Tribal

5

Shortly after Acacia returned to the tribe, she immediately went to the thrones to speak with her fellow lords about the upcoming duel. When she arrived, only Ash was occupying a throne, as Clover most likely retired for the night with her mate. Acacia wanted so dearly to resign herself to her sleeping quarters, but she must tell at least one lord about the duel she had set up for the three lords. She was slightly worried, as she had not yet revealed her plan to her fellow lords. She had hoped that they would be understanding and share her desire to do battle with the knight, but she could not be certain until she spoke with them. She had a feeling that Clover would share her desire, but Ash she did not know. Perhaps he would see it as barbaric or unsophisticated, or perhaps not, but it was his judgment that she feared.

"Ah, Acacia. How was your trip?" Ash was tired but had decided to await his cousin's return before heading to bed.

"It was eventful. I conversed with many other lords, kings, and queens from other tribes and kingdoms." She had enjoyed her time at the distant village, but she wished to make Ash aware of the duel as soon as she could.

"Very well, did the queen enjoy her gift?" Ash wished for the gifts to be appreciated and to extend a hand of peace to the fierce queen.

"She did, very much so. I believe that we are on the road to repairing the relationship with Deepnest." Acacia wished to help calm Ash's nerves about the situation regarding tensions between the mantis village and Deepnest.

"That's good, that's good. I am very pleased to hear that the queen enjoyed it. I hope that the relations between our territories are on the fast path to reconstruction. If that is all, I shall proceed to my room." Ash was very tired and needed sleep. But she must tell him of her offer before he left.

"Actually, there is one more thing." Ash looked at her with a puzzled face. "I challenged the silent knight of Hallownest to a duel. He shall arrive in a week's time." Acacia waited for his response in anticipation.

"Very well, I am pleased to hear of this development. However, you must remember that in a week's time, I shall be departing on my journey to the White Palace to negotiate opening the path through the Mantis Village to the rest of Hallownest. I believe that allowing the entirety of the kingdom to allow their merchants to pass through the village will improve the kingdom's view of our tribe. The wastes are dangerous for those without combat experience. Stationing our forces around the wastes will cut back on the required time for merchants to travel to Deepnest, offering safe travel and strengthening the tribe, as perhaps merchants would be willing to open shop in the village itself, allowing ourselves to increase standing with the kingdom and grow our own power as well." Acacia had completely forgotten, but she wasn't too worried. Clover would still be here; one less lord could still guarantee her victory.

"Yes, I remember. I do believe that myself and Clover should be quite capable of defeating the knight." Acacia spoke the truth. With at least herself and Clover, it was unlikely that they would struggle taking down the knight. If they had Ash, victory was certain. But without him, the two were still difficult opponents.

"You must remember that Clover shall be bearing children very soon. She shall be weak and must remain in bed; she shall not be able to fight for quite some time. At least a few months." Acacia felt dumb. Of course! How could she forget! Clover was with children! She would have to face the knight alone. She began to understand why it was not such a good idea to challenge the knight.

"Even so, I do believe that I shall prevail in my duel, even without the aid of you and Clover." Acacia was nervous, but she could not allow Ash to see it. She must remain a stone pillar of the mantis tribe.

Ash chuckled. "Yes, I do believe that you are strong enough to defeat him alone. Your sharp mind and light-speed reflexes, combined with your overwhelming strength. You shall surely be victorious. Still, I recommend preparing yourself. He isn't the king's personal guard for no reason. He is likely to be a very powerful foe. I do wish you the best of luck, however. Now, I think it's time to sleep. The best warrior still needs rest." Ash was correct. She was exhausted and needed to sleep.