Chapter Thirty Six

The gnoll chieftain was staring holes into Shuka. But then she turned her gaze onto the gnoll that had brought Shuka to her in the first place.

“Why do you always have to bring people to my tent at the most inconvenient of times. Can’t you see I’m eating?”

To Shuka’s surprise, she really was. She hadn’t noticed before, but there was a plate of what looked like some sort of meat dish on the ground that she was eating from.

“I just thought this might be a bit more important than your fifth snack today. I’ll come back in an hour and interrupt your sixth snack instead.”

“Watch your words, I’m still stronger than ten of you.”

“And yet a decade ago you were stronger than fifteen of me. I wonder what happened? It must be your darn rebellious daughter, and not at all your fault.”

“Sass me again and I’ll have you working in the daycare for a month.”

Despite the threat, the tone was very lighthearted. This was obviously a level of banter that both of them were very used to, it almost seemed like a conversation between a mother and her son.

Actually, are they related? It’s a bit hard to tell with all of the fur, but I think the chieftain might be old enough to be his mother. Maybe fifty or sixty years old? Somewhere in that range at least.

The Chieftain moved her plate of food to the side and let out a bit of an exasperated sigh.

“I suppose I should be doing my job, shouldn’t I? I am Chieftain Asheron of the Ashfire tribe. Who is it that stands before my sight?”

“I’m Shuka.”

“Xorvos.”

“Names Maryam.”

“…Three people and not a single last name among them. At least put a little more effort into your fake names.”

“Ah, no, that’s not it. Technically my last name is Vondoom, but I don’t really have anything to do with them anymore so I don’t usually introduce myself that way.”

“Yeah, and I was adopted by a dragon and dragons don’t have last names, so I don’t have a last name.”

“Quanso don’t have last names either.”

All three of them were frantically trying to explain themselves, but Asheron was simply chuckling.

“I was only teasing you. Even if they are all fake names, it makes no difference to me. Now, why are you here? Come to deliver a message?”

“Uhh… no.”

Message? Who would we even be delivering a message for? Who does she think we are?

The other gnoll, the one that first found them spoke up now.

“They were being chased by some guards. Not locals, they smelled unfamiliar. They didn’t find the tribe by accident though; they were looking for it.”

“Is that so?” Suddenly Asherons already sharp gaze sharpened even more. “Did you think I would grant you sanctuary simply because of my daughter? Or did she tell you to come to me herself? I will not babysit her through this game she is playing, and I most certainly will not allow it to bring trouble to the tribe.”

Shuka knew for certain now that there was a misunderstanding, but she worried that any word coming out of her mouth would just make it worse. She looked to her friends and prayed that one of them would say something instead. It was Xorvos who did.

“I’m sorry, but I think there has been some sort of misunderstanding here. We have no idea who you are talking about, we were just passing through and learned about your tribe from the local villagers.”

“And we aren’t looking for charity.” Maryam added. “We can pay you to help us out.”

“I have no need of your gold.”

“Then we can work for it.”

Asheron thought for a moment, then she leaned forward and gave a long, deep sniff of all of them with her long snout.

“You don’t have her scent on you. But not all of her lackeys do. Why did you seek us out if not at her behest?”

“We were hoping you could keep us safe from the empire, even temporarily.” Xorvos replied. “As we said before, we are willing to work for your help, but we have run out of options at this point.”

“And what is it they are chasing you for? They would not chase you with such fervour for a petty crime, and I have no inclination to safeguard the truly horrendous.”

“It’s all a misunderstanding I swear. My friend here, Shuka, has been cursed and it has caused the empire to believe Shuka herself is up to no good.”

“What a convenient story. Let’s see if it holds up to inspection. Lor’gan, fetch Kalfar.”

The gnoll who’d brought Shuka and her friends to the chieftain, Lor’gan apparently, let out a loud groan, but before he could complain Asheron gave him a look that allowed no argument. He left the tent in a huff and the chieftain put her attention back onto Shuka.

“This is quite the story you tell me, but even if it is true, you will still be putting my tribe in danger for harbouring you. What can you give me to make it worth it?”

Shuka had a moment of panic, but calmed herself quickly. She had a bit of experience with this sort of situation, and Asheron was no more intimidating than Visia.

“We may not have much to offer ourselves, but as mentioned before, Maryam’s mother is a dragon. We are actually waiting for her to find us, so you may be able to negotiate a proper reward from her, once she arrives. And in the meantime, we are all perfectly willing to help out the tribe in whatever way you need.”

“I am still skeptical of the existence of this dragon, and help with chores is hardly worth the task you are asking of me.”

“If you have any sort of difficult task, we can help with that too.”

“If I did have such a task, it wouldn’t be entrusted to you.”

“What about the toll on your conscience for not helping us?” Xorvos interceded. “We are three innocent people that need help that you are perfectly capable of providing. To not help us would put us in potentially fatal danger, and that’s not something anyone would want on their conscience.”

“Hmm… I believe there would be many unbothered by such a situation, but that is a moot point as I am not one of them.”

