Chapter 26
The meeting with the Crones was a daunting one. For Tal it was a first time and it was a very new experience for him. Tal would be expected to stand with Milla and the other Far Raiders in the Circle of Truth and Judgment and he would also be expected to speak on behalf of the Chosen. Tal thought of his inauguration ceremony and gained confidence that he would be able to speak in front of a whole host of Crones. If he could speak to his people then he would be able to speak with the Crones. . .but then again the Chosen didn't know how to enter his mind and be able to see things he wanted to keep hidden. This thought was very disconcerting to Tal but Tal knew well enough not to betray himself by pacing of fidgeting so he stood still and silently suffered.
This was Milla's second time in this room. Last time she was here, Milla was being prosecuted for her crimes for breaking ancient laws. As she stood a few paces away from Tal she remembered feeling the awe and dread of awaiting her punishment. Milla reminisced back to that day, that fateful day that led her to become a legend. Milla closed her eyes and saw it clearly as if it happened yesterday. She saw herself in the chair with restraints at her wrists and her talon turned faced down. She remembered thinking of the punishments she would receive as her crimes were read out to her and the host of Crones. Milla opened her eyes and suddenly felt better. The fear and dread disappeared as she saw others around her and all concerns were washed away from her thoughts as she remembered that she was not here on trial to judge her innocence's.
To the Far Raiders group this was truly an awe inspiring moment, even to their resident Crone. She had never been here before except when she was witnessing Milla's trial through the collective mind. To be here in person was a true honor. Corin, Wraith and Rallen were thinking similar thoughts and all they could do was stare in awe at the vast room where legend had described as the place where all important judgments were made. Although they were not on trial, they felt a pressure on themselves that made them nervous even though not a Crone beside their own could be seen.
Outside guarding the doorway was, of all people, Kira and Breg. They felt honored to finally be doing something worthy although it was guard duty. Breg could hardly contain herself and couldn't help but whisper things to Kira, who was trying her best to look like a real shield maiden to all who passed by.
"Kira, can you believe that we are right outside the Hall of Judgment?!" Breg whispered ecstatically.
"It's just guard duty again it's nothing special," Kira said coolly although she didn't sound convincing, even to herself and Breg knew it.
"As calm as ever. One day you'll see my point that acting like stoic mindless halfwits isn't going to get us anywhere," Breg said making a childish face at Kira.
Kira just rolled her eyes at the comment and changed the subject.
"It is strange though that Salama would give us a post at the exact same time as this important meeting. We are still only a pair of novices in training. Why didn't she give the post to someone more important than a couple of trainees?" Kira asked seriously.
Breg smiled to herself and winked at Kira mischievously.
"Maybe it wasn't Salama's choice. Maybe it was that Corin boy who decided he would honor your request at for a rematch in front of all the Crones, just to humiliate you again," Breg said giggling hard with a hand over her mouth.
Kira glared at Breg and sent a deadly look to which Breg just giggled harder at. Kira sighed in frustration and gave up her attempt at trying to scare threaten Breg. Kira knew Breg's spirits wouldn't be dosed with mere dirty looks. Kira sighed at the laughing girl.
"Even if we did have a re-match; I would crush him," Kira said to herself more than to anyone else.
Breg overheard her and now it was her turn to roll her eyes. Kira never gave up. It was her life's mission to be the best and no one stood in her way.
Breg was about to say something to deflate Kira's dangerous vengeful thoughts when she saw something approach from down the well lit hallway. Kira followed Breg's gaze when she looked up from the floor and saw many Crones with luminous eyes walking in two straight lines. Their eyes were silvery and glowed brighter than the hall did even with sunstone light reflecting off the golden mirrors. Then Kira noticed movement from the other side of the hall and saw more Crones approaching. Breg and Kira stiffened to attention after their initial gawking and tried to remain calm and silent which was a challenge for Breg as she kept stealing glances at the approaching hoard.
