't beat yourself up."

"He'll be coming here. He still resent me for what happened."

"What happened?"

"He's three years younger than me. We went off to learn magic but he was reckless. Instead of sticking to pure magic alone he start practicing dark magic. It consume him. I tried to talk him out of it but he was deep in I couldn't get him to stop. I stop my training after that. Father banished him from the tribe and none of us ever practice again, in fear that someone else will go down that path. He got angry because I didn't plead with father to let him stay. This is his revenge."

"I'm with you on whatever decision you make. We're in this together. It's not your fault. You tried your best but in the end he make the choice."