Two Warriors.

Chapter 14: Alliance.

We saw red mist rising into the air. This meant one thing, Mountain Men. It seemed Azgeda and their allies had become targets for those who dwelled inside of Mount Weather. We remained on high alert through the night. Our weapons were no match for their guns or the canisters of red smoke that rendered our people unconscious.
The next morning we were sore from battle, Heda was injured and exhausted from the fight but she refused to rest. Focusing on combat kept her mind from thinking of Costias death.
We were preparing to take full advantage of the Mountain Men situation when Indra approached. She had unexpected company with her. The Grand Chiefs of Ousekjonkru and Delfikru walked by her side.
I stood with Lexa, both of us surprised by their presence.
Indra spoke, "Heda, there's a situation in Azgeda that may sway the tide of war."
Lexa looked at the two men, these allies of the Ice Nation, "Explain!" She growled.
The Delfikru Chief spoke for them both, "We come to you to seek a possible peace treaty for our clans. The Ice Queen is so full of her thirst for power she refuses to acknowledge that our warriors are being snatched away in droves by the Mountain Men. We are supposed to be her allies, yet she does nothing to offer protection." I looked at him and scoffed, "You betrayed your Commander and now you stand here seeking her help."
He bowed his head in shame as the Chief of The Blue Cliff Clan spoke out, " Please, we beg your forgiveness, Heda. Help us and what's left of our armies are yours."
Lexa remained silent as she absorbed their words. So far during this war the Men of The Mountain had left us be. If Ousekjonkru and Delfikru joined us victory would most certainly be ours, Lexa knew this, "I should kill you where you stand. Be thankful I see the potential in your offer. Bring Sangedakru with you, then and only then, will I declare an alliance."
They bowed before being escorted out of our camp. Lexa watched them leave, "Clan by clan, I'll strip the Ice Queen of her power. Clan by clan I'll watch her fall."

Lexa proceeded as planned, marching our armies futher into Azgeda territory. If the clans of Ousekjonkru and Delfikru wished to honour their offer of an alliance then they would have little time to bring us the support of Sangedakru before we attacked once again. Lexa refused to allow our plans to be sidetracked by a union that may or may not happen.
We had reached the Ice Mountains, when in the distance as mass of warriors could be seen emerging from the icy mist. The three Grand Chiefs of Ousekjonkru, Delfikru and Sangedakru approached on horseback.
They halted in front of Lexa, all of them humbled themselves in her presence. The Chief of Delfikru spoke out, "Our armies and an agreement from our allie, The Chief of Sangedakru as promised. Will you honour this alliance, Heda?"
Lexa remained stoic as she answered, "You may have your alliance with Polis, your people will be under my protection against the Mountain."
They nodded, and motioned for their armies to join ours.
Once the last warrior was positioned with ours, the three chiefs moved to join them. Lexa swiftly drew her sword and ran her blade through the body of the Ousekjonkru Chief. As the other two tried to back away Indra and Gustus struck them down. Their armies were shaken by what they had just witnessed, but they were outnumbered, surrounded by our warriors.
Lexa called out so all could hear her voice, "JUS DREIN JUS DAUN! BLOOD MUST HAVE BLOOD! The alliance still stands, but not for traitorous leaders who dishonour their Commander and their clan. Stay and support Polis or leave now and fall with Azgeda!"
The warriors knew that Grounder law demanded this sacrifice. The deaths of their leaders would be a small price to pay for unity and the protection of the Commander.
The Delfikru war chief was the first to shout out, "FOR POLIS! FOR HEDA!"
The rest of the clans followed suit. A new alliance stood in unison in these icy lands, but would Azgeda and Boudalankru yield or still wish to fight to the death?