Breg noticed that the Crones were separated into two groups. The Crones which she spotted first were younger and had luminous silver eyes while the others had milky and dimmer eyes. The Crones stopped at the side doors which were smaller that the large entrance halls. They looked at Breg and Kira for a moment in expectation and wonder as if they were two very interesting people. Kira and Breg held their breath and stood stock still as if the hoard of Crones were going to attack at any minute. Then Kira moved to face them and motioned to the side door that was on her side and bowed slightly. Breg looked at Kira in a strange way but followed suit. The Crones smiled a collective smile and walked through the doorway and up the stairs. After a few minutes of tense silence the Crones disappeared up the stairs. After they left Breg almost collapsed. Kira was dry heaving and bent over with her hands on her thighs as if she just finished sprinting the perimeter of the Ruin Ship a thousand times.
"That was the most hardest thing I have ever done," Breg said breathlessly.
Kira nodded as she tried to stand up straight although her legs were feeling like glow jellies. Then Breg giggled in her immature way that unique to her. Kira shot her a questioning look. Breg caught it and explained.
"We are here and we haven't done anything and yet we are trembling like idiots!" Breg whispered as she heard voices from behind the large oak doors.
Kira had to smile, she couldn't hold it back. It was true they had done nothing to embarrass herself and yet she was trembling like a fool as if she hadn't seen a Crone in her entire life. She was losing her sanity it was the only other explanation. To lose control of herself like this over seeing a tide of Crones was definitely not like her. . .but then again how often did an Icecarl get to meet Crones from all over the Ice?
From inside everyone heard the shuffling of the Crones feet and robes as they slowly started to fill the room. Just then a very old looking Crone walked out into the center of the room and sat in a chair that elevated itself to a level higher than everyone in the room. The Old Crone had milky eyes and had wrinkles that had seen many ages. She wore simple black robes with furs to match. Just as the chair stopped elevating the last Crone entered the room. Milla and Tal took in a collective breath and calmed themselves by reminding themselves that they were not on trial.
"We have been called here today to discuss a few matters that concern the Icecarl and the Chosen," the old Crone said her voice deep and resounding in everyone's ears.
"Dark have my visions been of late. We must find a solution before the peace between our two people is destroyed," the Crone said in a rather apocalyptic tone.
Tal and Milla exchanged a look and they both each others mind. Someone had to speak now and Tal felt he owed it to Milla to speak first.
"On behalf of my people I agree. A solution should be found and quickly," Tal said in a clear and powerful voice.
The Crones turned as one to look at the new speaker and seemed to speak to each other through the collective minds. Tal kept his nerves steady and continued to address the old Crone in the chair. She seemed to be nodding as if agreeing to something she heard from the collective minds.
"I believe that we cannot prevent what is coming but we should try none the less," Tal continued when no one spoke.
The Crone in the chair chuckled silently. The silent laughter spread through the Crones in fits and it unnerved Tal. Tal breathed out a breath to steady his nerves but found that he could not speak further for some reason. Then he felt a warm hand on his shoulder and thanked the light that it was Milla.
"The Chosen Emperor is correct; we should plan our defenses and also try to reason with the Ice Hunters," Milla said backing Tal's idea.
The Crones seemed to look at Milla with distain as if she had insulted them by having the gall to address them. One group of Crones seemed to sneer at Milla but Milla was determined to show that it didn't bother her. The Crone in the chair seemed to silence the Crones with a frown as if she was yelling at them in the collective mind. Then as they settled the all important Crone spoke.
"What do you propose we do War Chief?" the Crone asked making a slight emphasis on Milla's status.
"I propose we assemble a small team of Icecarl and Chosen to meet with the Ice Hunter's Crone and make a treaty. We have nothing to gain if a war is to break our bond with the Chosen," Milla said summing up her plan and opinion on the issue.
There was a minor outbreak of muttering amongst the Crones. Tal, Milla and the group behind her stood patiently to await a verdict and as time passed they became some what edgy.
"Do you think they are considering the idea?" Tal asked Milla.
Milla shrugged and looked to the Far Raiders Crone, Tal followed suit. The Crone's eyes were clouded but her face showed doubt as it frowned. The three body guards were silent but as the time passed further they became jittery and their hands often fell to their weapons as if they half expected to use them. Tal faced forward and looked at the Crone in the chair. She seemed torn between something and Tal could only hope she was fighting for Milla's solution. Then as the muttering about the Crones settled, the Crone in the chair spoke.
