Stranded on a Tiny Planet

Emissary

On the edge of the forest at the Wasteland three days prior...

Boroxle and his sand dragon Ru'tra had made it back to the Rogashay encampment two sun cycles after their encounter with the giant alien. Needless to say, it had been a humiliating defeat, one Boroxle found hard to swallow. Even his sand dragon Ru'tra, one of the strongest bulls in their encampment, was powerless against the huge creature who handled him like a mere toy. Boroxle had thought the Ansheetan negligence in their guarding of the forest had meant an opportunity for he and the Rogashay to try and seize territory. He never could've predicted the enemy would be in command of such a titanic monster. Even without it, the Ansheetans were a powerful people, but now...his tribe was seriously outclassed.

Returning to his mate Kriees a failure in his quest was a difficult thing to endure. Though her eyes bore relief at his return they also held disappointment; something he never wanted to see in her green eyes.

"You were not victorious." She stated in a way that sounded like a question but was not.

Boroxle growled, dismounted Ru'tra and removed his harness to give him reprieve of it. The lizard stretched its toothy mouth and hissed. A member of the tribe came and brought a chunk of meat for him whilst Boroxle headed for his dwelling. Kriees followed, not saying anything. She could read her mate well enough to know he would speak when he was ready.

When they entered their tent-like dwelling, Kriees brought her mate some meat to eat and sat down next to him. He ate in silence for a bit until at last he spoke.

"We...ran into something unexpected." He stated. "I need to gather the tribal sub-leaders for a meeting."

"Tell me first." She insisted.

Boroxle lowered his hard, crested head and hissed slightly, "The Ansheeta have a weapon..."

"A weapon?" Kriees leaned in.

"A giant creature...bigger than anything I've ever seen."

"What do you mean a 'giant creature'?"

Boroxle's fierce eyes widened, "I mean just that! I don't know what it was or where it came from. It walks on two legs like we do but it...it's taller than most of the forest trees!" He gestured to his face, "Fur on its head and face...light brown skin...strength like you wouldn't believe."

He stared at his mate, "And the Ansheeta command it! My party and I found two Ansheeta alone in the forest and we captured them easily. I intended to use them as hostages to get into Anashee. But one of them, a female, called this thing to her aid.  The sand dragons and their riders all fled in fear. Ru'tra ran off too and this thing captured me effortlessly." He held up his fingers in a pinching motion to illustrate, "I...stood no chance. " He picked up a sheathed dagger and held it with both hands in front of him, "It could hold Ru'tra just like this! That's how big it is."

Kriees seemed notably shocked by his description.

"It kept me captive for a while but then let me go." Boroxle threw down the dagger with frustration, "We can't defeat this thing...whatever it is. It could wipe us out completely if it is commanded to do so."

"You think the leaders of Anashee would do that?" she asked with doubt.

Boroxle thought but flipped his hands, "I don't know. Now that they have the means to destroy us they might."

Kriees sat beside her mate in silence, "Then perhaps it's time we bartered a peace with them."

Boroxle snarled at the idea, "That will never happen. The Ansheeta will keep their land and push us further into the wasteland."