AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Chapter Three
––––––––
BAKOG:
WE NEVER HESITATE AS we sail into Southpeak territory.
We have a group of two dozen males—a sight that’s barely short of an act of war. Despite that, we start our fire and send smoke signals up in the air to catch the attention of their king.
If they don’t show, we’ll invade their encampment anyway. By the grim faces around the fire, we’re all in agreement over this.
But a horse approaching in the distance, dust kicked up from his hooves. When the lone scout gets close, he dismounts—an act of bravery I’d be impressed with if I didn’t have one thing on my mind.
“We’ve had someone go missing from our clan a moon ago. She was taken in the trading town of Creede. Have you heard anything?”
“Nay. Did you expect special allowance to search our land?” The scout is mocking and I crack my knuckles. I’d love nothing more than a fight.
My father—more of a negotiator—places a hand on my shoulder. “Do you know who I am?”
The scout gives one short nod. “Brun. Son of Brachard.”
Because my grandfather, Brachard, is legendary.
“This is my son, Bakog. ‘Tis his mate who was taken. You’re aware we wouldn’t overstep our bounds unless we have probable cause.”
The male nods again, eyes narrowed as he waits for the hammer to drop.
“And once we have that, we’ll slaughter every male, female, and brat in this village if they’re being harbored here. We’ll wipe out an entire clan unless you show us they’re on our side by finding her.”
“Your choice,” I add. “But if she should be found in your village...”
“She is not here. We haven’t had any newcomers.”
“Perhaps she’s being held captive, hidden in someone’s home. Bound. Gagged.”
Latsil, our largest male, steps forward with a death glare, his beefy fists clenched at the idea of his daughter helpless. He’s a massively scarred and imposing figure, one that sends chills down a grown male’s spine.
It gets the scout to swallow and warily speak, even though he has no idea this is Shalia’s father. “We’ve had a couple of defectors in the last year,” he spits out. “Last we heard, they met a few rogue Blackhearts and travel together.”
“Why did they defect?” I ask.
“They didn’t like the rules. They thought they should have the pick of females—despite the fact the ones they wanted were already mated.”
“I thought your clan used to challenge for someone’s mate.”
He shrugs, because to him it’s not a big deal. “If certain criteria is met. Like she wants the new male. And if the new one can beat the old mate.”
“So, they couldn’t win the challenge and left?”