"We agree and give permission to follow out your plan War Chief but there are a few questions that we need to ask the you and the Chosen Emperor," the old Crone said in her resounding tone.
Tal straightened at the mention of his title and Milla stood by him supportively. Milla side glanced at Tal as if to say get ready.
"First I would like to point out that the Crones present know of your relationship with the War Chief," the old Crone said addressing Tal.
Tal kept a straight face but betrayed himself by taking in a sharp in take of air as he slowly moved his head to look at Milla's. Milla seemed to avoid his gaze by staring straight ahead. Tal cleared his throat and addressed the hoard of Crones.
"Then if you know about our relationship, then you should know I have made my feelings known to Milla. If you had seen and felt our emotions then you will know that it will not affect our judgment if that is what you fear," Tal said stepping closer to the Crones a few paces and raising his voice.
"We do not doubt your judgment Emperor. Nor do we doubt the War Chief. We only wanted to make clear that we know," the Crone said mysteriously.
Tal sighed and bowed slightly before returning to Milla's side.
"We do however foresee a grave problem that can be exploited by the enemy if it is not corrected. This problem just happens to lie between you and the War Chief," the Crone said.
"What problem is that?" Tal asked losing all fear of the Crones.
"A problem not worth mentioning but worth taking under consideration," said the Crone cryptically.
"Could you be more specific?" Tal asked starting to get impatient.
"Some problems are meant to be discovered and some told, this is one of the former," the Crone continued.
"What?" Tal asked getting confused and angry.
"Let sleeping beasts lie," the Crone said her eyes glowing brighter.
"Tal," Milla whispered in horror as she looked at Tal's hand.
Tal followed her gaze and was shocked to find that it was growing larger and his nails were growing to claws. Tal then felt a loud roar in his head that made him clutch his head and fall to his knees. Milla stepped forward towards him when the Far Raiders Crone stopped her with a glance. Tal was writhing in pain and Milla was helpless to stop him. The Crones looked on calmly as if this was what they wanted. Then Tal stop wriggling and stood slowly with his head still bent over, his eyes closed. All of a sudden they flashed open to reveal glowing red pits. Tal started to move forward but the Crone in the chair waved her hand lazily and that stopped Tal in his tracks. Frustrated, Tal spoke in a deep resounding growl. Milla recognised the chilling voice and knew Tal had unleashed the beast.
"Let sleeping dogs lie?!" the beast spat in rage.
"You are not welcome here but since you are here we shall discuss matters," the Crone said in her calm resounding voice that demanded authority.
"I will make no deal with a Ice Witch!!" the thing said growling.
"Be silent!" the Crone roared making everyone present flinch.
The beast growled but didn't say anything further.
"You were imprisoned for a reason and that reason that, cruel as it was; was necessary to restrain your evil," the Crone started.
"That's obvious," the creature muttered and looked at Milla with a hungry look.
Milla stared at it bravely knowing it had no power here. The beast wrinkled Tal's face into a look of fury as it saw Milla's fear of it disappear.
"I'm still going to eat you," it said in an angry voice.
The Crone wave her hand again and the beast flinched as if the wave had been a painful slap.
"Watch your behaviour beast," the Crone threatened and raised her hand to complete the threat.
The beast growled again but didn't look away from Milla until he was addressed again.
"You are a simple creature but powerful if used the right way," the Crone started.
"You cannot hope to make me a servant to this young brat. I have served my due and received nothing for it by your ancestors. You have nothing I want," it spat.
"Freedom cannot be granted to the likes of you but I may have something you want," the Crone said calmly.
The beast laughed a cold laugh and spoke in a slightly amused way.
"What could you possess that I could possibly want," the beast chuckled.
"Peace. Peace of mind and peace from all our people," the Crone offered.
The beast chuckled.
"You will not have me believe you can kill me, no matter how much I want it, it is not possible," it said coldly.
"Yet you were imprisoned and you didn't think that was possible either," the Crone bartered.
The beast crossed its arms and leaned to the side facing away from the Crones knowing glare. The beast growled once again signaling its annoyance. The Crone smiled and knew she had struck a nerve.
"Even if you did find a way to give me peace, Ice Witch, what is your price?" the beast said thinking of the proposition.
