Page 67 of Captured By The Alien Barbarian
ChapterEighteen
TACCIT
We burst into the human village, swiftly passing through the open gates before the humans have a chance to react and block us out. The stunned expression of the young guard would be amusing if the situation weren't so dire. The guards never anticipated an attack, complacent in their duties. My tribe experienced a similar lack of security when Melvall and I easily entered. Too long have we been negligent.
Some of the braver villagers reach for their weapons, but my companions are quicker, disarming them with ease. None of these men bear battle scars or possess the strength to challenge us. Most are youths on the verge of adulthood or elderly individuals hardly able to move, let alone fight.
"Keep moving," I say to my tribe brothers, not wanting to fight those unwilling or unable. I didn't come here to massacre indiscriminately.
However, the timidity of the guards is unexpected. Are the humans so weak that they won't fight for their survival? Even prey species resist when cornered, but most of the humans cower in fear.
I stride toward the buildings, aware that Melvall stays close behind. I must remember he lacks the combat experience of my brothers—his tribe has never encountered a raid like mine has. Yet, I am grateful to have him by my side, his courage unwavering.
It's challenging to discern Ariana's scent among the myriad of new odors and people. Traces of her come and go, but it's always vague.
"There are so many," Melvall says, stepping aside as a panicked female dashes past him, unaware he could easily reach out and capture her, take her for his own.
I hadn't anticipated so many females. I never imagined that such a multitude could coexist in one place, each of them unique yet similar.
My ears throb from her shrill screams, causing my eyes to water, and I wonder if this is a unique defense characteristic of their species.
I pause my search to address Melvall, "How has this human village escaped raids from other tribes? Their presence is not subtle, despite being deep within my tribe's territory. You even knew about them."
Melvall laughs, appearing relaxed. With a flourish, he hefts his strange weapon. It’s like a spear, only with several pointed heads. "I know everything, brother. Everything."
His words bring me to a halt. Brother. The male has indeed proved his worth. His trustworthiness. Even though we do not belong to the same tribe, he is my brother. Under different circumstances, I might have considered his words manipulative, but Ariana and her humans have changed everything.
As I watch the humans scramble for safety through the narrow gaps between buildings, I realize that most of them make poor warriors. Even their males shriek and flee from us. We had expected a fight upon our arrival, but this is hardly a challenge.
When I notice a human male carelessly shoving a small female towards us as a distraction, I roar with indignation. Sadly, he is not unique in his cowardice. Many males abandon their mates in the chaos, utterly disregarding their safety. Such behavior is despicable, and word of their weakness will undoubtedly reach the other tribes. This settlement will become a target. It won't take long for all tribes in the area to descend upon this settlement.
The disbelief on my fellow tribesmen's faces echoes my own feelings. Behind their shock, however, lies a newfound ambition. I fear that rescuing Ariana might not be their only goal; they may seek to claim mates for themselves in the process.
With this in mind, I grow even more determined to find Ariana and take her away. She deserves a male who will protect and cherish her, someone who will fight for her. As I scan the crowd, I'm surprised by the wide variety of human females: tall, short, curvy, and thin. Many wear clothes similar to the black ones Ariana once wore, while others don long, flowing dresses.
Amidst the sea of panic, I finally spot her. Ariana, the one person not trying to escape. We lock eyes, and for a moment, I am whole again. But my elation turns to rage when a male appears behind her, grabbing her roughly.
My vision turns crimson with fury. I recognize this man as Walter, the one who ordered my execution. Of course, he would only fight when his victim is weaker than him and he has the advantage. With a roar that shakes the heavens, I vow that nothing will stand between me and my mate, especially not a weakling like Walter.
Ariana resists Walter's grip, struggling to reach me despite his size and strength. My heart swells with pride in her determination to be by my side against all odds. As I charge toward them, intent on securing my mate, several human males emerge from the crowd, brandishing their small, powerful weapons.
"Watch out for the lightning!" I warn my brothers. We must not underestimate the deceptive force of these weapons.
My new, borrowed axe slices effortlessly through the air in a smooth curve before colliding with an opposing weapon. The human male steps back, bracing against my strike. As our eyes briefly meet, I see a mix of fear and resolve in his youthful gaze.
Ignoring his youth, I push forward and my tail snakes around his ankle, yanking him off balance and onto the ground. His weapon clatters away. If he is smart, he will stay down.
As two more warriors move to block my path, increasing numbers of human warriors emerge from between the buildings. Some usher the villagers to safety, while others fight to place themselves between their family and potential harm.
Adrenaline courses through me, heightening my senses. I crave this challenge. I've been looking forward to this.
My fellow tribesmen fan out behind me, assessing their adversaries. The humans form a line to prevent us from advancing further into their village, yet their lack of strategy reveals their inexperience with defending against tribal raids.
One human raises a laser pistol, and I instinctively wince as he fires in my direction. However, I have learned from my experiences fighting these humans. We came prepared. The bright light from his weapon never reaches me. Instead, the air shimmers before me. His attack disperses into a mere fading glimmer.
"Shields! Make sure your force-shields are on!" Melvall calls from behind me. My tribe-brothers and I huddle together. Our shield-bearers step forward, raising them high to provide cover for the rest of us. I do not even begin to understand the mysterious technology that powers these force-shields. Melvall insisted we bring them, and I now see his wise reasoning.
We are bombarded by endless beams of light. We are forced to wait for the right opportunity to strike once their ammunition runs out. We know their weakness is close-quarters combat. Together, we advance in an attempt to make the shooters retreat, but the humans armed with laser sticks fiercely assault our shield-bearers. Despite our best efforts, we are outmatched by their advanced tools.
