The Woman Ruler of the Altan Clan

Chapter 123 First War

The vast grassy plains that stretched up to the rock mountains. A mile down the rocky mountain, that's where Avraam keeps his army.

His army was undulating, a large crowd that was dark and stretched all the way to the horizon in the Eastern part. Some of his troops were already outside the rock mountain near the illusionary field.

Shanum fell silent with Khan on a small, wide hill overlooking the scene. Chinua, Sergei, Dario, and Sarni were close behind them.

Shanum had not expected, Sarting was still in this place. After getting an ultimatum Khan said last night, the woman should feel ashamed and immediately leave this war.

But it turns out the woman's longing feelings towards Khan should not be underestimated. Shanum felt he should not underestimate the woman. Although now Khan behaved indifferently, he still had to be vigilant. Not that she does not believe in her husband, she is just in case of the appearance of bad possibilities. Because a woman who is obsessed can do any action, and it is very dangerous.

On the far front row there, Sofia, gave the order to stop. All the troops obeyed him, shifting to the position they had arranged. The gaze of Zuunaa who was with Sofia also looked coldly watching her surroundings.

But the enemy forces they were facing kept them waiting. With the gesture ready. So much to take into account, because they are outnumbered.

Shanum remembered this morning when he passed Sofia. The woman immediately hugged him tightly, as if they were old companions who had just met again. Sofia introduces him to Zuunaa, a daughter of their clan leader. Zuunaa was being very polite, she called her Queen while smiling faintly.

That woman is so beautiful. Her smooth white skin is like porcelain, with a pair of stunning caramel-brown narrow eyes and a tiny nose in the middle of a beautiful face like a Chinese doll. But that elegance is what attracts the most attention. Shanum saw her like the king's daughter from a fairy tale book he had read.

After that Sofia started chattering about their struggle towards that place. Their participation was indeed without the approval of the clan leader. Sofia and Zuunaa were reckless to defy the orders of their clan leader.

"We came here purely because we felt called to help. Khan Adrian has helped us a lot. This enemy party that he was about to fight had already spread terror throughout the Clan. And the role of Khan Adrian to investigate and defeat the enemy can not be considered one eye" Sofia explained to Shanum.

"Yes, Khan has helped our Clan a lot. Although we had a mistake in the past, with a big heart he forgave us" Zuunaa said.

The woman stared at Shanum with a fixed look. "I'm sure Khan must have told me about my past with him. And you should know that I deeply regret the stupidity I had done in that moment."

Shanum.

"I shouldn't have followed my uncontrolled jealousy. I love her so much. Khan Adrian is a warm and friendly man. He treated me like that. Although I also realized that my feelings were unrequited. He's just being nice, 'cause I was his best friend since childhood."

Zuunaa turned her gaze, and stared at a point in the distance. "My parents also took part, they encouraged me to get the man by any means. Finally through me, the parties that have ambitions of destroying the Altan Clan quickly moved. I who was unconsciously used by them to enter the sphere of the clan that should be closed, can only be shocked when I see the reality that is happening before my eyes. And... Khan's father was successfully killed by those parties."

Zuunaa turned her head back. His eyes are sharp. "You should be careful of the color. She was indeed the woman Khan had loved in the past. But I felt, that woman was different from the Sintai I used to know. I know very well, because I used to spy and hurt that woman."

Shanum raised an eyebrow, hearing the woman's leaping object, but he made no comment.

Then Zuunaa laughed softly. "I was pathetic at the time. Begging for love from a man who clearly loves another woman."

"Do you still love my husband?" shanum asked suddenly with a probing look.

Zuunaa was silent, then she smiled faintly. "No. Now I love someone else. And I am grateful, to accept his love" he replied straightforwardly.

"Then welcome to this place Lady Zuunaa. My hands are wide open to you as friends." Shanum smiled as he thrust his arm to be held.

Zuunaa took a step forward, grabbed Shanum's hand and shook it tightly. "Call me Zuunaa or Gerel. Both are my nicknames. We're friends now."

"Alright, Zuunaa." Shanum took off his handshake then Shanum's eyes flashed sharply. "There's something I want to ask you. I just happened to remember it. Have you ever come to my house and met my parents?"

Silent.

"Yes, we've been there." A man answered Shanum's question. He appeared from the direction behind Shanum, slowly stepping closer to Zuunaa. Then the man bowed half his body and said, "Greetings, Queen Shanum. My name is Oriod. I am the lover of this beautiful woman beside me."

Sofia chuckled amusedly while Zuunaa snorted loudly.

Shanum was still amazed, he looked at the entire man. Because there's nothing common about Zuunaa's lover's face. His face, one in a million, there's no doubt about it. The face that could not be forgotten, was the same as the faces of the men of the clan leaders. The alpha humans have different levels of good looks but stifle the chest of the women who see it.

Oriod has very high cheekbones, hair shiny like a black stone Galena exposed to the sun. The olive-colored skin on his face was masculine and healthy, vividly illustrating that the man spent more time outdoors than behind a desk. There was a haughty impression on his stern jaw, indicating he was also a man accustomed to giving orders.

