The Abused is The Abuser in Another World

Chapter 28: Trials of Alliance and Deception

The swamps of Scalewatch felt heavier this time, as if the very air was burdened by the tension of what was to come. Elion and Shargoth trudged through the familiar, marshy ground, their thoughts lingering on the task ahead. They had made the journey to the lizardfolk before, seeking their knowledge on how to cultivate crops. But now, things were different. Asking to share the food directly from their swamps would be a far more delicate and dangerous negotiation.

When they arrived at the Scalewatch settlement, a group of lizardfolk warriors greeted them, their sharp, scaled bodies gleaming under the dim light filtering through the trees. Razor, the warrior chief, stood at the forefront, his tail flicking in clear irritation, eyes hard with suspicion.

"Elion. Shargoth." Razor's voice was low and rough, full of wariness. "You return again to our lands. Why? What more do you want from the Scalewatch?"

Elion, calm as ever, stepped forward. His pale blue eyes met Razor's fiery glare without flinching. "Razor, we come with respect, as before. We ask now not just for knowledge, but for your aid. Our people need resources—food from the swamps. We seek your help in gathering it."

Razor's lips curled, revealing sharp teeth as a hiss escaped him. "You seek food from our swamps?" His claws flexed around the shaft of his spear. "The swamps are ours. You think, because we once gave you our knowledge, that we will now feed you like helpless hatchlings? The Scalewatch will not be drained for your Enclave."

Shargoth, steady as the earth beneath him, spoke next, his voice deep and resonant. "We do not come to take what is yours, Razor. We understand the swamps are vital to your people, just as they are to us. But if we stand together, we can share resources for the survival of both our peoples. The Enclave does not seek to exploit."

Razor stepped closer, his eyes burning with distrust. "You speak of survival now, but what about later? You'll come back for more. First our knowledge, now our food. And when the crops fail or when another need arises, you will come again. How long before the swamps are no longer ours?"

Tension crackled in the air, but before Razor could continue, a voice as calm as it was commanding interrupted.

"That's enough, Razor."

Elder Greenheart, the ancient leader of the Scalewatch, emerged from the shadows. His scales were dull with age, his movements slower than the younger warriors, but his presence carried weight. Razor hesitated, glaring at Elion and Shargoth before stepping back.

Greenheart's eyes settled on Elion, then Shargoth. "You ask much of us, Elion. Shargoth. Food is precious, especially now. Why should the Scalewatch share what we have fought to protect for centuries?"

Elion bowed his head slightly. "Elder Greenheart, we ask not for charity but for a true alliance. We believe that if we work together, our peoples can grow stronger. The Enclave and the Scalewatch share common enemies. Helping us now will only strengthen us both in the long run. Together, we can protect this land."

Shargoth added, his deep voice filled with quiet wisdom, "The spirits speak of unity, Elder. They remind us that true strength lies not in hoarding what we have but in forging bonds with those who share the land. When the time comes, we will stand with you. The Enclave will not forget those who aided them in times of need."

Greenheart listened, his ancient eyes gleaming with thought. He remained silent for a moment, weighing their words. Finally, he spoke, his voice softer but no less firm. "You speak of unity and strength. I believe you mean it. But you must understand that the swamps are all we have. We cannot give freely and risk our own future."