The pounding hooves of a hundred deer sent fear into their hearts. Ta’Ku, joined by Ro’Kar moved toward the front of the camp. With weapons drawn, they readied themselves for the herd’s arrival. The other Coppers came to stand alongside them, and they bristled with anticipation as the beasts drew near.

  “Be prepared to retreat over the boundary line. Protecting the chief is our priority.” Ta’Ku ordered. The orcs grunted their agreement, not moving their eyes from the coming foes. The stampede thundered down the plain, and they braced themselves, weapons at the ready. To their shock, moments before collision the deer came to a dead stop. A cloud of dust drifted behind them and Ta’Ku’s frown deepened as one of the herd stepped forward. Its fur was a glossy red with clean white streaks, and it had no antlers, though there were several stags present.

  “Which of you is the leader?” Came an ethereal, feminine voice. The orcs looked around in confusion before Ta’Ku realized the monster had spoken. His heart froze as he realized the implication. He bowed his head slightly in respect, believing that No’Ah would choose non-violence if possible.

  “At the moment, that would be me.” Ta’Ku responded. The deer turned toward him, seeming to take him in.

  “At the moment?” The deer questioned. Ta’Ku considered lying, not wanting to project weakness but felt a nudge in his spirit to speak truthfully.

  “Our chief has been injured and is currently unconscious. I lead the tribe in his absence.” Ta’Ku explained.

  “I see. And what is your name, tribe leader?” She asked.

  “I am called Ta’Ku, Dan’Kar to Chief No’Ah. How may I address you?” He responded.

  “Ta’Ku” She spoke, as if trying out the word. “I am Queen Jeline of the lower plains, ruler of this territory. You may address me as Majesty Jeline.” She said, her voice neither haughty nor assuming. Ta’Ku grimaced internally, but lowered his head in deferent acknowledgment. He knew by now that they would die before gaining the opportunity to flee.

  “Thank you, Your Majesty.” Ta’Ku replied, unsure of how to continue the conversation politely. Thankfully the queen had no such compunctions.

  “Tribe leader, have you come to pledge your loyalty to me or have you come to take my land?” The sweet sound of her voice was betrayed by the biting promise in her words.

  “I apologize, Your Majesty. I do not have the authority to make that decision, nor was I made aware of our chief’s intention.” Ta’Ku lamented, suddenly glad for Noah’s state.

  “I see. That is unfortunate.” She replied, her voice turning sharp. “Take me to your chief.” She commanded. The warriors stiffened, several eyeing their weapons. Ta’Ku inhaled sharply as the tension in the air multiplied.

  “Right this way, Your Majesty.” He said, stepping to the side. She would be able to kill them all with ease, there was no reason to deny her. Ta’Ku led her through the camp, eventually arriving at Noah’s cot.

  “What happened, Ta’Ku? Is everything okay—” Un’Dal was cut off as Ta’Ku glared at him with wide eyes.

  “Here he is, Your Majesty,” Ta’Ku said, gesturing toward Noah. She stepped forward and lowered her head to look at him.

  “Why are you killing him?” She asked. Un’Dal froze both at the statement and at the identity of the speaker.

  “Killing him? We are trying to save him.” Un’Dal insisted. Ta’Ku whispered into his ear. “Uh, I mean that is what we are attempting, Your Majesty.” He finished. She narrowed her eyes before flicking her tail in some kind of signal. Almost immediately another one of the deer trotted forward.

  You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

  “Chenly, heal this man. He has an oath to swear.” She ordered. Ta’Ku watched as the deer stepped forward and lowered its head near Noah’s wound. Its eyes glowed green and Noah’s leg was shrouded in white light. A dark substance oozed from the leg and trickled down onto the ground, wilting the grass upon touch. This continued for another few seconds before there was a final flash of green. Noah began to stir, and opened his eyes, clearly confused. He frowned as he looked at the deer, rubbing his eyes. Finally, he saw Ta’Ku and his tension eased.

  “Ta’Ku, where am I? What’s going on?” Noah asked. Ta’Ku coughed.

  “Chief No’Ah you have been unconscious due to a toxin in your system. We have been tending to you for several hours since the incident occurred.” Ta’Ku explained. Ah, the blasted rabbit. Noah shook his head, still feeling groggy.