Wait, was an appeal to her morality really the way to go? I can’t believe that worked better than getting paid by a dragon.

“Still, that argument of yours is only valid as long as you truly are innocent. I believe my husband can shed some light on that subject though, and would you look at that, here he is.”

As if on cue, the flaps to the tent were pushed aside and in entered Lor’gan with another gnoll trailing behind him. When Asheron mentioned that he was her husband, Shuka expected an older gnoll like her. What she didn’t expect was a positively ancient one. The gnoll that entered might have had brown fur at one point, but now it was all grey, or even white. All gnolls had a slight hunch to them, but on him, it was even more pronounced, to the point where he had to use a staff just to keep himself from falling over. Wrinkles covered his body so severely that even his ragged fur couldn’t hide them all. When he spoke, his voice rasped out with effort, and it sounded like he could burst out into a coughing fit at any moment.

“Oh, hello dear… do we have guests? Oh, just let me make them some tea. I was just telling this young lad about the wonderful kinds of trees in the nearby forest. But I don’t want to be a bad host.”

The ‘young lad’, who must have been at least in his thirties, had a look on his face that seemed to say ‘Save me.’ Asheron on the other hand just had a good-natured smile on her face as she spoke to her husband.

“Tea is unnecessary, but don’t worry, you will have plenty of time to tell Lor’gan all about the local tree’s when our business here is done.”

Lor’gan shot the chieftain a look of betrayal, but Asheron simply continued.

“These guests of ours claim that one of them has been cursed. Could you be a dear and check that for me?”

“Of course, of course. Now lad, how did you end up with a curse?”

The very old gnoll turned, not to Shuka, but to Lor’gan. He started casting some sort of spell before the gnoll interrupted him.

“No, not me, her. The one with black hair.”

“Hmm? Oh, guests. I should go make some tea. We wouldn’t want to be bad hosts.”

Shuka was beginning to sense that maybe this old gnoll wasn’t quite all there, and it was starting to worry her, but she didn’t want to be rude by saying anything. Maryam on the other hand, didn’t mind at all.

“Hey gramps, you sure you should be casting magic? You’re a bit old.”

“I may have a few wrinkles, but I can still cast. I’ll have you know, I am seventy-six years young.”

“You’re ninety-three, dear. But you have nothing to worry about, despite his age, Kalfar is still the most competent shaman in the tribe. Now, the curse dear?”

“Hmm? Curse?”

After a bit more prodding and a few clarifications, Kalfar finally started casting his spell, at Shuka this time. As he weaved his magic, the shaman’s dull amber eyes glowed a fiery orange for a moment. The tip of his walking stick glowed too, and he used its light to draw a glyph in the air in front of him. Once he was done with the spell, and all the glowing had faded, he gave Shuka a grim look.

“I’m very sorry young lady… but it seems you are cursed.”

Shuka already knew that, but the pure genuineness of the old man’s words threw her off a bit. He seemed to truly care for her wellbeing, even if he seemed a bit confused at times.

“What can you tell us about the nature of the curse, dear? What does it do?”

“Hmm… well, from what I can tell, it affects one’s perception. It’s a good thing I’m far too clear-headed for it to work on me, heh heh heh…”

I think the opposite is more likely.

“Now… when do you want this removed, young lady?”

“Huh? You can remove it?”

“Oh, sure. I used to do this ritual all the time in my youth. No better way to purify a soul.”

“Dear, maybe you should inform her of the side effects of that particular ritual.”

“Hmm? Didn’t I already tell her? Ah, I suppose you must have forgotten. The ritual will purify your soul through flame, immolating your body.”

“It’s not always fatal.” Asheron clarified. “But in your case, I imagine it would be.”

Why would he suggest a method that would kill me?! No, don’t blame it on him, I’m sure he only had the best intentions. Still, I got my hopes up for nothing. What would that ritual even be used for?

“Now, it seems your story has been verified, but what shall I do with you? Innocent or not, you still-”

In the middle of Asheron’s sentence, a small gnoll child came running through the tent flaps, yelling at the top of her lungs.

“MAMA, MAMA, LOOK!”

Held in the child’s hands, was a small stick, scorched and burnt on one end. Only now, did Shuka notice that the child’s hands were gray, just like Asheron’s, although her eyes were ordinary. Coming in right after the kid was a much older gnoll woman who had heavy bags under her eyes and an exhausted look to her.

“I am so sorry chieftain, I tried to stop her. I will bring her back to the daycare right away.”

“No, no, it’s fine. Now little Ashal, what do you have to show me?”

“THIS STICK! I BURNED IT!”

“With magic? That is very impressive dear. Now, you made sure nobody was harmed, right?”

“Yup. I was very careful mama.”

“Aren’t you a good girl?”

Asheron’s whole demeanour had changed when what Shuka could only assume was her daughter entered. Gone was the stern and calculating chieftain, and in her place was a doting mother. The nanny who came in chasing the girl saw things were under control, bowed, and left. Asheron was ruffling Ashol’s hair when the little girl finally noticed Shuka and her friends and let out a very loud gasp.

