#16

The days that followed witnessed the Dharzir tribe, who under any other circumstance, would have succumbed to servitude, such were the spoils to the victors of war. However, with the endorsement of the great gods, Zobi emerged as the chosen one, set to become the next tribal head. Yet, as he sat in the ulmcah, the great leader stone, his mind incessantly pondered the question: Why?

A chuckle abruptly broke him from his profound contemplation. After she fed from her life mate, Hen're'it proceeded to devour and consume those with the most blood on their hands from the battle. In doing so, her genetic code underwent a rapid transformation, faster than ever before.

Was this due to the fact that the ones she consumed were changed, like her and her life mate? Only Geo'rgge knew the true answer, but he was far from even acknowledging the question.

"Great goddess," he intoned with reverence and respect, ready to move. However, she gestured with her hand, halting him. ~"So, you've managed to not only bring the Dharzir tribe into your own but also allow them to remain who they were prior," ~she spoke as the tribal village roared in turmoil. Despite the two tribes merging, tension lingered among some of them.

~"Why didn't either of you take control?" The unexpected question hung in the air.~

"Because," she began, interrupted by her life mate.

~"Because, young Zobi, they need a constant leader, not someone who may not be here come the spinning star."~ The words rang true, but a sense of dread enveloped him. They could leave whenever they chose, even after coming this far.

Hen're'its glanced at her life mate. -"Why scare the boy? You and I both know these lands have more than enough for us. Plus, I'm starving, and I smell—" -

She paused, the scents assaulting her nose and the sounds reaching her ears revealing a skirmish on the outskirts. Zobi's huntsmen were engaged in unarmed combat against members of the Dharzir tribe. The smell of blood, the emotions coursing through her, akin to delmak, and the urge to consume encroached on her mind. With a whim, she took off, her natural body levels heightened from devouring close to 15 warriors. Only Geo'rgge could truly follow her.

"Come, Zobi. It is time you asserted your control."