Chapter 40: The Gathering Storm

In the half burned hall of the Dragon Guild, a table was hastily set up in a circular layout. The walls were scarred, smoke-stained the banners and snow blowing inside from the broken windows.

On the left side of the table sat the remaining representatives of the other Guilds in Aegis city, while on the right were the Chiefs of each Tribe with their Vice-Chiefs standing behind them.

At the head of the table were Xior and Becca, the spot was originally Rain’s but since he was taken hostage they needed to step up.

“We meet on the ashes of our own hall. The Dragon Tribe has no intention of stopping unless we stop them.” Xior declared as all of the people present looked at him.

The Lion Chief roared in response and blustered out, “the Lions have the strength and honor, you leading us will only end in tragedy. Let me and my Lions lead your to victory.”

Xior kept quiet, he didn’t need to reply to an oversized cat he thought. He knew very well that in times of crises the most honorable would even become dishonorable.

He studied the room, the Lion Chief kept spouting insults at how weak the humans were. But then a sharp and shrill voice cut through his ranting.

“Strength without foresight is a charge into the Abyss, you’re thinking of blindly charging into Dragon territory? I don’t know if I should call that honor or just straight up foolishness dear Kharvos.” The Eagle Tribe Chieftess mocked.

“Shut up!” He roared towards the woman but she was unfazed. “What do you know about honor? Don’t mock me as if you’re the most honorable person in the world.”

“While you two squabble, my Tribe is bleeding right this instance. If the purpose of this meeting has already been lost then I will take my leave.” A voice cuts through the argument, the Bear Tribe Chief glares at the Lion Chief and the Eagle Chieftess.

Before any of them could say another thing, Becca slammed her hand on the table. It shook as cracks went to each and every side of the table.

The hall becomes silent, she takes a deep breath and bluntly declares, “Every Tribe here has lost blood. Every Guild has lost ground. If we keep bickering like this, there won’t be a tomorrow for any of us.”

As if waiting for the opportunity, Kayla also speaks from behind her father. “Before it was speculations but now it has been confirmed that the Dragon Tribe already has demons on their side. Are we going to fight each other, or survive?”

No one dared to speak further, each of them knew about the demons. They resided on the floors from 71 till floor 80.

Xior leaned back on his chair and looked at the now silent Chiefs, “Please, keep arguing. Why did you all stop? It’ll make it easier for the Dragons to roast us all together.” He taunted.

His mock diffused the situation as the Tribe Chiefs realized how foolishly were they behaving.

From the left side, the new representative of the Griffin Guild shot out, “Why should we bleed in this conflict among the Tribes when they ignored us for almost a decade. Humans arrived at the tenth floor almost a decade ago.”

Upon hearing this Tharnak got up from his chair, his body was still bandaged he was desperate in wanting a winning chance against the Dragons.

“Because we have, just a few days ago against the Tigers. My wife was taken, my daughter almost killed. If we fall alone, you would be the next.” He insisted.

“No need to stand, Chief. You can speak while seated, don’t strain yourself.” Xior said as he put his arms on the table. “Does anyone have anything to say?” He asked.

“Tharnak speaks the truth, we’ve monitored the Dragons. They’re ruthless and don’t care now. They want to consume us all.” The Eagle Chieftess replied.

It was clear to all of them that the Dragon Tribe wanted complete annihilation of the other tribes. They didn’t care about anything now.

*****

Xior had stepped out of the room to take in some fresh air, in the hall behind they were discussing strategies and arguing about their roles. Despite all the persuasion attempts they didn’t lower their pride for survival.

After some time Xior entered the hall again and stood in front of the table. Becca, Kayla and Alice looked at him from where they sat.

“You can argue about who leads, who deserves glory, who holds grudges. Or you can look outside at the ashes and remember what it coming. The Dragons don’t care who you are.” He paused to take a deep breath and continued his eyes staring at all of the Chiefs.

“They’ll burn the Lions. Poison the Deers. Crush the Eagles. Hunt the Fox. Tear down the bears. Slaughter the Rabbits, and they’ll do it while laughing. Rather than infighting, unite and face this common enemy together so that your children stay safe and your legacy remains till the end of time, for eternity.”

The silence this time was heavy, much heavier than the last time. His words cut through their high egos and took them off their high horses. They would never stand a chance individually.

To survive against the Dragons, they had to unite.

Xior quietly sat down on his chair once again, he looked at the stunned faces of the Chiefs and gibbed one last time, “But if you still don’t understand, then by all means, let’s keep debating on whose ego should be stroked first.”

Alice was the first one to break silence, she smiled as Xior and said. “I’ve seen enough bloodshed. I will join, though I had made my decision long before this meeting.”

Following behind her the remaining Chiefs also affirmed their status.

“If Alice agrees to this then the Lions will roar with you.” The Lion Chief said with enthusiasm.

“We’ll see further than any Dragon.” The Eagle Chieftess added.

“The Bears will endure.”

“We’ll trick those petty bastards.” The Fox Chief sneered.

“And we will heal what is broken and will be broken.” The Deer Chief affirmed.

Becca and Xior looked at each other as one by one the Chiefs agreed to the alliance. Outside the hall the snow was falling heavily, a storm was brewing as violent gusts of wind almost unrooted the trees around them.

Thegathering storm wasn’t just the weather. But it was the war to come which would decide if the humans will prevail or will they perish trying.

Xior stood on the ruined balcony of the Dragon Guild building and looked down at the Tribes helping with preparations, “Well, that was easy. Only took almost killing each other.”

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