"The usual," the Crone said calmly.
"Typical," the beast muttered.
"What does that mean?" Milla asked the beast coldly "Where is Tal? What have you done with him?" Milla asked raising her voice in anger.
The beast smiled coldly and spoke to her in a light tone almost sarcastically.
"Have no fear your beloved is still here," the beast said trying to provoke Milla.
Milla tensed her arms and stated to unravel the talons on her fingers. The beast smiled challenging her.
"Go ahead War Chief," the beast said in Tal's voice.
Milla hesitated and eventually calmed herself and stepped back re- solidifying the talons back to nails but never once did she remove her gaze from it.
"Milla do not bother to bandy crooked words with this beast it is all but civilized," the Crone said.
The beast laughed and bowed as if it prided itself on its evil.
"Do you accept or not?" the Crone said a hint of finality in her voice.
"On two conditions; you must keep your end of the deal," it said with a smile.
"And the other?" the Crone said impatiently, clearly she was done bartering with the creature.
"Let me test this boy's worth," the beast said.
All the Crones seemed to stiffen at this request and for the second time during the meeting the Crones erupted in charter.
"Test Tal's worth?" Milla said to herself under her breath.
"Oh it's quite simple really," the beast said to Milla annoyance.
Milla stared at the beast coldly but was annoyed to find herself that she had to ask the creature what he meant.
"I have a duel with Tal in a place where everything is made equally. One could say it would be a battle of wills," the beast said slyly.
Milla narrowed her eyes but then looked away from the beast's face as she saw Tal's innocent face wash over it for a moment. After a few minutes of chatter, the Crones silenced themselves as a decision was reached. After sighing the Crone spoke.
"We honor your request but we have one of our own. Do not kill him or the deal is forfeit,"
The beast smiled wickedly and accepted.
"We start now," the beast said and closed his eyes.
Then it opened its eyes and looked at Milla with its grin on its face.
"I won't kill your beloved but you'll be surprised what a person can live through," the beast said and closed its eyes again, this time leaving them shut.
"We will watch," the Crone said and waved her hand to reveal a floating, watery window that was misty and white.
The meeting with the Crones was a daunting one. For Tal it was a first time and it was a very new experience for him. Tal would be expected to stand with Milla and the other Far Raiders in the Circle of Truth and Judgment and he would also be expected to speak on behalf of the Chosen. Tal thought of his inauguration ceremony and gained confidence that he would be able to speak in front of a whole host of Crones. If he could speak to his people then he would be able to speak with the Crones. . .but then again the Chosen didn't know how to enter his mind and be able to see things he wanted to keep hidden. This thought was very disconcerting to Tal but Tal knew well enough not to betray himself by pacing of fidgeting so he stood still and silently suffered.
This was Milla's second time in this room. Last time she was here, Milla was being prosecuted for her crimes for breaking ancient laws. As she stood a few paces away from Tal she remembered feeling the awe and dread of awaiting her punishment. Milla reminisced back to that day, that fateful day that led her to become a legend. Milla closed her eyes and saw it clearly as if it happened yesterday. She saw herself in the chair with restraints at her wrists and her talon turned faced down. She remembered thinking of the punishments she would receive as her crimes were read out to her and the host of Crones. Milla opened her eyes and suddenly felt better. The fear and dread disappeared as she saw others around her and all concerns were washed away from her thoughts as she remembered that she was not here on trial to judge her innocence's.
To the Far Raiders group this was truly an awe inspiring moment, even to their resident Crone. She had never been here before except when she was witnessing Milla's trial through the collective mind. To be here in person was a true honor. Corin, Wraith and Rallen were thinking similar thoughts and all they could do was stare in awe at the vast room where legend had described as the place where all important judgments were made. Although they were not on trial, they felt a pressure on themselves that made them nervous even though not a Crone beside their own could be seen.
Outside guarding the doorway was, of all people, Kira and Breg. They felt honored to finally be doing something worthy although it was guard duty. Breg could hardly contain herself and couldn't help but whisper things to Kira, who was trying her best to look like a real shield maiden to all who passed by.
"Kira, can you believe that we are right outside the Hall of Judgment?!" Breg whispered ecstatically.