"We came to your house because my beautiful lover was informed that your family was in danger. We did observe about you and Khan Adrian from the very beginning." The man gave a gesture with his hand as he saw the offended look on Shanum's face.

"I'd better explain, honey. You're making the situation a mess" Zuunaa cut.

"Please don't misunderstand me, Shanum. After we were freed from the isolation penalty ordered by Khan. My father and mother started looking for Khan's weakness. They intend to take revenge and still do not accept being punished by him. I have been begging them many times to forget all the past. Not because I'm a coward. But I know, keeping a grudge won't solve the problem, but it'll bring up new problems." Zuunaa glanced at Oriod and the man nodded while pulling the woman's waist up to him.

"We're trying to protect you from my parents' abduction and murder orders. Although we eventually failed to do so, because your house is still on fire. As you know, Sofia asked him to do the act. And it's my fault, never told Sofia the truth. He's been consumed by a lie perpetrated by my father and mother. But it seems she finally found out the truth after meeting you and Khan."

Sofia showed a ringing in her face. The woman seemed to regret her folly in the past.

And Shanum let out a sigh of relief, he finally found out the reality that had been a big question mark in his mind.

"So, after now you've defied the orders of your Great Clan to help us. What's your next plan?" shanum asked in a friendly tone of voice. He accepted them well without any prejudice this time around.

"We have the next agenda to run. But for a while we will stay in the territory of the Altan Clan, in the protection of the Adrian Khan. And of course with your permission too, Shanum," replied Zuunaa.

Shanum smiled broadly. "Of course I allow it. You're my friends now, too. If my husband allows it, there's no reason for me to refuse."

"But the first thing we have to think about right now is to win this war" Oriod said. The three women who were there nodded their heads signaling approval.

Then the three people from the Bataar Clan resigned to prepare the troops. Khan told Shanum that the troops who joined the clan were all elite forces under the leadership of the General himself, Sofia. It seemed like they obeyed Sofia more than their own Great Clan.

The sound of clothing made Shanum turn his head for a moment. His daydreams about the events of this morning suddenly broke, when he found Jullian and Abdan suddenly appearing beside Khan by teleporting, their faces looked solemn and cold.

"The man named Avraam filled every inch of the plateau and took all the advantages he could find. If we're going to beat them back, we're going to have to chase them down those hills. But I'm sure he's already calculated it. Maybe he has also prepared various kinds of traps" said Abdan.

Khan asked, "How long do you think we have?"

Jullian clenched his jaw, looking at Abdan. Jullian watched the troops from their place at a low altitude, he shook his head.

"There are three Great One with us, he is alone. We can install an additional protective layer for a while. But maybe we don't want to spend all that energy. He will also put up his protection. All this time we do not know the true extent of his power. But now I'm pretty sure he'll do it."

"Avraam will definitely use a black magic spell," Shanum continued, given that he knew Avraam's black magic spell was very powerful.

"Make sure Sofia, Zuunaa and Oriod are on alert" Chinua suggested. "Yes, because they are in the first line of defense" Sergei continued.

"You haven't answered my question yet" Khan said to Jullian.

Jullian observed the endless Avraam army, then their own army. "If this goes badly. The protective wall was destroyed, chaotic, and he used black magic."

Shanum closed his eyes. It should have been during that time, Shanum was able to cross the battlefield before them, search for the gap with the queen's sword in his grasp, and stop the man.

Chinua lowered his head and said to Dario, "We need people to infiltrate back into their defenses."

They all looked at Shanum. And the woman nodded firmly, folding her hands. Shanum felt he had to be sure of himself, doubt should no longer rule his mind.

"I'm the only one who infiltrated there, Adri."

Khan shook his head with a cold expression. "We're looking for another way that doesn't risk sacrificing my wife." Shanum snorted annoyedly at the man's words. He also wants to be involved in this war, not just be a party that is contested only. Shanum felt uncomfortable being treated that way.

Chinua patted Khan on the shoulder. "Well, once you give the order, Dario and I will take the troops north. After that, we wait for your signal to attack. There's no other way."

Khan nodded with a flat face, his attention still on the overflowing army.

Chinua took a step back to move away, then looked at Sarnake who was behind. Face Colour as hard as granite. Chinua opened her mouth, but seemed to have decided to keep whatever she wanted to say. Just a dislike expression from his face that the woman could not cover up.

Sintai also did not say anything, despite seeing the disgusted face Chinua directed. Dario pulled Chinua's hand, and they glided swiftly running from the spot. However, Sintai's eyes followed where Chinua went until he was just a dark spot and then shifted his gaze elsewhere.

"I have another way, I can show myself right in front of Avraam. No need to sneak around, Adri. You can still monitor me. The man will definitely be focused on me and you can launch an attack when he is off guard" Shanum told Khan.

"No," Khan replied firmly, not negotiable.

Shanum seemed willing to argue, but Sergei gave a warning by shaking his head, and Shanum retreated, with a furious look.

