"I know what makes them tick. I know how to make the ticking stop." Orianna, The Clockwork Lady
I wonder if you guys expected the reveal at the end. It was something I had planned for so long and it feels so good to let it out after all this time.
Now come the dreaded words. Lads and lasses.... I have exams. And by exams I mean a single exam the next Monday. So after the next chapter I'll take the rest of the week off to not flunk the exam. Computational Statistics in not easy. Which means you will not get 3-4 chapters. (Less if I manage to write a couple chapters on times I'm not studying.)
For that..... I'll pump out one chap a day until the balance is sorted.
I'll also update the pictures of stuff in the story so look out for it happening. (If there is a comment on this then it is done.)
Thanks and Apologies for the inconvenience
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Sigra was tired.
She was beyond tired.
The alliance requests kept piling up. The requests for aid had shot up as well. All of this after hearing their successful decimation of invading groups.
It had created a sort of trust. A belief in the tribe. Other tribes could rely on the Avarosans in case of danger. They had warriors strong enough to face entire armies by themselves. It would be stupid to not form an alliance with them. Even worse trying to attack them.
But the tribes that had broken off alliances after finding out that they would be invaded were the biggest losers out of them all. Even bigger losers than the tribes that had attacked. At least they had the satisfaction of knowing that they did something to better their situation, despite failing at it and most likely being wiped out in the following years. The bystander act had lost them not only the best possible alliance but also the respect of other tribes.
Meanwhile, Avarosa was thriving. Its people were joyous. Its coffers plentiful. A truly golden era. The upcoming winter would be an easy one. The only thing they would have to worry about was the weather.
The tribe had been planning to move to another location but the threat of an attack had locked them here and it was the best thing to happen to them. It was perfect for them. The cliffs gave cover from blizzards and winds. But it would still remain cold. Moving north would be less colder but more competition for food.
But the amount of food they had could not be carried over long distances.
Her legs moved through the snow with a tired motivation.
The council were even starting to consider permanently staying in Rakelstake. Something that had never once been considered before.
Her hands hurt from the blowing cold. In her hurry, she had forgotten to cover them but this needed to be conveyed.
She was among the few assigned to review information received. The Frost Watcher had returned with come concerning news. Upon relaying this to the Warmother, the news was met with confusion and shock.
If this was accurate then things in Freljord would be difficult. The pile of meat would be their only solace. No fruit and vegetables. No opportunity to trade.
An immediate order for her to inform and bring Gregori was issued and she promptly moved to do just that.
Her feet halted as she spotted him looking out of the window of the house he and his family lived in. Annie sat in his arms playing with that doll she carried around everywhere.
His eyes found her and he looked at her in askance. She gestured for him to join her.
Gently placing her daughter down, he whispered a few words to her and got a nod in return. He then called something out loud in the house and turned around moving away from the window.
Annie looked out of the window and waved to Sigra.
A smile sprouted on her face as Sigra waved back. The life Gregori had... it had become enviable. The tribesmen were starting to take note of it. Even she found it nice. A variety of mischievous kids who loved and were showered with love. What was not to like about that? They seemed extremely obedient as well. Tantrums were minimal and only when their father wasn't paying attention to them.
The cherry on top was that all of them were strong. Physically and magically.
The council had once tried to initiate a plan to have Daisy become an Avarosan and remove Gregori from the equation but the other Iceborn shot it down. She had liked Gregori and the lengths he had gone for his daughters was something worth respect but even she felt like it was a bad decision.
And after his performance in the previous battle, the council members were silenced. They were afraid. Afraid of losing him. He was a better ally to have than his own daughter. The priority had shifted to him now.
But if Gregori had learnt of their previous plans.... Sigra shuddered to think of the results.
"What happened Sigra?" The question snapped her out of her thoughts. She looked up at the man.
"Information from the Frost Watchers." She blurted out. "The Warmother requires you and the council."
He nodded and gestured for her to walk with him.
"Is it bad?" He asked.
Sigra kept her eyes on the snow in front of them, "It could become extremely bad. Life threatening."
"More attacks on Rakelstake?"
"No." Sigra turned to face him, her face grave. "They are planning an attack on Demacia."
She watched Gregori's eyebrows raise up in surprise. "They expect to win?" He asked.
She nodded. "The news of unrest in Demacia has spread everywhere and with a new king....."
"This would be the best time to attack." He finished.
But his shoulders sagged as he took a breath. "They cannot win." He stated plainly. "A waste of life and manpower."
