Before the Storm: Act 10, Chapter 6
Chapter 6
With evening fast approaching, the court of Lady Xoc underwent a striking change in atmosphere. The trees crowning the massive hill cast murky shadows over dark, weathered stone that seemed to absorb the light of the clear skies overhead. From within those shadows, mixed with the transient specks of daylight filtering through the leaves, countless sets of shining eyes watched as Ludmila and her people approached.
It was a reception that even those with Darkvision would find daunting. To a Human, it may as well have been a scene from a nightmare.
“Miss Gran,” Ludmila said, “put the wands away.”
Nemel whimpered in protest, but the wand she was gripping in each hand vanished under her mantle before the Ocelo silently padding in their direction reached them. The Beastman rose to its full two-metre height as it came within a few metres.
“I am Cha’ac,” the Ocelo said in a deep voice, “an elder of the Pa’chan Clan. Rumours mentioned that our guests were more than just Humans, but I am unfamiliar with any of their appearances.”
“Dame Verilyn mentioned that those deep in the jungle have had no contact with races other than those of your confederation,” Ludmila said. “This is Kestris Esses, Chieftain of the Winterscale Lizardmen. This is Dyel Gan Zu, Chieftain of the Gan Zu Orcs.”
The two offered terse greetings as they were introduced. Ludmila gestured to the column of Goblins behind her.
“These green-skinned fellows are known as Goblins,” she said. “Their leader is Miss Gran here.”