Chapter 275

Feeling Cassandra fidget in his arms Zack turned to see what was wrong. After the realization, he grabbed her hand quickly kissing it. This caught Cassandra's attention and seeing the concerned look on his face her senses returned.

"I'm sorry I didn't think that out. You know I would never tempt you." Zack apologized while holding her tightly.

"I know...You just wanted to help someone." Cassandra smiled.

"I don't see the problem." Savannah sighed.

"It's too embarrassing..."Cassandra mumbled.

"If that's embarrassing then you definitely haven't done it yet. We go home tomorrow, and then everyone will be crowding him again. I'll give you space tonight, but the rest is on you. Good luck." Savannah relayed.

Cassandra glanced back over her shoulder seeing Savannah smile. This trip was supposed to be a date for Savannah. After dedicating so much time to the defense force Savannah missed out on vital time but still choose to share it.

"Where are you headed?" Rachel asked Lexi.

"The Blackclaw tribe," Lexi replied.

Coming into view around the next bend was a shallow river leading to a village. One could see several tipis set up in the back of the camp, and a few huts made from clay near the bank. Looking their way was a woman with several hatchlings at her side.

Protruding from her back is a jet black shell with sharpened ridges along the rim, and back. From the front, the shell trailed down a narrow section of their chest leaving their abdomen, and breast exposed. The woman has bronzed skin, straight black hair trailing down her back, and is wearing a tribal skirt around her waist.

Upon seeing the structure approaching the woman raised her obsidian spear and warned the others. On the chest of the warriors was a snapping turtle claw imprinted with black war paint. The ones in the front were wielding tomahawks or war clubs. The warriors in the back aimed their bows and loaded darts in their blowguns as the ones up front igniting their essence in unison.

Their bodies became covered in dense scales, and this caused their heads to resemble a knight's helmet. Their faces resembled a snapping turtle, and their powerful jaws could shatter steel with ease. This was a form taken in a dire situation and would sacrifice speed for defense.

They weren't concerned by this weakness as the warriors near the swamp sunk into the murky waters to lie in wait. With guards forming a perimeter on the bank, and the other warriors closing in through the water it was a sturdy formation.

Zack halted the platform and dropped the railings to allow the clans to see them clearly. Observing Rachel, and Savannah it eased some of their concerns, but Lexi was another matter. She belonged to a species they've battled with for centuries.

They weren't so small-minded to shrug them off for that alone, but they kept their weapons close just in case. Lexi wasn't wearing armor, and if it came to combat the stomach was an easy target. They eyed Lexi's weakness closely. With hatchlings nearby they could take no chances for the numbers have dwindled.

"I've come here to trade, and if you permit it a little of your time to discuss some issues," Zack announced.

Zack floated off the platform revealing his angelic form. This served two purposes, to show he wasn't from the area, and to let them know harming his friends was unwise. After the brief display, his wings retracted, and he slowly floated to the bank. Stepping forward was their chief, and when Dasan's form reverted they stood down.

"Sorry for the display, but we've had an attack recently," Dasan stated.

"Slavers?" Savannah investigated.

"No, it was some locals. We've managed to stay off the slaver's radars so far." Dasan replied.

"You're aura's are difficult to sense," Zack said while moving the platform over.

"We are open to trade, but at dawn, we will be moving," Dasan told Zack.

"If you leave they will likely find you again," Zack replied.

"What do you propose?" Dasan asked.

"I can set up a temporary barrier, and with it, you will be hidden from the world. It won't break without substantial force, and with a few days we could have you a permanent one." Zack replied.

"And why would you do this?"

The woman who was standing over the hatchlings approached Zack. She is Dasan's wife, and her name is Nayla. The offer they heard sounded wonderful, but a stranger's word is difficult to trust. Just because Zack was an angel didn't mean he couldn't have wicked intentions, and she had a hard time believing someone would help for nothing.

"The slavers are a threat to everyone in this world, and I know they use this area for their deeds. You know this area better than I do, and you can move through the water discreetly. I also have children at home, and I would do anything to protect them. They would want me to help you, and if I didn't do everything in my power to do that I couldn't look them in the eyes." Zack told Nayla as he began chanting.

Zack's spear appeared in his hand as he pierced the earth, and flooded the area with his grace. They didn't understand the words he was speaking, and the trembling earth beneath them could make anyone uneasy. What kept them calm was the divine glow radiating from Zack. When the chant finished a golden barrier appeared around the village.

After a few seconds, the barrier mirrored the nature surrounding it, and the village had vanished. The hatchlings came out from the huts gazing at the golden light with awe. Their eyes were drawn to the source, and they couldn't look away from Zack till his glow dissipated.

"That will keep your people safe till we can get a permanent barrier set," Zack announced.

"You mentioned trading earlier," Dasan stated.

"We are looking for secure places to set waystations to our city. That way we can be mobile, and fight the slavers wherever needed. We have coin, furs, and food with us, but if you need anything else just ask." Zack told Dasan.

"I'm sure we can work something out. Let's speak inside." Dasan said while walking to his hut.