  “Am I still hallucinating or are we surrounded by a herd of deer?” Noah asked. Before Ta’Ku had a chance to respond, the queen stepped forward and looked pointedly into Noah’s eyes.

  “I heard that you are the leader of this tribe. Is that right?” She asked. Noah was taken off guard, her voice sounded surprisingly human, and regal. He cocked his head at the deer and decided to play along with it.

  “That is right. I am Noah, chief of this tribe. Whom do I have the pleasure of speaking with?” He asked. The deer smiled, actually smiled. To Noah’s relief and great pleasure, it had normal teeth–no fangs in sight.

  “I am Queen Jeline of the lower plains, ruler of this territory. You may address me as Majesty Jeline.” She repeated word for word. Noah groaned audibly, much to the horror of his fellow orcs. The queen frowned.

  “Did I same something strange?” She asked, a dangerous edge to her voice.

  “You said ‘lower plains’ as if there are upper plains. This whole world is a giant mountain isn’t it?” He said, rubbing his temples.

  “Not a fan of mountains?” She asked, amused. He shook his head gravely.

  “I used to love mountains; they are so majestic and beautiful. Then I realized that’s only true when they're really far away.” He mourned. “Why not a giant ocean or better yet, variety!” The queen snorted.

  “I think I like you, human.” She said, with a crinkle in her eyes. Noah looked up at her and studied her features.

  “Do you remember Earth?” He asked. The question took Jeline off guard.

  “No.” She said wistfully, “Occasionally images flash through my mind, but they don’t mean anything to me. They were from a time when I was less.” Noah considered her words.

  “Was it lonely?” Noah asked. The queen started, finding her heart stirred by the human’s questions. She frowned.

  “What do you mean?” She replied.

  “When you first awakened, were you lonely?” He said. For a reason he couldn’t place, he felt a strange resonance with the beast and his mind couldn’t shake it.

  “How did you know?” She said after a moment, memories of the early moments of awareness flashing through her mind.

  “I think I understand.” He replied, gesturing around him. “It is not by accident that I am the only one of my kind here.” She looked around as well, seeing the truth of his words. They were quiet for a minute, both lost in their own thoughts.

  “I have changed my mind.” She announced, breaking Noah from his thoughts. He tilted his head at her and she looked at him intently.

  “You will be coming with me.” She said. Noah frowned, not understanding. Ta’Ku stiffened at her words but Noah didn’t seem to notice.

  “What do you mean?” He asked.

  “I considered forcing your tribe to swear loyalty, but that is not what I desire any longer. You will come with me, alone.” She explained. For the first time in their conversation, Noah took the opportunity to consider her as an enemy. He winced. She was incredibly powerful by herself, not to mention her accompanying retinue.

  “What of my tribe?” He asked, knowing he had no place to protest. She smiled at his response.

  “They will be free to use this area as they wish. As long as they do not harm my subjects, I will allow them self-governance in your absence.” She replied. Noah nodded.

  “How long before we leave?” He asked. She considered it for a moment.

  “I will allow you an hour to speak with your people. We will wait for you just beyond the grove.” She said, turning her head in the direction of the trees.

  “Thank you.” He replied. Jelline rejoined her herd and together they trotted out of sight. Noah turned to his gathered tribe.

  “What’s the plan? Are we running?” Di’Ma blurted before Noah could speak. Noah smiled at his well-meaning companion.

  “I’m afraid that we couldn’t outrun them if we tried. There’s no reason that they couldn’t follow us down the mountain. If I am not mistaken, the weakest among them were as strong as I am. Earning their ire is not a risk we can take.” Noah explained.

  “So we are just letting them take you?” Di’Ma responded, frowning.

  “I prefer to say that I am choosing to go, but yes we are,” Noah replied before turning to Ta’Ku.

  “Will you lead while I’m gone?” He asked.

  “Of course I will.” Ta’Ku replied quickly. “What are your orders?” Everyone gathered around to listen.

  “Right now we don’t stand a chance. But that doesn’t have to be true months from now. Take this opportunity to push the tribe. When I return, I will need you to be ready.”