"Hm?" Sigra looked at him surprised at his words.
"Demacia has more to offer than you think." He spoke. "They have secrets within secrets. Any kingdom that old would have them. They won't lose. It would just be an unnecessary waste of life. A complete tragedy." His voice was oddly calm.
The rest of the walk was silent. Neither person willing to initiate a conversation. Gregori looked forward, his mind a swirling mess of thoughts.
As they walked into the main hall, the council turned their attention to him and Sigra.
"Warmother." He stated with a curt nod.
One she reciprocated.
"You require my assistance?" He asked.
Ashe nodded. "With your plan to go to Demacia, I felt it proper to inform and include you in these talks."
Gregori nodded and added a bow at the end.
"I suppose now we discuss about how we can prevent the war between Demacia and the Winter's Claw?" Ashe asked the group.
Gregori looked at Sigra in surprise, "It is them?"
She nodded.
He took a deep breath as things fell into place.
"The first thing to to find out why they are planning to attack." Ashe spoke with authority.
"No. I know the reason." Gregori cut in.
Eyes shot toward him.
"The man with the group I fought that day was the one who is believed to have murdered the late king of Demacia." He spoke.
Gasps and sharp inhales were heard throughout the room.
"A Kingslayer?" Sigra pushed out in shock.
But Ashe had her brows furrowed, "Believed to have murdered?" she asked.
Gregori let out a breath, "He is innocent of the crime. I have met the assassin who killed the king and she was sent by Noxus."
More gasps.
Tryndamere ground his teeth. His distrust of Noxians was big due to their invasions.
"You met the assassin?" Ashe was dumbfounded at the continual revelations.
Gregori nodded, "Her brother owed me a few favors."
"Then you know why they are attacking Demacia?" Ashe pushed.
"Demacia has been a bad place for mages throughout the years. With the death of the king, they started to go after every mage. This man, Sylas, he was one of the men to break out of his prison and he let lose a burst of magic signaling a mage rebellion."
"So he is a criminal." A council member stated.
Gregori shook his head, "His only crime was possessing magic. Other than that he is completely innocent. And that is the reason they are attacking. It is retaliation. Revenge. A chance to vent out the anger of countless mages. The Winter's Claw is probably joining them due to get enough food to survive the winter or it is a deal for resources." He theorized.
"But we cannot have that happen." Ashe tapped her fingers rhythmically. "Trades with Demacia is important for us."
"I understand that." Gregori observed the room.
"We would like you to postpone your travel to Demacia and stay here until it is over." Ashe's blue eyes shone as the words left her mouth. "Your life is in danger if you move."
Gregori shook his head. "No. It won't be."
"You are a mage aren't you? Your children?" Ashe asked.
"Yes." Gregori answered, "But they cannot kill me or my children."
Ashe squinted at him.
"I am Demacian by birth. Nobility. Pretty high up. And I haven't been removed from the family books. Just hidden away." Gregori waved his hands, "They cannot kill a noble."
Eyes widened.
"If you were a Demacian, why did you join Noxus?" Tryndamere questioned.
Gregori shrugged. "Having magic in Demacia is cause for imprisonment. Instead of having me be outed publicly as a mage, my family sent me away with criminals, hoping I would die in the travels. But I did not and travelled all the way to Noxus. I was young and needed a background. Military achievements could clear me. Announcing myself as Demacian is asking to be killed."
"So you are going back to your family?" Ashe was intrigued.
"No." Gregori stared back at her. "I'm going back for the other half of Caalyx. As well as picking up another Darkin sealed there. The more Darkin I can keep away from the upcoming war..... the easier it would be for all of us."
Tryndamere's eyes flashed red at the sound of Darkin.
The Warmother stayed silent for a moment before looking at him, "Then would you do us the favor of delivering warnings of the oncoming attack to the Demacians?"
Gregori nodded.
"Well that was a quick discussion." Braum boomed as he picked up his shield and walked to the exit.
The other council members nodded and began to leave as well.
Gregori followed them outside, choosing not to stay and converse with Ashe and the rest.
Standing outside the council, he looked up at the sun that shone down on them. Questions ran through his mind. What would happen if he came across his parents? His siblings? Amoline had wanted his to be able to stand tall and face them with pride in his achievements.
The memory of Amoline hardened his resolve.
He blinked as he accepted his position as a Demacian noble. A bitter pill to swallow but one that he had to.
He was Gregori Hastur.....
But he was also Titan Spiritmight.
A child of the Spiritmight family and cousin to the current king of Demacia.