Page 41 of The Warrior's Oath
“Excuse me,” a quiet voice said at the door. “I hope I am not intruding.”
It was Minnix, one of the staff they had come to know during their short stay.
Korvin looked up from his inventory. “Please, come in.”
“Thank you. The magistrate asked me to inform you that our aerial reconnaissance units were able to obtain a fair amount of intelligence pertaining to your objective. A great many sections of the Raxxian vessel came down on this part of the continent.”
“This is excellent news! And what of survivors?”
“Unfortunately, the direction in which the crash and landing sites lay is well within the no-fly zone. Our long-range optics were sufficient to plot a basic map, but for such things as life signs and the sort, the density of the woods prevented us from seeing, given the angle of approach.”
“You’re saying that your people were too low on the horizon compared to the height of the trees around the downed ships,” Nyota interjected.
“Yes, that is precisely the issue.”
“Can’t they just fly higher?”
“Normally, yes. But as there are Dohrags active in that airspace, we do not risk it. They have a transit hub in orbit above the planet and this is a common route. Tensions have run high for some time, but they no longer bother our city. But to fly between it and their terrestrial forces would be ill-advised.”
“We appreciate the efforts, regardless,” Korvin said, gathering up his gear into a compact pile. “I suppose it doesn’t much matter anyway. By now any survivors would likely have either scattered, died, or been captured. Few would linger around the downed ships unless they had no other choice.”
“And that would be wise of them,” Minnix noted. “There have been reports filtering in from travelers that some traces of unusual foot traffic were stumbled upon in the woods. Creatures unlike any they had seen before.”
“Humans?” Nyota blurted. “Are you saying there might be others out there?”
“It is indeed possible. But Raxxians have also been sighted roving the area in small groups. Everyone has been avoiding the region for obvious reasons. In all cases it is best to avoid them than engage.”
“And by steering clear, the magistrate avoids provoking a diplomatic issue.”
“Or an all-out war, for that matter,” Minnix added. “No one wants that. Even if it is a fight, we could ultimately win. Warfare is such a drain on resources, none want to bear the burden, and the Raxxians are so brutal the cost in lives alone would negate any real sense of victory.”
“Wise words,” Korvin acknowledged.
“I have seen war in my day.”
“And those who have do not glorify it.”
“Indeed,” the aide said with a familiar, respectful stare. He may not have been a Bohdzee Guard, but all warriors shared the bond of combat. That, and the respect for life that came with surviving it.
“So, Raxxians are afoot.”
“Yes. Our intelligence experts posit they are survivors of the crash who have joined up with one another.”
Korvin scowled. “A recapture party, then.”
“That is what we have assessed as well. Undoubtedly, they are scouring the area looking to corral the escapees before their recovery ships arrive.”
“And let me guess. They are located in Dohrag territory as well.”
“Yes, they are. An astute guess.”
Korvin stroked his chin a moment, glancing at Nyota. “Not so much of a guess. This explains who killed the Raxxians we saw at the crash site we discovered. Dohrags, almost certainly, and in fair numbers if they took on armed Raxxians head-on.”
“Two aggressive races with a penchant for shooting first and asking questions later, for certain,” Minnix agreed.
“It makes things difficult, but not impossible.”
Nyota threw her hands up in the air. “Hang on a sec. Just hang on. So, if I understand you correctly, what you’re saying is we’ve gotbadguys, andworseguys out there fighting one another. Andthat’s where you want us to go?”
