Chapter Seven — Whispers Across The Dunes

◽Three Days Later◽

◽3240.11.18◽

Varn answered the call with a tired sigh.「Princess… it’s early morning. What has you awake at this hour?」

⟦It’s Carlton. He desires me.⟧ Phipher spoke without hesitation.

Varn straightened instantly.「…And Carlton is?」

⟦The Heart Sun. Remember?⟧ Phipher’s cheeks warmed despite herself.

Varn smiled knowingly.【So the princess is in love.】「Ah, yes. I remember now. So why call me?」

⟦You’re the only Elder I can speak to who has taken a mate… what do I do with these emotions?⟧

Varn chuckled softly.「It seems your façade is finally cracking. Since he isn’t from our world, all I can say is this—make him happy. But not in a spineless way.」

⟦How do I do that?⟧ There was no hesitation—only honest curiosity.

Varn’s smile softened.「You can sense his feelings, can’t you? When you do something that deepens his desire, remember it. But never erase yourself to please him. He may not want that version of you.」

⟦So… I’m going in blind. Testing the dunes.⟧ Phipher sighed.

Varn laughed quietly.「You do want him to claim you, don’t you?」

⟦I mean—yes. No—wait—⟧ Phipher gave up with a defeated sigh.

Varn laughed again.「It’s good to see you act like the woman in love that you are. And if you truly were the first calzor he met here, then don’t worry—he’s likely just as lost as you are.」

⟦You really think so?⟧ Hope slipped through her voice.

Varn nodded.「Trust me, Princess. I know.」

⟦Thank you, Chief Elder.⟧

The call ended.

Varn chuckled quietly to herself.「Ah… to be young.」Another call came in almost immediately.「Yes, Rynn. Do you have news?」

⟦We will arrive in five days, Chief Elder. Everything is proceeding smoothly.⟧

Varn’s tone sharpened.「Any rouges harassing the caravan?」

⟦No, ma’am. Surprisingly, none.⟧

Varn frowned slightly.「I see. Thank you, Rynn.」

⟦The honor is mine, Chief Elder.⟧

The line went dead.

Varn’s expression hardened.【I hope the rumors remain rumors… the last thing we need is the Heart Sun viewing us as enemies.】

◽Rynn & the Tribe’s Location◽

【Chief Elder Varn seemed… calm. Does that mean she’s spoken with the Princess?】Rynn’s thoughts lingered as she reviewed reports.

Sarth’s voice cut in sharply.「So, Rynn. What did Varn say?」

Rynn didn’t turn.「That’s Chief Elder Varn. Please show respect, even in her absence.」

Sarth sneered.「Know your place, soldier.」

Rynn finally faced her.「I do. I am also the General of the tribe’s forces, appointed directly by the Chief Elder. Disrespect toward her—or the Princess—will not be tolerated.」

She turned and left.

Sarth trembled with anger.「That damned soldier… she’ll suffer. I’ll make sure of it.」

A hand rested gently on her shoulder.「Mother.」Raleth’s voice was calm.「Patience. That’s what we must practice. Then we’ll have our way.」

Sarth exhaled.「Yes… you’re right. I almost forgot.」

【That Phipher tramp will see. Once the Ashru’Keen leader realizes I’m the better choice, I’ll remove her—and that old hag—from the tribe.】Raleth smiled sweetly.

Sarth glanced at her daughter.「Any news, Raleth?」

「Everything is proceeding perfectly, Mother.」

Sarth chuckled coldly.「Very good.」

◽Inside the Command Tent◽

「Status report,」 Rynn said.

Kelth stood at attention.「Scouts encountered rouges, but they were ignored. No aggression.」

Rynn frowned.「That’s unusual. A migrating nomad tribe—especially one composed mostly of females—is typically seen as easy prey.」

Kelth nodded.「And in our case, a fully female tribe, with only a few males joined through the Rite of the Wrothly Mate.」

「Exactly. We can’t afford complacency. Our Princess is somewhere in the Varrak Thirst, and the Chief Elder is negotiating passage aboard a Mid’cal vessel. With winter approaching, fear among the populace is rising.」

Kelth saluted sharply.

「We’ll neutralize any threat that approaches the tribe.」

⟨Kelth… keep an eye on Sarth and Raleth.⟩ Rynn’s voice echoed telepathically.

Kelth sighed. ⟨Understood, ma’am.⟩

She exited the tent.

【I hate placing that burden on her… but that family cannot be trusted.】

◽Back in Grath’Mol◽

The Dravel Stone Chief approached Varn.「You seem busy, Chief Elder.」

Varn turned politely.「Dravel Stone Chief. Thank you.」

He sat beside her.「When will your people arrive?」

【Strange question…】「Before Ash Zenith. We intend to depart immediately after the purchase is finalized.」

He studied her carefully.【She says little while revealing nothing.】

「I hope your search for the Princess goes well.」

「Thank you, Dravel Stone Chief.」

He sighed.「You may call me by my name, you know.」

Varn giggled politely.「Your tribe would not appreciate that.」 She inclined her head.「If that’s all, may I return to my duties?」

He stood with a quiet chuckle.「Very well.」【Tough as a sandcrusher.】

He left.

【He’s been seeking my attention far too often lately…】Varn returned to her work.