"It's just guard duty again it's nothing special," Kira said coolly although she didn't sound convincing, even to herself and Breg knew it.
"As calm as ever. One day you'll see my point that acting like stoic mindless halfwits isn't going to get us anywhere," Breg said making a childish face at Kira.
Kira just rolled her eyes at the comment and changed the subject.
"It is strange though that Salama would give us a post at the exact same time as this important meeting. We are still only a pair of novices in training. Why didn't she give the post to someone more important than a couple of trainees?" Kira asked seriously.
Breg smiled to herself and winked at Kira mischievously.
"Maybe it wasn't Salama's choice. Maybe it was that Corin boy who decided he would honor your request at for a rematch in front of all the Crones, just to humiliate you again," Breg said giggling hard with a hand over her mouth.
Kira glared at Breg and sent a deadly look to which Breg just giggled harder at. Kira sighed in frustration and gave up her attempt at trying to scare threaten Breg. Kira knew Breg's spirits wouldn't be dosed with mere dirty looks. Kira sighed at the laughing girl.
"Even if we did have a re-match; I would crush him," Kira said to herself more than to anyone else.
Breg overheard her and now it was her turn to roll her eyes. Kira never gave up. It was her life's mission to be the best and no one stood in her way.
Breg was about to say something to deflate Kira's dangerous vengeful thoughts when she saw something approach from down the well lit hallway. Kira followed Breg's gaze when she looked up from the floor and saw many Crones with luminous eyes walking in two straight lines. Their eyes were silvery and glowed brighter than the hall did even with sunstone light reflecting off the golden mirrors. Then Kira noticed movement from the other side of the hall and saw more Crones approaching. Breg and Kira stiffened to attention after their initial gawking and tried to remain calm and silent which was a challenge for Breg as she kept stealing glances at the approaching hoard.
Breg noticed that the Crones were separated into two groups. The Crones which she spotted first were younger and had luminous silver eyes while the others had milky and dimmer eyes. The Crones stopped at the side doors which were smaller that the large entrance halls. They looked at Breg and Kira for a moment in expectation and wonder as if they were two very interesting people. Kira and Breg held their breath and stood stock still as if the hoard of Crones were going to attack at any minute. Then Kira moved to face them and motioned to the side door that was on her side and bowed slightly. Breg looked at Kira in a strange way but followed suit. The Crones smiled a collective smile and walked through the doorway and up the stairs. After a few minutes of tense silence the Crones disappeared up the stairs. After they left Breg almost collapsed. Kira was dry heaving and bent over with her hands on her thighs as if she just finished sprinting the perimeter of the Ruin Ship a thousand times.
"That was the most hardest thing I have ever done," Breg said breathlessly.
Kira nodded as she tried to stand up straight although her legs were feeling like glow jellies. Then Breg giggled in her immature way that unique to her. Kira shot her a questioning look. Breg caught it and explained.
"We are here and we haven't done anything and yet we are trembling like idiots!" Breg whispered as she heard voices from behind the large oak doors.
Kira had to smile, she couldn't hold it back. It was true they had done nothing to embarrass herself and yet she was trembling like a fool as if she hadn't seen a Crone in her entire life. She was losing her sanity it was the only other explanation. To lose control of herself like this over seeing a tide of Crones was definitely not like her. . .but then again how often did an Icecarl get to meet Crones from all over the Ice?
From inside everyone heard the shuffling of the Crones feet and robes as they slowly started to fill the room. Just then a very old looking Crone walked out into the center of the room and sat in a chair that elevated itself to a level higher than everyone in the room. The Old Crone had milky eyes and had wrinkles that had seen many ages. She wore simple black robes with furs to match. Just as the chair stopped elevating the last Crone entered the room. Milla and Tal took in a collective breath and calmed themselves by reminding themselves that they were not on trial.
"We have been called here today to discuss a few matters that concern the Icecarl and the Chosen," the old Crone said her voice deep and resounding in everyone's ears.
"Dark have my visions been of late. We must find a solution before the peace between our two people is destroyed," the Crone said in a rather apocalyptic tone.
Tal and Milla exchanged a look and they both each others mind. Someone had to speak now and Tal felt he owed it to Milla to speak first.
