Warband

Chapter 23. Allies or Enemies?

“That’s close enough, state your business,” Silas warned, waving his pistol at the trio of approaching naga. They had climbed about half the stairs up the platform, which Silas allowed as it brought them into optimal pistol range. He noted that the naga could climb stairs, but it was an awkward and slower process than someone with actual legs.

Buster stood, favoring his injured paw, and gave a low growl at the naga’s approach. One of the naga waved his companions back, and made a show of placing his spear on the step in front of him so he’d be unarmed. Of course, that naga could snatch up the spear in a second, but Silas appreciated the gesture.

“Silas Ward, it is I, Nebram, do you not recognize me?” the naga asked. Now that he heard him, Silas confirmed that this was Nebram. The naga looked more than a bit worse for wear, with several scales torn from his body, and bleeding tooth and claw wounds in several spots.

“I just wanted to make sure it was you Nebram. I’m new in dealing with your kind and didn’t want to be tricked by a lookalike,” Silas lied, afraid to admit he couldn’t tell Nebram apart from the others.

“Thank you for your timely intervention with the corrupted ones. You have slain countless foes, and my people may not have survived without your aid this day. I salute your courage and generosity in helping us in the battle,” Nebram said. All three naga gave a slight bow, which the System confirmed though the Linguistic Adaptation Interface that such a gesture was a sign of respect.

“Glad to help kill any of those freaks. Still, that doesn’t answer the question of why so many of you are here?” I gave you permission, Nebram, not your entire tribe,” Silas asked.

“I apologize, but things have worsened here after you left,” Nebram said.

“Go on, give me the whole story,” Silas demanded. He had always been annoyed with someone who stopped talking when they both knew there was more to be said.

“I see that you require more explanation. Very well, I’ll give you a brief summary as to why we were forced to seek refuge here. After you left, I returned to the village and tried to speak with the elders about your presence here. The war chief seemed inclined to seek out an alliance with you, but another, younger warrior disputed his decision.

“The warrior, an experienced fighter called Tanzrik, refused to listen to reason and invoked the right of challenge to seek the nest of the war chief. Instead of waiting for the war chief to name a champion to fight for control of the people, as is proper and expected, Tanzrik attacked. Even our esteemed royal guard could not stop him, as Tanzrik fought with the strength of ten naga,” Nebram said, turning to nervously look back at his people, making sure they were still safe.

“I take it this war chief was the elderly naga one I spoke with before?” Silas asked.

“Exactly, he was known as Brexliss the Wise and had ascended to his position based on his mind, not his skill with a spear. Tanzrik slew the war chief, and chaos ensued. Most of the people refused to accept Tanzrik as their leader, given his treacherous deed. Many of the younger, more hot-headed warriors chose to join Tanzrik, and it looked like my people were going to war against themselves,” Nebram said with sorrow etched on his face.

Silas was new to reading these naga, but he’d seen enough sorrow in his life to recognize it in people’s features, whether they were human or half-serpent looking naga.

“You still haven’t gotten to the part about why you trespassed on my property with all these people, and why there were so many of those crazed things attacking you. So far, I’ve only seen them in small groups or one at a time,” Silas said.

“I’m sorry, I sometimes get long winded. A civil war was brewing when the scouts announced a large force of the corrupted were approaching. We expected Tanzrik and the few that supported him to fight for the defense of our people and leave the dispute until after the danger had passed. Instead, something even more terrible happened.

“As the enemy massed at the eastern gate, Tanzrik and his follower snuck around to the more lightly defended western gate and threw it open to the attackers. It was only then when the signs of corruption began to spread on Tanzrik and his fellows. They had answered the call of Bhalkur and were no longer part of the people.

“Betrayed from within, and facing a far more numerous enemies, we had no choice but to retreat from the city before we were completely cut off. We fought a running battle against the corrupted until we reached this place. I had hoped you would accept us, at least temporarily as we try to recover our home.

“Elder Lhass took charge and sent the infirmed, young, and elderly into the nearby caves as me and the other warriors prepared to make our stand. You came along just in time to turn the tide of battle. Without your powerful magic, all would have been lost, and Bhalkur would have grown that much stronger,” Nebram explained. System prompts appeared as Nebram finished speaking.

The Stoutfang tribe of naga have encroached upon this critical location. Please choose one of the following options.

Allow them to take control and seek a new position for you to launch your conquest of this layer.

Offer them sanctuary on a temporary basis. The requirements of this option would have to be negotiated between yourself and the Stoutfang tribe.

Grant them a 24-hour reprieve to gather their strength before they are required to leave your territory.

Force them to leave immediately. Please note that this option carries a high risk of refusal, and an inevitable battle for control of this location.

Well, Silas figured he was glad the System organized his options for him. The grumpy old man side of Silas wanted to kick them out, he never could stomach trespassers and those who abused his kindness. He’d granted Nebram a place to rest and he’d brought every naga in the area. Silas quickly quashed this idea, not only did it seem risky, but Lisa would have never allowed him to be so callous.

He didn’t want to just give this place away. The System made it sound like Silas was going to need this spot if he wanted to take control of the layer. He also wasn’t going to kick them out after a brief, 24-hour rest. It was just kicking them out in a nicer way, but the results were still the same.

With a grunt of frustration, Silas chose option two. He didn’t look forward to going through a negotiation with the naga while still in pain from his wounds, but what he wanted didn’t always square with what had to happen.

You have opted to offer sanctuary on a temporary basis to the Stoutfang tribe. Negotiations with their leader, Elder Lhass, need to be completed within 24-hours or further disruptions may occur.

“Nebram, give me a minute to recover, then I’ll speak with your elder and hash out the details of how you’re going to stay here,” Silas said.

“Thank you, Silas Ward, our people will do what we can to repay your generosity. I’ll let the elder know you will attend to the details shortly,” Nebram said, the relief of Silas’ decision seemed to relax all three naga who seemed lest tense and on edge than they had a moment ago.

“Don’t make me regret this. Oh, and here, take this it should help you heal up a bit faster,” Silas said, tossing a meat stick to the Nebram. Buster whined when he wasn’t given one, and to Silas’ surprise, Nebram almost took a bite then relented and thanked Silas before turning to leave.

“Hold up, Nebram, why didn’t you eat that? You’re injured,” Silas asked.

“Others are in more dire shape than me. Given enough time, I shall heal without trouble,” Nebram said, before turning back.

“Sorry, Buster, you know we have to do this. It’s what Lisa would have wanted. Silas said as he pulled all but two of the sticks from his bag.

“Nebram, take these to the most injured of your people. It’s all we can spare right now, but I’ll try to bring some more the next time I hit the marketplace. That goblin Gritvart will be more than happy to have me stock up on them,” Silas said, handing over the bundle of meat sticks.

“Again, I thank you, Silas Ward, these may help save some lives this day. Now, I must hurry, but we’ll talk again soon,” Nebram said as he and his two escorts slithered as fast as they could back to the other naga.

“Okay, Buster, let’s heal up a bit before we try to figure this whole naga problem out. I do have to admit, having a shield wall of these guys backing us up could be a game changer,” Silas said.

Buster just gave a small, disappointed whoof as he eyed Nebram leaving with the meat sticks.