Chapter 38

'Things seem to be tying themselves together a little too quickly for my liking,' Pitch folded her arms as her gaze turned towards Kashmana.

'I know what you mean,' he pressed his lips together, 'it's like her return sped up the process somehow. That's why my family are ready, but haven't actually attack yet. We can all feel the way things are going now and it's just…'

'I know, I just wish it sped up her saying hello to us,' she rolled her eyes, 'I feel forgotten somehow.'

'She's had other things to do so far.'

'So far, but now she's in a bit of a lull, so she should come and make sure we're okay or something.'

'I never realised you were so needy,' he couldn't help but tease.

'I'm not needy,' she glared back at him, 'I just want to be treated with a little more respect.'

'I don't know why you think you deserve any respect to begin with,' he smirked, 'you're just the host to one of his daughters.'

'And you're just the grandson of Fray, yet you demand respect.'

'I demand respect because there is a Realm out there who worship us like Gods. For them there are no other divine beings to look up to or respect. They even offer themselves up to us to enlarge our family. What do you have which even comes close to that?'

For a moment she glared at him, but said nothing. He knew there was nothing she could say, after all he was right. He was worshipped as a god and she hosted a forgotten relic of the past. Hell, she even was a forgotten relic of the past. There was just no way she could compete with him and they both knew it. So then why did he feel so bad about it?

'You're not better than me you know,' she broke the silence. 'I don't care what you have or what I don't have, you're still not better than I am.'

'Why does it even matter who's better than who,' he shrugged, 'it doesn't change the position either of us are in.'

'You say that as though you think you're better than me; like you have the moral high ground or something, but you don't. One day people will know who I am and when that day comes… when that day comes we'll see who is better than who.'

'I'm not trying to start some kind of argument with you Pitch,' he gave a heavy sigh, 'so why don't you just calm down already?'

'I am calm.'

'You sure don't sound calm to me.'

'What would you know MacTay?'

'I think I've gotten to know you pretty well this last year,' he remained calm, 'so I think I know when you're acting a little…'

'A little what?'

'Crazy.'

'I'm not acting crazy,' the words seethed their way out of her, 'how dare you…?'

'I dare because you are,' he cut her off, 'and if all this tension is because she hasn't come to see us yet, why don't you go see her?'

'I might just do that,' she folded her arms.

'Then do it,' he rolled his eyes, 'it'll save you some misery.'

'The time for waiting is over, tomorrow is the day,' her voice was as stern as the look in her eyes as she and the other tribe leaders confronted him.

'Who are you to tell me that,' Ni folded his arms, 'have you forgotten who you're talking to?'

'Have you forgotten the sacrifice we've made for you,' she remained firm, 'the time for delays and excuses is over, either you lead the beast's army tomorrow or we will.'

'You're honestly giving me an ultimatum,' he rolled his eyes and turned away, 'I thought my tribal leaders knew better than to throw temper tantrums. Then again I thought my tribal leaders knew better than to try and usurp me,' he half glanced towards them, 'but some of you proved me wrong on that score.'

'We are not giving you a choice Ni,' again her voice was firm, 'either you lead the beast's army tomorrow or we will.'

'The beast has your restless, know your place or…'

'Or what Ni,' suddenly his children had formed a tight circle around him, 'what could you possibly do to us that's worse than the sacrifice we were forced to make. You recognised us as your children, so start acting like our father and prove to us our sacrifice was not in vain.'

'And what if I don't think tomorrow is the right day?'

'Then you will lose,' her tone was almost too calm, 'but either way we will wait no longer. The nine months were up almost two months ago; you have no reason to delay any further, no wrath that will be wrought by attacking now, so we will accept no more excuses. You will lead the beast's army tomorrow or we will.'

'You would seriously risk losing because you're impatient?' He stared round at them. 'Are you all telling me you would rather lose than wait until the time is right?'

'We want this to be over with one way or the other, tomorrow.'

'Even if we attack tomorrow it doesn't mean the war will be over in a day.'

'We are aware of that; that's why we don't see it making any difference if you start tomorrow or not. The outcome will be decided when it is decided, but we will wait for the start no longer. You will lead the beast's army tomorrow or we will.'

'What makes you think you can even control the beast's army?'

'Because the army recognises us and our authority,' again her words were chillingly calm. 'So if you're thinking we can't carry out our threat then you are sorely mistaken. You will lead the beast's army tomorrow and if you don't we are more than capable of doing it for you. This is our final word on the matter.'

'When did all my children become so disloyal?' He grunted and gritted his teeth.

'When you decided to acknowledge us,' her response was curt and cold. 'This is your war to win Ni, lead the beast's army before we do. Lead the beast's army or we will lead it against you.'