Published via Ecency

_{artwork by me}
_{except from the previous episode}

After a while, the green Orb stopped glowing and cooled down, It felt like I'd been holding my breath all this while, I finally took a deep breath and pondered on what I had just experienced, I took a closer look at the Orb totally astonished by the nature of this phenomenon.
As I was lost in my thoughts and totally unaware of my surroundings, suddenly, I felt a heavy thud hit the back of my head and lost consciousness.

I slowly opened my eyes to a blurry environment and echoes of voices that grew louder, nudging me back from my blank state of mind.

As my visions got clearer, I realized that I was actually knocked unconscious by one of the guards while I was entranced by the green Orb.

I took a look around and noticed some towering figures seated in a panel above me, it looked like some sort of council, I could feel their piercing gazes and random grumblings in the background.

I hurriedly tried to grab the Lobab from within my cloak but noticed for the first time that my hands were actually tied.

"I need to see Abin, I found the cure to his illness" I mustered enough courage and spoke to the chiefs.

"Abin is not here, Topat, You should worry about your fate your very life depends on It" Zilad spoke authoritatively.

My heart sank down to my gut as I realized the difficult ordeal that now surrounds me, I scanned the room looking for Misa, coincidentally she walked in with some guards by her side, she looked like she hadn't slept in days, she took a brief glance at me and I could see the uncertainty in her eyes, she let out a slight grunt as one of the guards pushed her to kneel beside me.

"Ah... The partner in crime arrives just in time" One of the chiefs gloated.

I could sense a shift in the atmosphere and it seems Zilad was leading this charge, He looked at me with pure malice and contempt, I presumed he was prejudiced against my kind or perhaps this situation is a bit too convenient in aiding his political ambitions.

"Sir, I know I might not be your favorite person but I promise you, I'm not the enemy, you have to let me save Abin, I have the cure right here... I..."

"Quiet, you damn Topat, I've watched as Abin kept you around like a pet but I see right through you, you probably led your people into our territory already"

"I did no such thing, I swear on all the gods" I pleaded with every ounce of conviction.

"We Orktargs have survived for eons in these caves, You would answer to your treasonable actions, we shall make an example out of you" One of the High chiefs blurted.

I took another glance at Misa as I could hear her quiet sobbing, the situation seemed to be hopeless and she knew it too.

Zilad suddenly stood up, clasping his hands and motioning to the rest of the chiefs.

"This young Klaxion, has been accused of espionage, all those that are in favor should rise"

My heart sank as I witnessed the rest of the chiefs all stand up and clasped their hands in unison.

"Wait....wait, don't I get to plead my case..." I exclaimed with tensed tone.

"It is done, Topat, you will die by sunrise, now we will move onward to the case of Misa" Zilad replied with a sadistic smile and turned towards Misa.

"It is not done" Misa voiced out for the first time since this trial.

I felt a heatwave wash over me, although all hope seemed lost, I was eager to know what Misa was trying to say.

"What did you say, girl..." Zilad retorted harshly.

"It is not done, Thorak still has the right to Quaz'in"

"Haha... you are going to suggest a trial by combat for this puny Topat, you must be joking" Zilad gloated.

"You can't deny him, If you are half as honorable as my father, you..."

"Quiet, girl, what do you know about honor, if the Topat wishes to die like a man then He is welcome to it"

I gulped down heavy saliva, realizing the danger ahead but I felt a courageous burning in my chest, the same feeling when I encountered the green Orb in the caves.

"Yes, I will take the trail by combat" I spoke loudly.

"Haha... I must say, I admire your conviction, child, but your journey ends here..."

Zilad signaled the guard and they untied my hands, I rubbed my wrists with a slight relief, Misa looked at me with teary eyes, I could tell she tried her best to give me a chance at freedom.

I took off the cloak that she gifted me earlier and handed it to her.

"I kept my promise" I whispered towards Misa and pointed to the Lobab herb tucked within the coat.

Even if I died that day I knew that at least Misa had a chance of giving the Lobab to her father.

Suddenly I felt the attention in the room shift towards a figure that approached from the shadows, he had a bulkier frame compared to the rest of the Orktargs, he stood taller too.

"Aha yes... welcome Tirad, behold our great champion" Zilad proclaimed boastfully.

The towering champion approached as the people gave way, turning the area into an arena.

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