Steel Wolf

Blood Sister. Blood Shadow

Skeptical, the Ultra-Chief looked up. Something extremely large and blacker than night obscured his view of the stars. How could it be blacker than night? Surely it would have reflected some of the light from the torches spaced around the square. Nothing. The thing undulated, coiling around in the night sky a few meters above Caral's head. A sound came from it; similar to a grunt, with a hint of huff to it. Maybe a sigh.

He looked closer, his eyes adjusting to the darkness overhead.

It was a dragon, but not the dragon they were seeking to fight and kill. This was a Hanzu dragon. Close to 75 feet long and eight feet in width, its elongated muzzle slightly open in the semblance of a smile, two-foot-long sharply pointed teeth visible within. Just under its broad nose were two long tendrils, giving it the appearance of a wise old Oriental man. Its fore- and hind legs, ending in enormous feet with foot-long claws were folded back along its length as it twirled and spun in the sky without the use of wings.

Caral thought he could make out horns on the dragon, but it was too dark to say precisely.

He dropped his gaze to Tanaya who was now fully encased in black armor, faceplate open to display a predatory smile. She winked, inclining her head to indicate that he should look behind him.

His "elite guardsmen" were all lying facedown on the ground, enormous black-armored figures standing over them with various weapons pressed against the men's necks. There had been no cry of surprise, no clatter of weapons or thudding of bodies as they hit the ground. A black-armored wolf, smaller than the few other wolves surrounding them, lay on Uyler's back, resting its head on his and wagging its tail. Tanaya's twitching nose caught the scent of strawberries and lilacs.

"Ultra-Chief," began Tanaya, "we've been courteous until this point. One of two things will happen tonight. You will consent to abide by the laws of this land, or your caravan will leave this city within the next hour. In either case, your slaves and 'cattle' will be confiscated to become property of this domain."

"You cannot do this! This is an outrage!" he spluttered. "I will lodge a formal complaint with the queen!"

"You're going to register a complaint that you have violated our laws?" Tanaya's smoky-voiced laughter filled the air. "Her Majesty is well aware of the current situation."

People escorted by Royal Guards and constables began filtering into the square. All looked dejected and fearful, their heads down as they shuffled and stood in some semblance of a line. Tanaya's heart sank at the sight.

"I've changed my mind, Ultra-Chief. You are leaving this very evening." Turning to the crowd of dejected people behind her, she spoke up so they could all hear.

"Captain Lauran will begin the process of separating those who wish to stay from those who wish to remain with Tribe Crazy Scar. This caravan will then be escorted to Fort Wick Cliff on the Missus River, two weeks' travel away. At that time Ultra-Chief, you will cross the river and leave these lands forever. We will return your skylizard-killing device and you may keep the gifts we presented you. Should you ever return to this land, you will be deemed an enemy and war will follow. I promise, it will be a short war and Tribe Crazy Scar will only be remembered in history books."

-o0o-

One by one, the members of Tribe Crazy Scar entered a small building just outside the square. Imelda told each that if they wished to remain they would be given asylum, shelter, and a job to start, or they could leave with the caravan and never return to these lands.

To prevent any appearance of coercion, this was done in private; only Imelda and the person or families being offered asylum in the room. Those wishing to stay were ushered out the back door and quickly spirited away through a maze of alleyways, carefully guarded by Regular Military. If they wished to stay, they were sent out the side door to a waiting area near the caravan; they could rejoin their brethren when all was said and done.