Darkened Pillars

[Kuzuru]

“Ahanu,” the warrior addressed her Eldar with a bowed head, “I’ve come to defend the tribe.”

The elder Coyotle smiled and motioned for her to raise her head. A cloak covered in crimson scales hung loose over his body, hiding his limbs in a shroud of salamander hide. He turned his back on the collection of warriors that stood semi-circle around Cinder. For a long time nothing was said and were it not for the distant rumbling of volcanic activity silence would have enveloped them.

“Yes,” Ahanu began, pausing a second to collect himself, “our adversaries seem quite intent on our destruction, and I fear they cannot be reasoned with.”

He sighed and continued, “a shame, truly, I believe what we are dealing with is beyond common decency.”

Cinder stepped forward and spoke, “do not worry Ahanu, harm will not come to the tribe so long as I draw breath.”

“A bold claim,” the largest of the warriors spoke up, “but you’ve been gone for many cycles now, and the last we’ve seen of you was your tail between your legs as you fled from that demon, how can we be so sure of your allegiance, let alone your aptitude for combat.”

The girl’s eyes narrowed on the goliath. The anthropomorphic coyote stood a clean foot over his peers and carried a hefty frame to match his height. Across his shoulders rested a single-edged blade that was erring on the side of ridiculously heavy. Red rings of dye wrapped around his wrists and neck, denoting that he was a member of the Coyotle’s vaunted warrior caste.

“I live to serve the tribe Ashpaws,” Cinder answered, “and if anything I’ve grown stronger in my absence.”

“Or have you grown traitorous?” Ashpaws countered.

Cinder growled and stepped towards her detractor.

“Enough!” Ahanu shouted, his voice echoing throughout them.

The two warriors flinched and bowed their heads in respect. Ahanu adopted a stern disposition, one that seemed quite at odds with his normally carefree demeanor. In his hand he held a spear adorned with all sorts of baubles and trinkets. His eyes pierced through them like gimlets. As he walked he used the spear as a third leg and every step jingled and clanged as the ornamentations clattered against themselves.

“I will not stand for your bickering while our people are in peril, Cinder’s allegiance is none of your concern, Ashpaws, if I felt she was a threat she would not have been welcomed so warmly, and,” he said, turning his attention to Cinder, “you’d do well to control your temper Cinder Salt.”

For a time none of them spoke and they wallowed in the hot wave of embarrassment that their admonishment brought. Ahanu’s demeanor softened and a reserved smile slipped across his lips. The elder looked towards the ashen sky and then back to the warriors that had gathered before him.

“It seems even the stars hide themselves from us this night, an ill omen indeed,” he paused, choosing his next words carefully, “it is no matter, we shall weather this coming tide of darkness, for our path is one of survival, now please, all of you, prepare yourselves for the coming storm and make peace with the Gods above.”