Buschea & Lions by Ebonygriot

I don't own any characters from the Black Jewels Trilogy; they belong to the very inspiring and talented Anne Bishop. New characters are my imagination. I make no profit from the tale that follows.

[Honest and critical reviews welcome.

Chapter 7: 'Greetings We Come In Peace'

Imaani, Nayati and Akosian led the slow procession towards and unknown reception. Buschea had assured them this was the place they would find refuge. Darkness hope that the other group of clan-pride members had reached their destination.

Ahead of them was an impressive and overpowering Hall. It felt big enough to house a small village or even town for that matter. Akosian scanned the surrounding land and made a note of the strategic places that an attack could come from various parts of the immense building.

Nayati and Imaani led the procession of people, animals and wagons. Akosian walked at a sedate pace in between lions. Her quiet presence was as protector to Her Queen and consort.

[Greetings, we come in peace . Walking a little ahead Nayati the male lion approached the small gathering waiting at the entrance and then stopped a little more that a human body as he sent out the thought.

The awaiting humans were joined by a pack of beautiful and ferocious looking wolves. One of the wolves stood protectively by the female human who stood before him. Beside her were four men to her right a young Eyrien and Haylian, to her left an older more seasoned looking Eyrien warrior standing alongside another Haylian man.

The woman standing by the lions was aware of the equally confusing stares aimed at her as well as the lions. She was used to various reactions to her combination of Eyrien wings and Dea al Mon delicately pointed ears. Various responses included being hunted, spat on decried as a foul not to mention evil thing. Thankfully she had spent much of her life in the company of those who simply loved her for who she was. Until now the clan-pride had been building a new life for themselves away from the taint of slavery, and the newest danger….

Taking in the details and stances of all those assembled Nayati focussed his look on the bored looking human who had his hands in his pockets. This was the one he read as the holder of the Black Jewels almost as dark as his own. He felt Akosian by his shoulder before he could tell her, as if it were possible, to stand her ground by the wagon. They would be having words later… again.

[Welcome to Sa Diablo Hall, its good to hear that you come in peace. You'll forgive me for asking but who are you and what can we do for you? responded the bored looking human with the Black jewels scent.

Akosian stared at the assembled crowd and made eye contact with the wolf standing beside the only woman part of the 'welcoming' party. She must be warrior. She looks deceptively slim but her stance and body tone shows deep strength and I sense a woman who knows how to kill without hesitation.

[We are the Arambee clan-pride from the Island of Azaina and we come to ask for sanctuary. We also come seeking he those named Queen Draca and Prince Lorn, mother and father of the blood.