Chapter 4: The Egg

Chapter 4: The Egg

"Mother," I projected my thoughts back, as lucidly as I could manage, "I desire one of your eggs."

She didn't assault me, nor did I perceive any confusion or indignation at my proposition. That was promising. My spell had drawn her here, and she would likely be open to negotiation. A surge of anticipation began to bubble within me, which I swiftly suppressed. My focus returned to the Vorgan in front of me.

This stage was almost akin to a ritual, albeit not quite. Everything hinged on what the Vorgan thought of me. Updated from novelb(i)n.c(o)m

"What do you propose in exchange?" she questioned.

"I promise it will have a prolonged life," I replied. "And fresh, succulent meat without any struggle, along with my companionship."

The creature pondered my offer for a moment before asking, "And what will you expect in return?"

"I would request assistance in my ventures, in line with its capabilities. I seek its wisdom and its friendship," I responded.

Following this, there was a period of silence. She stood there, perched over the carcass of the Baku, observing me. Finally, she declared, "I will approach you."

The Vorgan moved closer to me. Her claws were long, furred, and sharp, but seemed more adapted for swift running than for combat. Having feasted, a Vorgan often finds itself too heavy to fly and hence, must run to elude predators.

She stood before me, peering intensely into my eyes. It was strange to witness intellect in the beady fox-like eyes, to engage in near-human communication with a creature whose brain was no larger than the first joint of my finger. It felt somewhat unnaturala reality I wouldn't fully grasp until much later.

She stretched it out towards me.

Suppressing my elation, I reached out with my steady right hand. The egg dropped into my palm, surprising me with its warmth. It was small enough to fit comfortably in my hand. Carefully, I tucked it inside my jacket, close to my chest.

"Thank you, mother," I mentally conveyed to her, "May you enjoy a long life, abundant food, and numerous offspring."

"And to you," she responded, "long life and successful hunts."

"I am not a hunter," I informed her.

"You will be," she prophesied. With that, she pivoted away, spread her wings, and took flight, disappearing from the glade.

In the subsequent week, I narrowly avoided crushing the egg, nestled close to my chest, on two separate occasions. Firstly, during a skirmish with some troublemakers from the House of Cetan; and secondly, while I thoughtlessly held a box of spices against my chest at the inn.

These instances served as a wake-up call. Determined to prevent any further danger to the egg, I equipped myself with diplomatic skills to avoid physical altercations. Simultaneously, to safeguard the egg during my work at the inn, I decided to sell the establishment.

Acquiring diplomacy proved to be the more challenging task. It contradicted my innate tendencies, and I had to exercise constant vigilance. However, in due course, I found myself able to respond courteously to an insulting Imperion. In hindsight, this skill more than anything else, prepared me for my future success.

On the other hand, parting with the inn was more of a relief. Since my father's passing, I had been managing it single-handedly, making a decent living but never truly identifying myself as an innkeeper.