“Are you outsiders? Wow, normally I only see humans when I’m with big sis Asheli! Can you do magic?”

“Um… yes?”

“Show, show me, show me!”

The gnolls eyes were sparkling in excitement and Shuka didn’t have the heart to disappoint her. She decided to cast the first spell that came to mind, her purple flame illusion. That was obviously the right choice because the moment the oddly coloured fire appeared in Shuka’s hand Ashol somehow got even more excited. In fact, she was so excited that she stuck her hand right into the center of the fire. Shuka instinctually pulled her hand, and the fire away, before remembering that it was illusionary and harmless. Asheron didn’t know that though. She was on her feet, had her daughter in her arms, and pulled away in less than a second. There was a tense moment, but seeing Ashol was unharmed, Asheron slowly let her go and sat back down. She didn’t take her eyes off Shuka though.

“I suppose it’s time we decide what we are going to do with you, isn’t it? Hide you for a few days, or throw you to the wolves.”

“Hmm?” The old shaman made a confused sound. “Aren’t we going to send her to Asheli? She asked so politely.”

There was a moment of silence in the tent. Shuka was confused about who this Asheli was, but Asheron seemed surprised at his question.

“You have been in contact with Asheli? And she asked for this woman? When?”

“This morning. Or was it yesterday? It was definitely in the morning, but I can’t remember which. Didn’t I tell you? She told me to keep an eye out for a group like theirs and to send them to her. Something about demons too… but I can’t remember the specifics.”

“Hold on.” Maryam interrupted. “Who the hell is Asheli, and why does she want us?”

“Asheli is our sweet little daughter here.”

Kalfar answered, ruffling Ashal’s hair with one of his hands.

“Dear, that’s Ashal. Asheli is in Sidus.”

“Is she? Well good for her.”

“Asheli is my big sis, and she is like, the coolest person in the world.” Ashal said.

“To answer your question,” Asheron continued, “Asheli is indeed our daughter, but she is a fair bit older than little Ashal here. She left for Sidus many years ago to run a tribe of her own, although she calls it something else. I am loath to help her, she needs to be able to deal with her problems on her own, but I would rather you be her problem than mine. Besides, I think our little pyromancer could do with another trip to meet her big sister.”

“I get to meet Asheli again? Thank you mama. Thank you, thank you tha-”

“Yes, yes, you are very thankful. You better not misbehave though, or you’ll be sent right back here.”

Ashol gave a very smug smirk before answering.

“Asheli won’t tell on me, she told me snitches get stitches. I can do anything I want in Sidus and never get in trouble.”

“Oh? So I suppose I shouldn’t let you go in the first place then?”

All of Ashal’s smugness drained away as she realized what she had done.

“No, no, no, no, no, I will be good I promise. Please don’t make me stay.”

“Well if you promise I will allow it. But remember, even Asheli knows the value of keeping your word.”

“Yes mama, I know.”

Shuka felt like she was intruding in someone else’s family life just standing there listening to them talking. Judging by the awkward expressions on her friend’s faces, they felt the same. Maryam, of course, would never let a bit of awkwardness get in her way though.

“Hey, I don’t wanna interrupt your munchkin manipulation moment or anything, but… you never did say what Asheli wanted with us.”

“You’re right, we didn’t.” Asheron replied. “Kalfar dear, would you please tell our guests what Asheli wanted with them?”

“Hmm? Ah, guests, I should go make some tea. We wouldn’t want to be bad hosts, after all.”

“And there you have it. Any other questions?”

“Yes actually.” It was Xorvos who spoke this time. “Do we have an option of not being sent to this Asheli?”

“No.”

“Right… so, um, now what?”

“Now, Lor’gan will bring you three to a guest tent, and tomorrow morning you will be snuck out of the tribe and brought to Sidus. And don’t try to escape while we’re asleep, it’s not going to work.”

Shuka knew enough about gnolls to know she wasn’t bluffing.

Gnolls have a highly acute sense of smell, and we probably stick out like a sore thumb to their noses. It’s not like escaping would even be a good idea, plus I doubt the soldiers have left already. We might be able to sneak past them at least, but that’s a big risk just to be stuck in the same position we were in before. I’m worried about the fact that Asheli is apparently looking for us, but if Asheron vouches for us, we might be safe. But that’s only if she vouches for us. Maybe if we got Ashal to vouch for us that would be better.

By this point, Lor’gan was at the tent flap and was gesturing for Shuka, Xorvos, and Maryam to follow him.

“Well, come on then. Stay around here any longer and you’re likely to get an earful. From any one of them, just in different flavours.”

That earned him three glares, one each from Asheron, Ashol, and even Kalfar. Lor’gan quickly left the tent after that and Shuka and her friends were forced to follow or be left lost.

I have a good feeling about this. They seem like good people, and if this Asheli is from the same family, then she can’t be that bad, right? Well, I guess I’ll be finding out soon enough, whether I want to or not.