"On behalf of my people I agree. A solution should be found and quickly," Tal said in a clear and powerful voice.
The Crones turned as one to look at the new speaker and seemed to speak to each other through the collective minds. Tal kept his nerves steady and continued to address the old Crone in the chair. She seemed to be nodding as if agreeing to something she heard from the collective minds.
"I believe that we cannot prevent what is coming but we should try none the less," Tal continued when no one spoke.
The Crone in the chair chuckled silently. The silent laughter spread through the Crones in fits and it unnerved Tal. Tal breathed out a breath to steady his nerves but found that he could not speak further for some reason. Then he felt a warm hand on his shoulder and thanked the light that it was Milla.
"The Chosen Emperor is correct; we should plan our defenses and also try to reason with the Ice Hunters," Milla said backing Tal's idea.
The Crones seemed to look at Milla with distain as if she had insulted them by having the gall to address them. One group of Crones seemed to sneer at Milla but Milla was determined to show that it didn't bother her. The Crone in the chair seemed to silence the Crones with a frown as if she was yelling at them in the collective mind. Then as they settled the all important Crone spoke.
"What do you propose we do War Chief?" the Crone asked making a slight emphasis on Milla's status.
"I propose we assemble a small team of Icecarl and Chosen to meet with the Ice Hunter's Crone and make a treaty. We have nothing to gain if a war is to break our bond with the Chosen," Milla said summing up her plan and opinion on the issue.
There was a minor outbreak of muttering amongst the Crones. Tal, Milla and the group behind her stood patiently to await a verdict and as time passed they became some what edgy.
"Do you think they are considering the idea?" Tal asked Milla.
Milla shrugged and looked to the Far Raiders Crone, Tal followed suit. The Crone's eyes were clouded but her face showed doubt as it frowned. The three body guards were silent but as the time passed further they became jittery and their hands often fell to their weapons as if they half expected to use them. Tal faced forward and looked at the Crone in the chair. She seemed torn between something and Tal could only hope she was fighting for Milla's solution. Then as the muttering about the Crones settled, the Crone in the chair spoke.
"We agree and give permission to follow out your plan War Chief but there are a few questions that we need to ask the you and the Chosen Emperor," the old Crone said in her resounding tone.
Tal straightened at the mention of his title and Milla stood by him supportively. Milla side glanced at Tal as if to say get ready.
"First I would like to point out that the Crones present know of your relationship with the War Chief," the old Crone said addressing Tal.
Tal kept a straight face but betrayed himself by taking in a sharp in take of air as he slowly moved his head to look at Milla's. Milla seemed to avoid his gaze by staring straight ahead. Tal cleared his throat and addressed the hoard of Crones.
"Then if you know about our relationship, then you should know I have made my feelings known to Milla. If you had seen and felt our emotions then you will know that it will not affect our judgment if that is what you fear," Tal said stepping closer to the Crones a few paces and raising his voice.
"We do not doubt your judgment Emperor. Nor do we doubt the War Chief. We only wanted to make clear that we know," the Crone said mysteriously.
Tal sighed and bowed slightly before returning to Milla's side.
"We do however foresee a grave problem that can be exploited by the enemy if it is not corrected. This problem just happens to lie between you and the War Chief," the Crone said.
"What problem is that?" Tal asked losing all fear of the Crones.
"A problem not worth mentioning but worth taking under consideration," said the Crone cryptically.
"Could you be more specific?" Tal asked starting to get impatient.
"Some problems are meant to be discovered and some told, this is one of the former," the Crone continued.
"What?" Tal asked getting confused and angry.
"Let sleeping beasts lie," the Crone said her eyes glowing brighter.
"Tal," Milla whispered in horror as she looked at Tal's hand.
Tal followed her gaze and was shocked to find that it was growing larger and his nails were growing to claws. Tal then felt a loud roar in his head that made him clutch his head and fall to his knees. Milla stepped forward towards him when the Far Raiders Crone stopped her with a glance. Tal was writhing in pain and Milla was helpless to stop him. The Crones looked on calmly as if this was what they wanted. Then Tal stop wriggling and stood slowly with his head still bent over, his eyes closed. All of a sudden they flashed open to reveal glowing red pits. Tal started to move forward but the Crone in the chair waved her hand lazily and that stopped Tal in his tracks. Frustrated, Tal spoke in a deep resounding growl. Milla recognised the chilling voice and knew Tal had unleashed the beast.
