Chapter 83: Seleth

Chapter 83: Seleth

Chance arrived to the sound of terrified whispers. The Dancing Cloud sect had deposited him right beside a barricade made of tightly packed wooden spears the width of his forearm. They jutted up into the air above his head, leaning out at an angle.

Around a dozen men stood around him, wearing mismatched leather armor and clutching their weapons with terrified, white knuckled grips. Several of them cried out and jumped back at Chances appearance, and one even pointed his spear at him.

Whoa, Chance said, raising his hands. Im here to help.

Put that away, a grizzled man said, emerging from the thin crowd and smacking the mans spear to the side. Unlike the others, he wore fitting armor and carried a sword at his hip with the ease and grace of a soldier. He gave Chance a grim look. Thank you for coming, honored cultivator. My name is Arden, and Im the captain of the guard for this village.

Please, just call me Chance. Whats going on? Wheres the monster?

Outside the walls. Its been walking in circles around us for a few hours now, but we fear itll attack at any moment, Arden responded. He paused for a few moments, and his hand tightened around the pommel of his sword. Is anyone else coming?

Im not sure. Im sorry, Chance said. But probably not.

Arden did a remarkable job of keeping his emotions from reaching his face, but the rest of his men did considerably worse. They all exchanged horrified looks, and several muttered prayers under their breaths.

Its not over yet, Arden said firmly, pounding a fist into his chest plate. Theres still time for more cultivators to arrive. Get your chins up, you sorry louses. A cultivator has arrived to aid us. Show some damn appreciation and stand ready.

The shoddily armored soldiers rushed to stand at parade arrest. Chance gave them what he hoped was a comforting grin. They didnt exactly inspire much confidence, but at least Arden seemed to be competent.

Forgive me asking, Arden said, leaning in so he could speak just above a whisper. But can you handle this threat without any other cultivators? No others have arrived yet.

It took an instant for Chance to realize that Arden was actually speaking to him, and not some other cultivator that had somehow materialized beside him. Hed never been called sir before, and especially not by someone that looked to be three times his age.

Ill do my best, Chance promised. I dont know what kind of monster were up against. Im a Rank Two cultivator.

Ardens lips pressed thin. Then we had best hope that more cultivators arrive. I fear our opponent may be too strong for a Rank Two to defeat on his own.

What kind of monster is it? Chance asked.

Arden gestured for Chance to follow him. He set off at a brisk pace along the wall, and the two of them came up to a lowered gate a minute later. The rest of the soldiers followed behind them, keeping a respectful distance. Arden stopped in front of a small hole between the tightly packed wood and gestured for Chance to peer through.

Youll get a glance at it through this, Arden said. I dont know why it hasnt attacked us yet. The gods must be smiling to give us such grace.

Chance stepped up to the hole and closed one eye to peek through it. The village sat on a large, grassy field. It stretched on for quite a distance before reaching a tall hill that blocked the rest of his view. Thick holes dotted the ground a few dozen paces away from the village walls.

Seconds passed. A large, clawed foot thudded down on the ground at the edge of his vision. It was covered with heavy green scales, and the claws dug deep into the dirt, pushing new holes into it.

Can you understand me? Chance asked, not expecting to receive much of an answer.

Yes, the crocodile replied in a coarse, ragged voice. Its tongue flicked out. I hear your words, little cultivator.

Turn back, Chance said, hiding his surprise at the monsters response. If you can understand me, than I do not wish to fight you.

The monster let out a hissing cough that Chance suspected might have been a laugh.

I will not. I have been waiting. I must eat.

Eat something else. Those are intelligent people. They have every right to live, just like you.

The crocodiles claws dug into the dirt as it shifted its stance and reared back, sitting on its haunches. It stared down its long snout at Chance like he was a particularly interesting insect.

Food is food. I do not weep for the sow because it squeals. It is simply a law of nature. I must eat to survive.

Then why pace around the village? Chance demanded. You could have attacked at any time, but you waited. Doesnt that mean you might be having misgivings, or you dont want to attack?

The monster let out another hissing noise. This time, Chance was sure it was laughing.

I waited because I hoped that more cultivators would arrive. Alas, only you have come. You will do little to sate my appetite, but I have no other choice. If I do not eat, I will die. Do I not have the same right to live as all others?

Can you not eat something else?

I am not blessed like your kind, the crocodile replied, its eyes narrowing in jealousy. I cannot cultivate in any manner but by consuming flesh and drawing the power from it. If I wish to survive, I must consume. This is my lot.

Chance dug through his head, trying to find a response, but he realized that there was truly nothing he could respond with. He drew in a slow breath and let it out through his nose.

I am sorry.

As am I. It is rare that I encounter a cultivator that seeks to speak with one of my kind, the crocodile said. It is unfortunate that we meet. When this battle is concluded, I will carry a part of your will with mine. Our strength shall be one.

To most, Chance suspected that would have been a threat. He was surprised to find that he didnt take it as one. In a twisted way, he suspected it might have actually meant to be comforting. A profound sense of sadness welled in his throat.

I will offer you the same honor, Chance said. He extended his hand and his bracelet slithered into his palm, forming into an urumi. I am Chance.

I am Seleth. Come, Chance. Let us see whose desire to crush the heavens within our grasp is greater.