The First Sacrifice

Retribution and Repair

In the dead of winter with their clan leader dead and half their community decimated, what was left of the Firestone clan came to our doorstep.

I sat an atop my throne dressed in red Troy fed from my breast and Sanaa lay beside me in her grandmother's arms. Maddox was armored and growling as what was left of their clan, a meager number of 50, most of them civilians. The remaining commander of their army dropped to both of his knees and lay prone in front of my Kings feet.

"We surrender to your might, King RedWing. Have mercy on our few numbers as we try to rebuild our tribe back to its greatness, restore its pride after it was ripped from us from a despicable leader. We... the rest of us are deeply sorry for the harm that came to your kingdom by the hand of one of our own, a dragon who we believed to be the best of us." He said his voice weak and cracking. Authenticity poured through the man before us.

Sanaa removed her mouth from my breast and I adjusted and handed her over to her grandfather who beamed as she giggled. I joined Maddox side his dragon churning fire in his throat. I wrapped my fingers around his bicep and he looked at me,  eyes soft. I looked towards the crowd mainly women and a few dotting of men. I looked at the last standing commander of the army.

"Stand up!" I ordered sharply. The Commander rose quickly and bowed his head, " Goddess, my apologi..."

I placed a hand to stop him and he closed his mouth abruptly. "State your name," I ordered. His dark brown skin glistened with sweat, his hazel eyes met mine. "Commander Justice Freewing, my Queen." He said bringing his shoulders and head back with pride.

"State your creed," I commanded once more. "  "In flame and darkness, the Firestone clan will march with no fear. In devastation and deference, the Firestone Clan will rebuild. In hardships, we will prevail. Through fire, we know our strength." He recited perfectly tears flowing from his eyes.

I looked over his clan. "Is this the man who speaks for you?" I asked. Their bowed heads rose.

"Yes Goddess," They recited in unison

"Very well, retreat and end this war. Justice Freewing as your clans leader will meet with us to deliberate peace between our clans. Retribution has been served by lives lost... I wish there to be no more bloodshed. No more hate."

Justice met my eyes in reverence and sorrow. "We can't possibly atone for the sins of our leaders, but we shall rebuild our name and restore our honor with your blessing, Goddess."

In that moment Troy's cry pierced to the silence of the room. I nodded to Justice and Max before reaching over for my son his light brown skin flushed with agitation.

Maddox continued. " Meet with Raymond our guard for refreshments and accommodations for your clan we will reconvening in 12hours to deliberate." The 50 desolate souls followed orders sullen and hungry.

Troy bounced in my lap, playing with the gold chain around my neck. Sanaa began to stir as Theodore and Pontius address the court after being defeated in Severn Trail. Their armies abandoned the cause as our army wiped out 700 of their troops in one battle.

Maddox began to snarl,  his throat a fire red his canines elongated in pure hatred as he saw the defiance in Pontius eyes.

"As for you Pontius SteelClaw, what say you in regards to your crimes and violation of the Peace Act of 659." Maddox snarled.

Theodore trembled, as he a began to speak. Pontius stiffened as he slapped his son. "Don't you dare address this dragon traitor!"

Maddox lifted his daughter as she fussed and revealed the raw scar across her cheek to Pontius. Theodore looked away shameful, Pontius net Max's gaze in deference.

Maddox kisses her cheek and began. " You, your son and your clan are responsible for the scar placed here on my daughters face. A trauma that will mark her for life. YOU THINK THIS IS AN ACT I CAN FORGIVE!' He boomed his eyes blackened.

Pontius flinched at the volume as Sanaa babbled back to he father. His gaze softened as he placed her in my mother's arms.

Theodore knelt as Maddox stepped down from the stage. " The Peace Act of 659, calls for death of the violating party when clauses are nullified by offensive military action."

Pontius began to sputter as Maddox released a blade from his sheath. The guard held steadfast of Pontius as their King approached pressing the blade against the skin of his cheek.

I became hot with anger. Maddox slashed the same scar on his face as our daughters and the dragon bellowed. Pontius fell to his knees.

"Cruelty to a child, was when your actions crossed the line. Greed, power and hunger brought you here today! WHAT DO YOU SAY FOR YOUR ACTIONS, Pontius!"

Pontius whimpered. Theodore began to sob. " Forgive us, Lord. I was blinded by my fathers ambitions , I was a coward. I didn't reveal his greed to him!"

"Your bloodline is a stain," I spat. Maddox eyes narrowed as I joined him passing our son to his grandfather . I rested a hand on Max's shoulder.

"We however are not cut from the same city as you. Mercy we can offer to you Theodore, so long as you surrender your responsibility to SteelClaw Clan and the civilians can either choose what clan they would like to join or choose in a democratic election.

Pontius began to growl. " How DARE-" the outburst was cut short as Theodore slammed a right hook across his fathers face. "Father, Silence!" THEODORE hissed.

Pontius and the entire hall silenced in stunned shock of what was unfolding.

" We will step down and allow a democratic election, SteelClaw has a rich and beautiful culture I want to teach my future fledglings I couldn't imagine disbanding the clan, those who wish to leave we will not stop. Merciful, is not what we deserve and yet you extend mercy. Thank you."

Maddox nodded. "Very well, the execution of your father will bed schedule post election, as the Peace Act reads clearly the consequences, we have been merciful but we will seek retribution.

Theodore stood mouth agape. A slick tongue had not saved his fathers life... and  the Redwing Clan would get their revenge.