Chapter 463
Wisterl
After declaring that she would be the strongest in the Empire, Wisterl had precious few opportunities to prove her strength in anything other than a fight in the sand pits. Those were, by all means, a perfectly serviceable time and place to prove her strength, but it was far from enough. After all, she wasn’t even Keel yet, and that was no small source of frustration for her. In fact, precious few of the youngest members of the Empire had evolved to become Keel. The prevailing theory among the elites, as the Zaaktif referred to his most trusted companions, was that there were further aspects of fighting and slaughter that were required for a Khatif to ascend, and if that was the case she knew her chance was coming.
After the speech delivered here hours before, Wisterl had immediately taken to the walls to watch for anything approaching. There were plenty of enemies that were just waiting for her to wet her fangs in their blood, she only needed to be the first to find them. No more would there only be simple hunts of the ants and goats that filled this mountain, but a real fight.
For hours, she watched the surrounding forest, looking for a flicker of movement, of shadow, or of warmth. There was nothing, nothing but the boughs of the trees constantly creaking in the wind. The flickering of moonlight between branches, even with a waning moon overhead, was enough to keep the young Khatif constantly twitching, looking for the next attack. She was sure she would be able to take care of the Misti Hawar, but so too was she sure that the rest of her people would be able to. In reality, which she was searching for was the opportunity to have a fight before her allies could get there.
Every fight that the Empire had had since they escaped the human lands was a total victory, and tonight would be no different. All that she needed to do was pay attention to the surroundings, and then, when the enemies presented themselves, visit upon them the divine wrath of Nievtala. Then, she could take her place as a true member of the Empire and continue on her predestined fate.
As the shadows suddenly writhed and twisted, Wisterl felt the first hint of doubt as to her people’s absolute indomitability in warfare.
Kusi’Wi
“It is near the time. Our hunters are in position.“
Kusi’Wi flicked her ears in acknowledgment, snow falling from her fur as she took a deep breath of the air here. Aingin’kalu nodded as she saw that her words were heard and stepped back. Good. SHe was learning her place as the assistant to the Nyust’taa. Once she once again was given enough space as it befitted her position, Kusi’Wi allowed herself a smile.