The Lord’s Raids

Yadha Dakhak

For what? Why must I be the only one saved? Big sister, why did you sacrifice yourself for me?

I would have preferred to be the one taken hostage. I would have given anything not to witness my brothers being devoured before my eyes. The thought that the blood of these filthy creatures flows through my veins disgusts me to the highest degree.

Millions of questions swirled in my mind. I wiped away my tears with one hand, trying not to look too disheveled. After all, I am Yadha Dakhak, the captain of the Dhakat clan guard. As long as I am alive, I will find a way to save them.

Or at least, that's what I tried to convince myself. Right now, I am forced to serve as the vanguard for an entire clan through this cursed forest, heading toward a clan that is hostile to me.

Even if my clan has suffered this terrible fate, taking refuge in an enemy clan would not be a good idea, especially with the Ibara clan, whose leaders maintain a friendly relationship with the Orleth clan.

"That damn unicorn," I groaned inwardly, the image of the Orleth clan leader flashing through my mind.

"He will probably want to kill me," I muttered. "Now that I'm alone, he won't miss the chance to finish off my clan for good."

No, I won't allow myself to be killed so easily. The sacrifices of my brothers and sisters will not be in vain; I will avenge them.

I closed my eyes for a moment, chasing away the unwanted thoughts swirling in my head.

Suddenly, I felt a hand on my shoulder. I turned to see Viola, the young elf, standing behind me, stroking my shoulders to reassure me.

Her graceful figure was comforting as she held her bow firmly in her hands. Her golden eyes lit up every time she smiled at me. Just her sweetness could chase away my daydreams.

"Lord Cain said he would talk to the patriarch of the Ibara clan. You shouldn't worry about it; we refuse almost nothing to the elven clan and the dwarves," she reassured me.

"But still, if it turns out this unicorn can influence Chief Akumu's decisions," I replied, quickening my pace.

"You keep calling him a unicorn. Do you see him as an inferior race?" she asked, her expression skeptical.

No, no, hell no, I never thought like that. It's just that my clan and his have been enemies since before the territorial war. We've insulted each other in countless ways.

Despite our differences, we have rules prohibiting contempt for other races. We're all in the same boat. Since humans despise us, we cannot stoop to their level. The elves were the first to advocate for this rule, so reacting like that in front of them is like asking to be ridiculed.

She simply nodded, her dull, emotionless eyes giving me chills every time they met mine. I wanted to add something, but I swallowed my words.

After a few minutes of walking, we finally arrived. The Ibara clan welcomed us warmly; the chief, in particular, ensured I was treated well. Perhaps it was because Sir Cain had spoken to him?

I wondered how the unicorn would react to the fact that his best friend was harboring an enemy.

"I'd rather not think about it," I muttered to myself, shaking my head to chase away these pointless thoughts.

Even if he wanted to fight me, there's no way I would lose. I am a captain; I am several times stronger than him. Unless he attacks with his companions, I should be able to defend myself.

At least, that's what I believed.