Page 69 of Nixx
“Nixx's companion has all the support and protection of the Southlands.”
Liamm and Ivann also stand up.
“Nixx's companion can count on the support and protection of the Eastern lands.”
Zakk adds for his part:
“Sarah, Nixx's companion, has of course all the support and protection of the Middle Lands.”
And as I mentally acknowledge them, Lokk stands up and announces:
“Nixx's companion is under the protection of the Western Bastion and is the pride of our people.”
Dismayed, Nurr stands up and blurts out:
“You’re all crazy, you’re all weak. This meeting is over. I'm going back to my land. Go on with your miserable little lives and don't come complaining about not being able to protect your people. I have heard enough.
And as for your requests, there is nothing you can do. I didn't kill anyone. You’re not from the Northern Bastion. Only one of my people can call me to account and challenge me.”
An Erian comes forward. He has an entirely pearly white ornament and his eyes are as red as those of an oncifelis. I have heard of him, as many of us have, because he is unique. But I have never met him in person. His aura is dark, but clear, his gaze is frank.
“I am Svenn from the Northern Territories. I too have heard enough. I usually live in isolation from others. But lately I've heard too many rumors about our new chief. A leader who would put his personal needs before those of the people he is supposed to protect. Nurr, you have brought shame to the northern lands by your actions. As a member of the Northern Bastion, you will report to me!”
The Erian stares impassively at Nurr, waiting for his answer.
“You can't do that. We are not in the Northern lands!” retorts Nurr, looking uncomfortable.
“Yes, I can. You have a choice. Either you abdicate your position voluntarily, or you confront me!” answers Svenn, implacable.
Nurr seems to realize that he has no choice.
Resigned, he prepares his blade and gets ready for the confrontation with Svenn. The two fighters go to a clear place and Nurr starts the engagement without delay.
Svenn dodges and counterattacks. The passes are linked, on one side as on the other. Nurr is well-trained. He prepared himself for a possible confrontation. Whereas Svenn, who lived away from his family, is perhaps disadvantaged by the lack of practice. But he is determined and seems serene. He bends down and dodges another blow by the skin of his teeth. The whining blade passes so close that it makes his snowy hair fly, slicing a strand in the process. The next blow cuts nicely into his shoulder fat. He stumbles slightly and Nurr, with a victorious smile on his face, takes advantage of his imbalance to raise the edge of his blade and bring it down with all his might toward his opponent. But instead of meeting the head of Svenn, the blade of Nurr meets only the rock, bouncing in a terrible crash. And it is with surprise that we see the blade of Svenn come out in the back of Nurr!
This one falls on his knees and looks surprised at this sword which transpierces him from side to side.
“Not YOU! Look at you! You’re unclean . . . you’re so flawed. You can't take my place. This is not what the Winds want.”
Impassive, Svenn stands straight in front of him, inaccessible to the last words full of Nurr’s venom. Fiell then intervenes:
“It's okay, the fight is over. But bring in a healer. You can't let this man die like that,” he pleads.
“My companion could not defile with her impure hands, the perfect body of your former chief. May the Winds heal him.”
And I turn my back on this filthy being, who has brought so much chaos in such a short time. Who thought that his personal welfare could justify sacrificing weaker people than him?
After all this disgusting crap, all I want to do is go and find the woman who lights up my life.
“Hugg, is Sarah still with you?”
“Yes, I have her in my custody. She chats with Mery and they both beatify in front of my adorable son. I've been mentally briefed on the latest developments. Good riddance.”
“Absolutely. Can you please take my companion to the dining tent? I'll meet you there.”
“I'll let her know and bring her to you right away.”
I fly away and go immediately to the tent where tables with fruits are served at all hours. My companion joins me there and I hug her fiercely, happy that she is well, relieved to be rid of this vork face who said so many horrible things about her.
