Chapter 8

Perditus readied himself to attack, but as he did, he realized such noise couldn’t possibly be coming from a full Skrall patrol — perhaps a few legionnaires at most. Still, refusing to get his hopes up, he crouched, rocks in hand.

The clanging noises were getting louder. The Glatorian prepared himself.

Even louder now. A muscle in his shoulder jumped.

There! A flash of black around the bend. Scodonius and Kaldii leaped to the side of the path in search of branches or some manner of weapon, while Perditus let his stones fly. The first one flew wild, while the second hit its mark. To Perditus shock, the black-armored individual grunted and fell backwards, out of sight.

Then it was quiet again.

Perditus threw a glance at the Agori, who were just as confused. Kaldii started in the direction of the attacker.

Gambling that the coast was clear, the Fire Glatorian jumped down from his position and scrambled back to the path. In his present condition, Vocta decided Kirbraz could wait no longer and pulled him free from his snare. The Water Agori shouted in pain, but once he was free, he seemed to visibly relax.

“I think we’re good,” murmured Kaldii from beside the victim of Perditus’ attack. “It’s just a Rock Agori.”

“A Rock Agori? Making all that noise?” the Fire Glatorian stepped over.

“Seems so.”

Now Scodonius’ interest was piqued, and he ventured over.

“He was making enough noise to start an avalanche. What could possibly…”

His voice trailed off — Kaldii was indeed right. It was a single Rock Agori, and on his back was a sack larger than the Agori was. Perditus pulled open the bag and saw metallic gadgets and contraptions the likes of which he’d never seen before.

The unconscious victim of Perditus’ assault stirred. The Fire Glatorian seized the bag and pulled it safely away, while the other two Agori circled the Roxtus villager, ready for anything.

“Oooohhhhhhhh,” the Agori groaned. “My head…”

“Stay down,” Perditus said, throwing and catching a stone. “Or we’ll test your affinity with rock.”

“Woah!” the Agori’s eyes widened as he saw his captors. “What — I’ll do anything, what do you…”

Kaldii leaned over.

“What’s your name, Agori?”

“Defantus.”

Scodonius glanced at Perditus. “It is just an Agori.”

“It’s a Rock Agori,” Kaldii spat in response.

“Even a Rock Agori can be of use,” Perditus mused.

“Wait a moment,” Defantus hesitated, looking at Kaldii. “I know you. You led us south from the Baterra.”

“Yes,” the Fire Glatorian said. “And now you will lead us north.”

“I — oh,” Kaldii started.

“Well,” Defantus murmured. “Past Roxtus?”

“Past Roxtus.”

Now it was Defantus’ turn to consider. If word got back to Roxtus that he had led non-rock tribe individuals through Skrall territory, there would be no telling what could happen. He wasn’t the biggest fan of Tuma, truth be told, but he was still a Rock Agori subject to the whims of the Tribe. On the other hand, if these people were up to no good, perhaps he could lead them to a Skrall patrol route.

“Oh, and if you were wondering, that wasn’t a choice.”

“Kirbraz will be ready to go momentarily,” Vocta said, wandering over. “There are some nice logs that make for good splints. He’s determined to keep going, though, despite my recommendation that he go back.”

“I mean, we’ve come this far,” Scodonius shrugged. “We would not let mere hills defeat us.”

Perditus’ brow furrowed. “Weren’t you both just complaining about coming?”

“Complaining?” Scodonius grinned. “Nonsense. I haven’t the faintest idea what you mean.”

Kaldii and Vocta exchanged glances but said nothing.

“We’re decided, then,” Perditus said, “And I’ll be keeping this until we’re safely through,” he added, picking up the bag.

“Yes, yes, just — be careful with that,” urged Defantus. “Many inventions in there, lots of breakables…”

“You an inventor?”

“Small appliances, mostly,” Defantus replied modestly, starting up the path. “The Skrall want engines that can defend themselves against threats from the north. I’m not so good at that sort of stuff. I like making small, everyday things, though.”

“Innovation is as scarce on Bara Magna as water,” remarked Perditus. “We could use someone like you.”

“I wouldn’t mind that,” the Rock Agori replied. “I’m all for solidarity with the other tribes. Some of the others wouldn’t agree. They think we’re back in the Core War with each tribe out for themselves. Very antiquated if you ask me.”

“Like Lunis Magna, you are,” Vocta murmured.

“Yes, perhaps it is,” Perditus nodded, remarking the friendliness of the Agori. It was most unlike anything he’d seen among the rock tribe to date, who were aggressive and brutish towards outsiders.

By now, they had gone far enough up the path that they had reunited with Kirbraz. The Water Agori looked worse for wear, but he seemed to be putting on a brave face. As they moved, he limped after them.

“Are there others like you who think the same way?” asked Scodonius.

“Of course there are. Lots of Rock Agori feel this. And some Skrall too.”

“Then why do you fight us in the arena like you do? Why are you so confrontational about everything?”

“Well… we’re just going off of your example.”

Perditus started. “What?”

“Yeah, I mean — Tuma sent people to feel out the society after we got down here, to see how likely they’d be to unite under him,” Defantus explained. “But whenever he did, the villages just seemed to be bickering with each other. Fighting, clawing over each other for survival. It may not be war, but it was the next worse thing. So the Skrall joined in. And we just happen to be good at it.”

The Fire Glatorian frowned at this. Did Bara Magnan society really look so bad?

The group stepped onto a ridge with a clear view of the city of Roxtus. Those who had never been up here before staggered at the sight.

The entire valley of the rock tribe was spread out before them. Skull Mountain was directly below the ridge on which they stood, and the gaping mound of the ancient iron head yawned open to reveal an arena concealed within. Stone gates reached out from the mountains to enclose the city with their protection. And within the gates, the valley was crawling with platoons of Skrall and Rock Agori wandered about their duties.

“Beautiful, isn’t it?” Defantus marveled. “It’s nothing like what we had up north, but it’s close enough.”

“Repulsive,” Vocta growled. “Truly disgusting.”

“You don’t like it,” the Rock Agori smiled, “You can always head back north. Our activities down here don’t concern you.”

“We fully intend to head back north,” Vocta’s eyes narrowed, “Or did you forget that you forced us to come down here against our will.”

Kaldii elbowed Vocta hard, but Vocta shrugged it off.

“We had to get out fast, and you knew the way,” Defantus retorted. “It was a move of desperation. And now we are outcasts like you. I’d think you’d be happy.”

“Outcasts? You think we’re outcasts?!” Vocta’s voice rose.

“Vocta,” Kaldii growled.

“Yes, outcasts!” Defantus snapped. “You and the rest of the earth tribe!”