Page 11 of Feral Gods
A clever adaptation to her circumstances—turning her perceived insignificance into an advantage. My respect for her intelligence deepens.
"Tell me what else you know of the current political landscape," I encourage, genuinely curious about how Protheka has evolved during our imprisonment.
Kaia hesitates, likely weighing the strategic value of sharing information against keeping her knowledge as leverage. After a moment, she seems to decide in favor of cooperation.
"Liiandor remains the most powerful of the dark elf kingdoms, though Orthani challenges that position increasingly under King Rython Vatoris. He's expanded aggressively, establishing colonies on Tlouz and in the Yacarres Isles." She speaks with the precision of someone who has memorized important details through careful observation. "Pyrthos is more isolated, focused on agriculture and trade rather than conquest. King Throsh Roraelli is considered... moderately less cruel to humans than the others."
"And the other races?" I prompt, impressed by her comprehensive knowledge.
"The naga keep to Nagaland and are openly hostile to outsiders. I haven’t heard much aboutthem. The minotaurs control trade routes through their naval power. The manticore..." She pauses, frowning. "Actually, the manticore disappeared centuries ago. They're believed extinct, or perhaps merely legendary."
"Not extinct," I correct her, selecting another text from my collection. "Hidden. The manticore fled to Osiris Island after rebelling against dark elf control. Their sanctuary is protected by powerful concealment magic."
Her eyes widen. "They're real? I thought they were just stories to frighten children."
"Many truths on Protheka have been reduced to legends," I observe, thinking of our own fate. "The gargoyles, for instance."
Kaia nods thoughtfully. "What about the vrakken? The ones you fought in the Great War?"
"Retreated underground after their defeat," I reply, consulting another text. "They established domains within the wildspont caverns beneath the mountains. Most dark elves now believe them extinct as well, though the more knowledgeable rulers maintain precautionary warding against their potential return."
As we continue our exchange of information, I note how quickly Kaia absorbs and processes complex concepts. Her questions are incisive, revealing a mind trained to identify crucial details amid overwhelming information—another survival adaptation, no doubt.
The time passes rapidly as we delve into histories and magical theories, until eventually I become aware of a presence at the chamber entrance. Thane leans against the doorway, his massive arms crossed over his chest, crimson eyes gleaming with
The time passes rapidly as we delve into histories and magical theories, until eventually I become aware of a presence at the chamber entrance. Thane leans against the doorway, his massive arms crossed over his chest, crimson eyes gleaming with amusement.
"Converting the human to your scholarly obsessions, Zephyr?" he asks, his deep voice rumbling through the chamber. "Ravik sent me to inform you that the perimeter wardshave been breached twice more. Small scouting parties, easily dispatched."
I frown at this news. "They're testing our defenses systematically. Classic dark elf military strategy."
"Which means they'll launch a coordinated attack once they've identified weak points," Kaia adds, earning a surprised look from Thane.
"The human understands tactical assessment?" he says, sounding almost impressed despite himself.
"The human understands survival," she retorts, meeting his gaze without flinching. "And right now, my survival depends on this sanctuary holding against whatever forces come for me."
"For us," I correct gently. "Make no mistake, Kaia—while you may have been their initial target, we gargoyles now represent a far greater threat to dark elf authority. Once King Kres learns of our awakening, he will mobilize significant resources to return us to stone sleep... or worse."
The realization visibly weighs on her. "So I've not only endangered myself by coming here, but you three as well."
"A rather self-important assessment," Thane scoffs. "We welcome the conflict. Centuries of imprisonment have left us with considerable... frustrations to expend."
His crude implication earns a flat stare from Kaia, who seems increasingly comfortable holding her ground against beings three times her size and infinitely more powerful. Fascinating.
"Regardless," I interject, "we must accelerate our preparations. Kaia, these texts contain information about the temple's defensive systems. With your permission, I'd like to continue our discussion tomorrow, focusing specifically on how you might assist in reactivating certain mechanisms that require... delicate handling."
Surprise flashes across her face. "You're asking my permission? And suggesting I could help?"
"Your fingers are considerably smaller than mine," I point out practically, displaying my clawed hands. "Some of the control mechanisms were designed for dark elf manipulation, not gargoyle."
"And you trust me enough to let me access your defenses?" she presses, obviously searching for the trap in my request.
I consider my response carefully. Trust is not a commodity I distribute liberally, especially to someone I've known for less than a day. Yet there is something about this human that compels a degree of confidence I cannot entirely explain through rational analysis.
"I trust your instinct for survival," I finally reply. "Our defenses protect you as much as they protect us. Self-interest is often the most reliable motivator."
A smile tugs at the corner of her mouth—the first I've seen from her. "Practical and honest. Refreshing, compared to the manipulations I'm accustomed to from dark elves."
