"What are you talking about?!"
"How could we be the ones raiding your villages and kidnapping your maidens? We have only just arrived in these peaks!"
Hearing the accusations of the abhumans, the fiery-tempered Siduri could not hold back and shouted her retort. Behind her, the soldiers of the Auric Reclamation exchanged puzzled glances, and a wave of hushed discussion rippled through the ranks.
However, despite their confusion, the soldiers' discipline held firm. They snapped into combat formations, shields locking and power-spears humming with a low, blue light. They stood ready, awaiting only a single word from Gilgamesh to begin a new slaughter.
"Enkidu-Sa was right. These Southwestern Demi-humans have suffered under the Empire's oppression for so long that they harbor deep-seated prejudices against all Alluvium-dwellers," Gilgamesh remarked, letting out a long, heavy sigh. "We cannot afford to fight. If we do, all our efforts to reach this sanctuary will have been for nothing."
"Then what should we do, Father?" Siduri asked, turning to him quickly. Beside her, Ur-Namu and the other generals looked to Gilgamesh as well, waiting for his decision. Whether it was peace or war, they would carry out their King's command without hesitation.
"Let me talk to them!"
Gilgamesh's response was resolute. The King spurred his massive, iron-clad horse forward, riding alone to the very front of the lines to face the tribal leader.
"Noble General, might I ask how you are addressed?" Gilgamesh began, his voice echoing with a natural, resonant conviction. "While our sudden entry into your territory has led you to believe we are the same Imperial dogs who destroy your homes and butcher your people, that is simply not the truth. Those very soldiers who raid your villages and steal your kin are our enemies as well."
Behind him, under the quiet direction of Ur-Namu and Siduri, the soldiers remained in their phalanxes, ready to strike the moment negotiations turned sour.
The cat-eared tribal leader studied Gilgamesh—his golden armor, his ruby eyes, and the sheer scale of the army behind him. After a long moment of scrutiny, she gave a slow, measured nod.
"Stranger from the Alluvium... it seems you truly are not like the government troops who pillage our homes," she said. "Though you stand ready for battle, it is clear from your bearing and your discipline that you are not of the same ilk as those arrogant Imperial curs. Lower your weapons!" she commanded, turning to the throngs of Yaoren warriors covering the hillsides.
Though still gripped by mistrust, the Yaoren warriors obeyed their leader, lowering their blades and bows. Seeing this, Ur-Namu immediately signaled the Reclamation soldiers to follow suit. The heavy atmosphere lightened slightly as both sides lowered their steel, though the air remained thick with wariness.
"You are a reasonable leader," Gilgamesh said, visibly moved by her willingness to gamble on peace. "Had you not chosen to believe me, a bloody and unnecessary massacre would have begun this very moment."
"Hmph. I only chose to believe you because you carry an aura unlike those vainglorious officials of the Court," she replied coldly. "I hope you do not prove my trust misplaced. Now tell me: why have you traveled so far to this desolate land of 'vile waters and evil mountains'? Unless it is to hunt for slaves, the Imperial army never sets foot here."
"It is a long story," Gilgamesh said with a bitter smile. "But who would choose rebellion if they truly had a way to live? Look at the armored men behind me. They are survivors of Imperial neglect and corruption. Instead of providing relief, the High Lords used disasters as an opportunity to seize their land. They had no choice but to take up blades. If they had any other way, would they follow me through such hardship?"
He gestured toward the lines stretching back into the pass. "You are right; this is a harsh land. But because it is harsh, we can use it to evade the Empire's pursuit, recuperate, and wait for the world to change!"
"Father! How could you tell her our entire plan?" Siduri cried out in shock, riding up behind him.
"Siduri, we are here to earn their trust. We cannot succeed if we remain shrouded in secrets," Gilgamesh answered firmly. He turned back to the tribal leader. "You hate the Imperial army that steals your daughters. We, the Auric Reclamation, seek to overthrow this cannibalistic world. Why can we not join forces? I give you my word: when I take the realm, I will never send men to hunt you. I will protect your rights and your freedom."
The tribal leader fell into a deep silence. Finally, she spoke. "I must admit, stranger—your sincerity has moved me. I will consider an alliance."
Gilgamesh let out a long sigh of relief, the tension in his shoulders finally dissipating.
"However," she added, her voice turning sharp again, "our help is not a 'free lunch.' I have a request."
"That is only fair," Gilgamesh nodded. "Speak your mind."
"Three days ago, the Imperial army ambushed one of our strongholds. They captured hundreds of our young maidens and took them to a nearby county seat. My scouts tell me they are being loaded onto wagons to be shipped away tonight. This is our last chance. I want you to help us rescue them. If you succeed, I will ally with you. By the way... you may call me Kal'tsit."
Gilgamesh let out a playful, confident smile. He turned back to his generals, who were already bristling with anticipation.
"Well then, men... it looks like it's time for some practice."