Chapter 45
Back on Thra, everyone was gathered around the stone pit filled with swords once more. Naia was at the front as she addressed the group surrounding her. She took a deep breath, ready to break the news to the rest of the Gelflings that were still alive and willing to fight for their home planet.
"As you may know, Gurjin, Kylan, and I have went to the Castle of the Crystal to convince the Skeksis to join our fight against these invaders that have come to our planet." She said to them.
The Gelflings were quiet as they all watched her, waiting to see if everything went well or not.
"The fact that the three of us came back alive and unharmed could mean anything, I understand that." She continued. "But, I bring some good, if not shocking news. Two of the Skeksis have seen these creatures for themselves and have told the others about them. They have agreed to join us in our fight against the invaders, and have decided that they will bring a fleet of new warriors with them to help us in our fight."
The seven clans all looked at each other and murmured in excited whispers, unable to believe that their former enemies that wanted to drain them of their essence has agreed to help them fight against a common enemy.
"They will be at any given moment." Kylan spoke up. "And while yes, they still want to drain us, we must be willing to work with them so that we all may come up victorious against these invaders. They've agreed to work with us, so we must do the same."
"What if they turn our backs on us at the last minute?!" A Gelfling in the crowd cried out.
"What if they start working for the invaders instead?!" Another gasped.
"While that may be possible, we must give the Skeksis a bit of doubt that they will do such a thing." Naia assured them. "These creatures tried to attack Skektek and Skeksil, the two Skeksis that came with us to see these creatures for themselves. The Skeksis are not so forgiving to those who attack them, so we can rest assure, they must see these invaders as not only enemies to them for stealing their essence supply, but for trying to attack them in the first place."
"They are willing to fight with us." Gurjin announced. "We must be willing to put our trust in them. At least, for the time being."
"Such an uplifting speech."
The Gelflings all gasped at the voice behind them and they all turned as one, cowering just a bit in fear as the Skeksis came into view, with their Emperor leading the way. The Emperor Skeksis started walking through the Gelflings, coming up to the front to stand next to Naia. The Gelflings all watched him, wondering what it was he was going to say.
"We understand that you may have doubts about our decision to fight alongside you." He started. "But I assure you that there is no need for them. If you think we'll turn our backs onto you to join these creatures then you are obviously not ready to work with us. My kind and I have been warned about these creatures before. We didn't believe it before, but now that they have come we want to fight. Thra is not safe with these invaders here. No Gelfling, nor Skeksis is safe. These creatures are quick and smart, despite their dumb appearances. Many may die fighting them, but that is the price to pay if we are to save this planet. Our home. My Skeksis and I are ready to die fighting for this planet, and if you're not willing to do the same, then you are not warriors of Thra as you claim to be."
The Gelflings were all silent as they listened to him, unable to believe that he was actually willing to support them. The Emperor sighed.
"We may be a small number, but together, we will be able to fight these creatures and run them off of Thra. And, we're not alone. We have the Arathim on our side, as we saw with the Spitter that came with Naia and her two friends. My Skeksis and I also have warriors with us that we will have fighting alongside us. Skektek! Bring them forth."
Skektek nodded and cried out. "Gah! Garthim! Come forward!"
Almost immediately, a small fleet of beetle-like creatures that were seen outside of the castle came forward, clicking and clacking loudly as they came forward. The Gelflings all coward in fear, never seeing these creatures before. Skektek turned back to the Gelflings to explain his new creations.
"These are the Garthim." He explained. "I built them myself. A cross between and Arathim and a Gruenak. With their hollow empty shells they have no feelings, and are meant only to obey."
"Can they fight?" A Gelfling asked from the crowd.
"Certainly," Skektek nodded. "If we order them to, they will fight for us. And with their hard shells, it will be hard to penetrate them and kill them. As far as we know, only the venom of a Spitter can melt them."
"We have our army." Naia called out, putting the attention on her again. "With the Gelflings, Skeksis, Arathim, and now these Garthim fighting together, we will end up victorious against these invaders, or we die trying. Now, who's ready?!"
The entire crowd went up into an uproar, all cheering their approvals. They were ready to fight for their home, no matter the consequences.