"If you act like that, it's like giving yourself up, Shanum. Why is there a war, if the edges of Khan do not wrench, because you are again controlled by the enemy. You are very valuable to him, and the enemy knows that very well" Sergei whispered, trying to open Shanum's mind.

Shanum sighed resignedly, then nodded his head, a sign he understood without much further debate.

In silence, they watched as their troops formed a sturdy and neat row. Watching the soldiers of the Batbayar Clan set out to follow whatever command the Khan gave voicelessly to Chinua.

Sea blue war clothes look flickering, protective face and body attached, both made of magic and iron shield. The ground shook at every step towards the boundary line.

Khan said in their bonds, If that man can trace you through the queen's sword, he will surely know right away when you sneak into the battlefield. So Shanum had to stay by Khan's side as per their original plan.

Shanum knew what her husband meant. Never try to get away from her and unleash the incognito spell that the man has taught her.

Khan was silent for a moment. "Are you scared, honey?"

"You alone?" whispered Shanum.

His golden brown eyes caught Shanum's eyes. And he saw the indescribable unrest there. "Yes" the man replied, clasping his fingers tightly.

"Not worried about me. Except for you," Khan said.

Shanum. "This time I won't disappear from your side again, Adri. I promise."

Khan smiled, then kissed the back of his hand gently.

Sofia yelled giving orders far away there, and their combined forces stopped, like a giant that stopped moving. The Batbayar Clan, the Bataar Clan, the Batzorig Clan, and the Altan Clan, each of the troops from the clans was clearly marked by their different colors and armor. From ordinary magicians fighting alongside their Great One to high-level magicians, it looks light as well as deadly.

There was no sign of any additional troops from Avraam's side coming to their aid.

And the Avraam army that was already there did not attack. They are like statues. Their silent position, Shanum knew, was only to bully them.

"Magic first," Sergei explained to Shanum. "Both sides will try to tear down the protectors that cover the troops.

As if to answer Sergei, they did that. Something felt hissing through the air, writhing in response from the Great One who was releasing their magic as hard as they could, all but Khan.

Khan saved his power to use after the protective barrier collapsed. Shanum was convinced that Avraam was doing the same thing across the plain.

Protector of both sides destroyed. Some were killed by an unexpected attack. Not much, but there are some.

Magic opponents magic, the earth trembled, the grass among the troops withered, scorched to ashes. And hot air splashed at the boundary of the sky.

"I forgot how boring this part was, taking out magic attractions just to show off the power. I prefer a direct, but deadly, attack" Sergei murmured.

Khan threw a bland look at him. The man walked to the edge of the small area where they were standing, as if sensing that an impasse was about to arrive. Khan will launch a major attack that destroys the troops after the enemy's protective forces weaken.

The attack of the powerful tidal wave began to rumble. Khan's hands clenched on both sides, watching the first session of battle before him.

To the left of Shanum, Sergei's power flared up, ready to launch an attack right after Khan attacked.

Shanum approached Khan's side. Up ahead there, the two protectors finally shook.

Khan kept a close eye on the pace of the battle ahead of them. His strength rumbled beneath them, surging like waves in the ocean.

Any minute. A few more moments. Shanum's heart roared, his entire body felt frozen, not just because of the cold weather that was now densely enveloping the battlefield. He felt something forcefully come out of him. And Shanum tried to hold him back desperately.

Slowly, so slowly, Khan's eyes turned to Shanum's. There was a flake of strength present there, dimming the surrounding atmosphere.

Shanum smiled at Khan. Trying to disguise his circumstances, as the man must have felt his uneasiness through their bondage. However, Khan returned to focus on the war, apparently Shanum managed to cover up the ongoing turmoil.

Eventually the Avraam protector collapsed. In front of the line.Golden light appeared, radiating and gently exploding.

Khan issued a high-pitched suit. Chinua's army is moving. The scream was a signal from Khan. They glided swiftly like waves, just as one legion rose from the army of Avraam and was full of creatures like the undead, the dead army, rose again. The black power of Avraam shows its form.

The scent of magic grew thick, burning, mounting and locking the enemy troops, and Sofia's soldiers rained arrows with deadly accuracy.

But the legion of the undead was well prepared. And as they responded with a rain of their own attacks, deafening sound waves emerged from their mouths. The sound emitted a high frequency that made the arrows crumble into ashes.

Not only did the sound destroy the arrow, the human body also became shattered within the closest radius of that undead. Without the readiness of protection magic, then Khan's army would be depleted in an instant.

Some of the troops had fallen quickly, others cast protective spells. Then Sergei's army began to attack. They move fast.

And as the two sides flocked to each other, Khan launched another attack, followed by a wave of Shanum power beside the man. They split and pushed the Avraam line into unbalanced groups.

And in the meantime, her husband, who Shanum looked at was just a blurred scene between the flickering of the sword in the right hand and the magic in the left hand, moved quickly to lead in front.

Shanum saw the undead army standing up straight again. Their attacks were not effective against the undead army. And their army is dwindling more and more. Shanum was worried that not until half a day would they all be defeated by the enemy forces.