Page 51 of Expecting The Unexpected
Nodding, Hron replied, “We did... well, in truth, he insisted on coming.”
“I had no idea our Viatas could be anything other than other Nakaka,” Redmen muttered thoughtfully.
Hron nodded, “I understand. I felt the same way. And maybe in the beginning that is how it was, but now... well, now the gods have changed things. Maybe it’s because they feel we needed to have diversity amongst us. Maybe it’s because they felt that the anger towards us was because we were too isolated. Whatever the reason, one of my men has a human for a Viata, and like I said, Throg’s is a shifter.”
Redmen nodded, saying, “Please, Caliph Hron, accept my apologies for my rudeness. My advisor was just trying to assist in keeping our clutch safe. The Nakaka numbers are far fewer than they used to be since the attack so long ago, but with no new life, we have not been able to flourish as we once were, and it is imperative we do all we can to make our people safe... even if it’s from each other.”
Hron seemed to think about what Redmen was saying, but Throg knew Hron never had any intention of leaving. However, to stand idly by and allow anyone to show him disrespect, would have brought suspicion to them all. It was a calculated risk to step away, but one that had to be done. Now, they were being asked to go inside, and this time it was by the request of them.
Urr whispered, “Please, Hron. You will come and we will dine with the clutch. This will allow us to bring life back into our people... together.”
Hron was quiet a moment longer, and then he gave a sharp nod. “We will come, but if anyone...” Hron looked directly at Redmen, “...and I do mean anyone, disrespects my Viata, Throg’s or my men, we are leaving. I will not tolerate it.”
“You have my word as Caliph. You, your mate and all the others are safe under my roof,” Caliph Redmen said.
Throg felt a chill run over him and looked around. Something or someone was out there, and Throg couldn’t help but think, they might be safe inside that mansion, but outside... well, outside was an entirely different thing all together.