Jeneria: Defenders of Ausmik

CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR - TOLLS OF WAR

Traveling by foot, the journey to the Gravard Forest had cost the Defenders and Xomenclature a full day. They didn't arrive until past dark, when the willows appeared less like trees, and more like distorted giants.

Hannah was the first to step into the forest. She peaked over her shoulder just to make certain the others were close behind. The trees above began to rustle, and soon after, a flock of dark birds ripped over her. Hannah ducked and protected her head, but then felt a hand on her shoulder.

"It's only crows." It was Faunus. "You need to stay strong—the Xomenclature will follow your example."

Hannah pulled herself back up and regained her composure.

"Walk with me," said Faunus.

Hannah was more confident with Faunus by her side, but her fears hadn't been entirely extinguished. It was too dark to see where she was going, and every time a bird or squirrel scurried away, her heart nearly escaped through her chest. She found herself wishing that she had a sword rather than a bow.

Fortunately for Hannah, the darkness didn't last long. She could see the area ahead glowing, and when they got closer, she found the Gwanoawamp sitting around a campfire.

Before Hannah or Faunus could initiate contact, the Natal boy shouted from behind them.

"Oppah!" he said, dashing towards the startled Natals.

"Quiet!" said Faunus, hushing him as he ran by.

The Gwanoawamp all rose at once, each of them reaching for their weapons. But they lowered them once the Natal boy's face broke through the darkness. They all sat back down, except the scar-faced Natal who sprinted towards the boy. When he met the boy, he picked him up and spun him around.

"It's his father," said Faunus.

"Wow," said Hannah. "That's pretty lucky."

The Natals paid little attention to their arrival, but one man, dressed in a feathered headdress, approached them. Hannah recognized the man—it was Chief Westerman.

"We expected you earlier," said Chief Westerman.

"We chose to travel by foot," said Faunus. "We didn't want to attract any attention."

The chief nodded, seemingly satisfied by her response. But then, he looked past her and at the Xomenclature.

"Who travels with you?" said Chief Westerman. "Silver Wolf said nothing of this."

"Charles changed our plans after he met with you," said Faunus. "He didn't know the Xomenclature would be with us. We'll take them into the city with us tomorrow. Charles thinks it'll help persuade the people after his trial."

"Xomenclature cannot fight."

"No," said Faunus. "But they don't need to—they have a different role."

Chief Westerman continued to examine them.

"Is your tribe prepared?" said Faunus.

"Always prepared," he said, without looking away from the dark figures behind her.

"We'll head out tomorrow as soon as we receive word from Joseph."

"And when does this happen?"

"I can't say. But I imagine later in the day—that's when the trial should conclude."

Chief Westerman finally looked back at her. "My scouts tell me soldiers occupy the city."
"Did they tell you how many?"

"Twenty-three men they count."