Chapter 13
Story by Courgus on SoFurry
Krashak and his daughter Lariana have a chat and he was in need to tell her where Varshgar was gone.
Guilty was the emotion Krashak now need to face because he send off the partner of his daughter.
But neither Krashak nor Lariana did know what happend to Varshgar.
Original story by: Courgus
Translated by: Erazaa
Krashak had just settled down on the cushion when Lariana entered his tent. The guards in front of this tent were even more attentive than usual because there was a danger of a direct attack.
>>Father...<< Lariana said to him quietly.
Krashak looked up from the table in front of him and looked his daughter in the eyes.
>>You have your mother's eyes...<< he said, somewhat lost in thought.
>>You said that before, father.<< Lariana said to him and sat down next to him.
>>I am saddened by something else, father. I am worried about Varshgar. Shouldn't he be back with us by now?<< she asked hesitantly in his direction.
Krashak was silent for a moment, not knowing how to tell her.
>>Father?! What's wrong?<< she asked excitedly.
>>You can't hide it from me. I'll find out one way or another!<< she snapped excitedly.
Shortly after, the two guards poked their heads into the tent and looked to see what was going on.
>>Is everything all right?<< the one guard asked inside.
Krashak waved it off and finally said:
>>Everything is fine, yes.<<
Again he looked into his daughter's eyes. He felt miserable for what he had actually told Varshgar to do.
>>Will you tell me now or will you continue to keep me silent?<< she asked again insistently.
Krashak thought for a moment, but then he revealed to her why Varshgar had not yet returned.
>>Lariana...I...<<
>>Yes? << she asked urgently.
>>I know that Varshgar is your right paw. But what did you tell him to do? Tell me father!<<
>>I didn't tell Varshgar to do anything, nor did I give him an order.<< Lariana held both her paws in front of her mouth and slowly began to shake her head.
>>Did he?<< she asked quietly as if she could think of the answer but didn't want to hear it.
Krashak nodded.
>>Yes.<< he said curtly and paused for a moment before continuing.
>>Varshgar has agreed to distract the enemies threatening our camp or to eliminate them in case of emergency.<<
>>No!<< she said softly.
Krashak knew why Lariana reacted the way she did. Varshgar was promised to her but nevertheless he had to take on a superior number of enemies. She was sure that he would not stand a chance. So he would do everything to stop them even if he had to sacrifice himself.
>>That can't be<< she said and some tears ran down her cheek.
>>You let him go to his death and you didn't even stop him! Father how could you!<< she asked him upset.
>>Lariana, please!<< he said but she got up and ran out of the tent.
Krashak was still looking after her until his gaze was interrupted by the leather tarp.
"Lari" he thought to himself and reached out his hand for her.
Krashak looked down at the table on which lay a map of the area. Varshgar had made it, as he was the most capable scout Krashak could come up with. It would be a bitter blow if his fears were realized and Varshgar did not return.
In his mind he went through the possibilities Varshgar might have had.
But he got stuck on a few likely ones. The most obvious was that Varshgar had become a prisoner. Even though he was sure Varshgar would never betray his tribe, he was far more concerned about his well-being than the remote chance that he might fold.
"Varshgar. What have I done?" he asked himself in the silence of his tent.
It took a moment for Krashak to regain his composure, but then he was determined enough to put his thoughts into action.
>>Guard!<< he called urgently. So determined that both guards in front of the tent flinched.
>>Ehm, should I or... you...?<< the one asked the other.
His counterpart shrugged and then he took heart. He took a deep breath and sighed.
>>Yes, Krashak?<< he asked hesitantly into the tent.
>>Let me get my two best scouts, to Varshgar. I want to speak to them!<< he said very insistently.
>>Yyye... Yes, is good!<< said the guard and dashed off.