Chapter 17 - Training (1/2)
”Versailles will be in charge of training the fledglings for this generation's Battle of Wars. With her years of experience and skills, she is more than qualified to lead the pack as the leader of this decade's battles. I hope that all the serpentines will support my decision.” Queen Nakee addressed the group of elder serpentines as she decisively announced.
Versailles' sudden reappearance did not only motivate the Snake clan but also lifted the gloom and burden that had weighed her heart for the past 18 years.
If she did not make proper use of the gift Lord Tarke and their ancestors had sent her way then she would not be qualified to lead the clan.
Thinking up to here, she looked over at the flame girl standing calmly amidst the heated gazes of the curious serpentines, who were more than interested in getting close to the recently found best friend of their queen.
Seeing her calm disposition and composed attitude fueled her confidence that was utterly crushed before the girl's return.
”We have no problem with serpentine Versailles training the new batch of participants.”
”We support you, Snake Queen.”
”We are fine with Versailles taking the reign this decade.”
As the serpentines raised their voices in agreement and support of the Snake Queen's selection, the cave vibrated with their enthusiastic cheers.
'We have a chance now. With Versailles' participation in the Battle of Wars now, we would not fall prey to the other clans.'
The thought ran through the Snake Queen's mind, as she silently observed the excited crowd.
***
Versailles led a swarm of fledgling snakes into cracks of streaming lavas to train their endurance and perseverance in unbearable temperatures. The unskilled snakes rolled and tumbled on the rocks and walls as they attempted to avoid the flowing lavas.
Some scales started falling off as they shriveled and wrinkled under the blazing heat. While others attempted to escape out of the cracks to the more comfortable temperature outside.
Versailles swept her huge snake tail, blocking the escaping snakes' paths as she righted the tumbling ones and stared hard at the pathetic swarm.
”Well, you fledglings can forget about taking part in the Battle of Might. Because with these paltry abilities of yours, you would be dead before you could even enter the battle arena.” Versailles disapprovingly said.
The little snakes hissed angrily, their snake eyes blazing with defiance as they glared at Versailles. Determined to show their might, they tucked their triangular heads into their bellies, coiled their limbless body around themselves, and rolled through the hot rocks in continuous spins until entering the depths of the cracks where the temperature was even higher.
On entering the even hotter region, more hisses and snarls sounded out, this time filled with pain and disbelief. They heard the Battle of Wars went on for a long period of time, with each battle taking place on different terrains and territories of the Nar realm, lasting up to 15-20 days.
Just a brief moment in the environment here had them hissing in pain, how would they be able to endure such harsh conditions for 15 days?
The little fledglings dejectedly lowered their heads one after the other, losing all their earlier confidence in the face of the brutal reality of their situation.
They felt since the serpentines before their generation could join the Battle of Might and come out victorious, they could produce the same results as well, ignorant of the depth of difficulty involved in achieving such feat.
Now the fact that they could not even endure the heat in the cracks of the ground made them aware of the difference in ability.
”You fledglings do not have to feel so dejected. Our snake clan are naturally cold-blooded creatures and wet and cold environments are the type of places we settle. However, the Nar realm is the exact opposite of our nature, hot. If it was not because of the blessings of Lord Tarke, our clan would long have gone extinct in such a harsh environment.” Versailles consoled the deflated fledglings in a soft tone.
”Moreover, the Nar realm is a savage land where only the strongest reign supreme. To ensure and secure the safety of the clan and its descendants, your predecessors had no choice but to grit their teeth and endure the unimaginable pain inflicted upon their bodies from the scalding flames and burning rocks.