Chapter 301 - The Wailing in the Wastelands (2/2)

”So, we can do nothing?” Aegin frowned.

The Chieftain sighed, ”We can prepare. Whatever their reason for attacking, it will surely be followed by something worse soon enough”.

***

*Eldovian Era 1713, 7th day of the 4th month*

The following night, Aegin again encountered a group of Tribesman that had been slaughtered. But this group were long dead, their corpses already beginning to rot and dry out in the heat of the days. On the third day he expanded his search, and found two more groups. He returned on the fourth day to find that his absence had cost a group of Red-Eyed Snake Tribesman their lives.

”If this is happening everywhere in the north…” Rima speculated as Aegin told her and Tigin what he had found, ”Does that not mean that whatever is being foretold is far worse than the Tribesman are comprehending?”

”They won't be prepared enough,” Tigin concluded, ”For whatever is coming”.

”But what is coming?” asked Aegin, ”I can't find any indication of that. It is as if it's just some skilled assassins causing cha-”

Aegin paused, then he frowned. Chaos. It was Chaos.

Rima's eyes bore into him, ”What did you just figure out?”

Aegin's frown relaxed, ”Nothing, don't know what you're on about”.

Rima pointed at him, ”Don't lie. And don't go off and try to handle everything on your own”.

Aegin sighed, ”I really don't-”

There was a knock on the door. Aegin jumped at the opportunity to open it, only to pause upon seeing the wounded Sevis in the doorway, still bandaged.

Rima stood quickly to chastise him, ”Sevis! You should be resting!”

”Not you too,” Sevis huffed as he came in, ”I was hoping outsiders would have less sympathy for me and try to look at the bigger picture”.

Sevis turned to look at Aegin, ”I heard from Cara, you found more groups”.

Aegin nodded, ”Six others. Scattered around the edges of the dunes”.

Sevis frowned, ”That's suspicious”.

Aegin awkwardly turned away.

”I've got an idea,” said Sevis, ”But we can't tell my father”.

Tigin sighed, ”I'm not sure I'm comfortable with-”

”What's the plan?” asked Aegin.

Sevis grinned.