157 Chapter twenty (8)

"Those who survive are my men, Chief Xhup, not yours," Walter said as he slowly came and stood beside the chief. "Though it is good to have them bound to me, I prefer if they make that choice willingly. They will be stronger that way," Walter said and the chief froze, then continued his chant.

"I should have tortured Hayin a bit more," Walter said

The chief was now seething in anger. He stopped the chant and looked to Walter.

"You have gone too far!" he said through his teeth.

"Have you finished?" Walter asked mildly.

"Yes. How did you know I was trying to turn your men into mindless puppets?" the chief asked, causing the men to shiver.

"Because that is what I would do in your shoes too," Walter answered. The chief took in a deep breath to calm himself. He knew that even if he wanted to trap Walter after he came out... if he came out, he would not dare now. He glanced at the other man beside Walter and frowned. This man is powerful, he thought.

"He will stop at the fifth stage too," Walter said. The chief nodded and stepped in front of D'huile and made a small chant with hand signs, before stepping back. The doorway to the testing grounds was still open, so Walter pointed at it.

"Enter," he said and the men stepped through, their eyes shining with determination. D'huile glanced at Walter for a second before entering after the men.

As Walter tried to step through, the chief grabbed his arm.

"Even though you did not tell them, they can quit any time they wish and return in one piece. You, on the other hand, beyond the fifth stage, there is no turning back. Either you get the inheritance, or die. I wish I could spit on your corpse when it happens, but there will be nobody," the chief said with a cynical laugh, before letting go of Walter's arm. Walter took out the Valchana fruit and gave it to him.

"For me, it is get the inheritance or nothing," Walter said softly, then stared at the chief darkly.

"Have you ever thought of what would happen to you and the tree people if someone happens to get the inheritance?" he asked and the chief paused.

"Of course you have. If the inheritance leaves the shed, your tribe will lose its lustre. What you plan on doing to anyone lucky enough to get the inheritance, is what I intend to do to your tree tribe. Can you bet who will win?" Walter said darkly, before walking through the doorway, allowing darkness like never before felt, to envelope him.