"Let sleeping dogs lie?!" the beast spat in rage.
"You are not welcome here but since you are here we shall discuss matters," the Crone said in her calm resounding voice that demanded authority.
"I will make no deal with a Ice Witch!!" the thing said growling.
"Be silent!" the Crone roared making everyone present flinch.
The beast growled but didn't say anything further.
"You were imprisoned for a reason and that reason that, cruel as it was; was necessary to restrain your evil," the Crone started.
"That's obvious," the creature muttered and looked at Milla with a hungry look.
Milla stared at it bravely knowing it had no power here. The beast wrinkled Tal's face into a look of fury as it saw Milla's fear of it disappear.
"I'm still going to eat you," it said in an angry voice.
The Crone wave her hand again and the beast flinched as if the wave had been a painful slap.
"Watch your behaviour beast," the Crone threatened and raised her hand to complete the threat.
The beast growled again but didn't look away from Milla until he was addressed again.
"You are a simple creature but powerful if used the right way," the Crone started.
"You cannot hope to make me a servant to this young brat. I have served my due and received nothing for it by your ancestors. You have nothing I want," it spat.
"Freedom cannot be granted to the likes of you but I may have something you want," the Crone said calmly.
The beast laughed a cold laugh and spoke in a slightly amused way.
"What could you possess that I could possibly want," the beast chuckled.
"Peace. Peace of mind and peace from all our people," the Crone offered.
The beast chuckled.
"You will not have me believe you can kill me, no matter how much I want it, it is not possible," it said coldly.
"Yet you were imprisoned and you didn't think that was possible either," the Crone bartered.
The beast crossed its arms and leaned to the side facing away from the Crones knowing glare. The beast growled once again signaling its annoyance. The Crone smiled and knew she had struck a nerve.
"Even if you did find a way to give me peace, Ice Witch, what is your price?" the beast said thinking of the proposition.
"The usual," the Crone said calmly.
"Typical," the beast muttered.
"What does that mean?" Milla asked the beast coldly "Where is Tal? What have you done with him?" Milla asked raising her voice in anger.
The beast smiled coldly and spoke to her in a light tone almost sarcastically.
"Have no fear your beloved is still here," the beast said trying to provoke Milla.
Milla tensed her arms and stated to unravel the talons on her fingers. The beast smiled challenging her.
"Go ahead War Chief," the beast said in Tal's voice.
Milla hesitated and eventually calmed herself and stepped back re- solidifying the talons back to nails but never once did she remove her gaze from it.
"Milla do not bother to bandy crooked words with this beast it is all but civilized," the Crone said.
The beast laughed and bowed as if it prided itself on its evil.
"Do you accept or not?" the Crone said a hint of finality in her voice.
"On two conditions; you must keep your end of the deal," it said with a smile.
"And the other?" the Crone said impatiently, clearly she was done bartering with the creature.
"Let me test this boy's worth," the beast said.
All the Crones seemed to stiffen at this request and for the second time during the meeting the Crones erupted in charter.
"Test Tal's worth?" Milla said to herself under her breath.
"Oh it's quite simple really," the beast said to Milla annoyance.
Milla stared at the beast coldly but was annoyed to find herself that she had to ask the creature what he meant.
"I have a duel with Tal in a place where everything is made equally. One could say it would be a battle of wills," the beast said slyly.
Milla narrowed her eyes but then looked away from the beast's face as she saw Tal's innocent face wash over it for a moment. After a few minutes of chatter, the Crones silenced themselves as a decision was reached. After sighing the Crone spoke.
"We honor your request but we have one of our own. Do not kill him or the deal is forfeit,"
The beast smiled wickedly and accepted.
"We start now," the beast said and closed his eyes.
Then it opened its eyes and looked at Milla with its grin on its face.
"I won't kill your beloved but you'll be surprised what a person can live through," the beast said and closed its eyes again, this time leaving them shut.
"We will watch," the Crone said and waved her hand to reveal a floating, watery window that was misty and white.