Chapter 219: Chapter 219

Chief Rohsuak’s eyes went wider than Belissar had ever seen them. Her jaw even dropped.

“The Oracle of Bees? And you said she’s moving into the hive in our village?”

“I know, I can barely believe it either. But, well, I guess she is the God of Bees, so maybe it makes sense?”

Chief Rohsuak blinked, and then smiled.

“Ah, I guess that is true. In any case, we are truly honored to have her dwell here. I will ensure she is treated with the respect and hospitality she deserves as the representative of our patron.”

Belissar nodded again.

“Thanks. Um, you may want to be careful around her hive for now. She’s clearly not just a normal bee anymore, but her workers still seem normal, so they might try to sting you if provoked. You might need to hold off on gathering honey from that beehouse for now.”

Chief Rohsuak saluted.

But if they were willing to accept a few casualties here and there, they could conduct expansions earlier than he normally did. And he knew that the queens and the soldiers themselves were absolutely willing to accept those casualties. He was the only one who wasn’t.

It was something he needed to think about, and sooner rather than later now that he knew the Tower Lords could reach him.

However, he had another idea in mind for right now. He turned to face the karnuq.

“However…this time I’m also thinking that we should try to work on your blessings. Back when I was just a peasant, I heard stories about the Tower Guard…the personal soldiers of the Tower Lords. They were said to be invincible. Bandits, witches, or even incursions, it didn’t matter. When the Tower Guard showed up, every situation was handled.”

He sighed and shook his head.

“Well, I also know that the Tower Lords lied about the gods hating peasants and beastkin, so I wasn’t sure how much of those stories were true. But after seeing what that captain did, how strong he was…I’m worried the Tower Guard parts might be true after all. So…I think we need some Tower Guards of our own.”

Chief Rohsuak nodded along.

“I agree. Our hunters and champions have been static for far too long.”

She turned to face the other karnuq.

“The Sacred Den Master has been gracious enough to invite us into his home, with full access to the shrines of the gods. It is high time that we begin to grow once more.”

She gave a pointed look to Metsaitti.

“And I don’t just mean the young and inexperienced.”

He gave a sheepish nod as she turned back to Belissar.

“With that in mind, may I make two requests, Sacred Den Master?”

Chief Rohsuak held up her hand and created a small wisp of fire that danced around her fingers.

“Would you be willing to share some of the Third of the Sixth’s Fire mana honey with us? I believe that with her help and with the God of Fire’s presence in your Sacred Den that it would be possible to raise new champions of fire among our clan.”

“Someone to carry the torch whose bones don’t ache like mine.”

Belissar turned to the Third of the Sixth.

“What do you think…oh, she’s already dancing yes. You sure you have enough reserves, you need to keep growing you know?”

But the Third of the Sixth just kept up her rapid salute dance. Belissar chuckled.

“We recently evolved a new burning queen as well, so that should be fine. Um…you aren’t all going to go with fire, right?”

Chief Rohsuak smiled and shook her head.

“No, we will be sure to give the God of Bees her due as well. And that is my second request.”

Her face turned serious.

“I would like for our hunters to begin training with your bees, and perhaps learn from them. Additionally, I would like to request that your bees allow us to participate more directly in your purifications. At least to fight along their side, and maybe even to handle the shades on our own from time to time. I believe that the God of Bees will approve of our hunters learning to fight like your bees and directly defending her Sacred Den.”

Belissar turned to the Second First of the First.

“What do you say? Would you be willing to fight with the karnuq, and maybe let them fight on their own some time?”

The Second First of the First gave an immediate salute.

“Brave warriors, helped defend hive of hives. Part of hive of hives. Honored to fight with.”

Chief Rohsuak glanced at Metsaitti. The hunter blinked, then nodded and gave a salute of his own.