Chapter 27

The new Thark grim face of the grizzled, broken-tusked warrior glared down at Hadrian and said"You bring these people into out city and one of them is white ape?"

Tars glared at him,knowing Hajus was war hungry idiot and wanted to conquer the Forest for Monsters for himself.But he didn't have many supporters,who would follow him on this quest because they have already heard how the majority of the Monster in the Forest are under the white apes control.The another issue was even if they are somehow able to conquer them,they will never able to settle in the Forest because of beasts there.

Tal disengaged his tusks from Tars's and turned to address the assembled Tharks. "Who will pledge their metal to mine?" Silence.

Hajus pointing his sword towards Hadrian said"Now we kill them."a drop of spittle flecked his chipped tusk.

Tars scowled and said "Step away, Tal Hajus."

Hajus was angry questioned "You value them more than my judgement?

The towering figure of Tars Tarkas appeared right in Hajus face. As Hadrian watched, their tusks locked together in a clear gesture of challenge,

Tars said slowly"Step away,".

Hajus turned cold with anger and yelled "I issue a challenge.Who will pledge their metal to mine?"

Then there was silence as no one supported him

Tars Tarkas stepped forward and said. "You will not rule today.Tal. Perhaps tomorrow."

Tal Hajus glared back at Tars for a long moment saying "Maybe not today." He then whirled and strode off into the crowd.

Tars led them to his throne room,which was

beyond the terrace, a large pavilion tent stood within the ruined walls of an ancient throne room.

Hadrian,Nuada and fellow elven guards were now sitting on the dinner table,were Tars Tarkas surrounded by his clansmen, eating. A few Tharks pounded on ceremonial drums.Tars guided him to his personal meetings room and discussed with Nuada and Hadrian more about the Keepers and there Alliance,but time to time Hadrian noticed during the feast,Tars eyes wandering towards the women named Sola.

Hadrian could see his soften and the emotions he got from Tars was fatherly love,so being slightly curious asked"Is she your daughter?"

Tars was shocked and wanted to deny it,but then an idea came into his mind and with nod said"Yes,she is I have been protecting her from the shadows,since young.If someone found out about her they would use her as pawn to get to me."

Hadrian guessed he meant Sarkoja and Hajus.Tars voice at touch a sadness and bitterness in them as he continued "My mate wanted my daughter to be safe,but I failed as father and was not able to protect her.So my friend could you take her to your city as favor for me."

Hadrian could see slight hope on his eys at this request,so Hadrian agreed ans Tars told the story about Loa,who was his wife and companion in secret.

Loas and Tars Tarkas were in fact lovers,so with time after they had met they conceived Sola together. She buried the egg to keep it hidden, she revealed this to Tars Tarkas moments before her death. Tars Tarkas became Jeddak is a part of his desire to protect his child.

Hadrian did feel sorry for Sola,who was too kind and gentle for the Thark way of life because she thinks with her heart, not her head. Sola is the runt of the litter, which makes her a pariah in the cruel Thark society.