Galthor did not like the tone of the newcomer at all, but then again, since he was reborn, he hadn't liked the tone of a lot of people.
Everyone seemed to dislike him at first sight, and he was getting used to that too. In time, a new reputation would cover the old one.
"Very well. I will meet him too," Galthor replied.
Beside him, Karathra whispered, "That one is Casper. He is one of the commanders of the Winged People banner. He's the one their leader used to try and force me to give in. Be careful, he's strong."
Galthor shrugged. "So am I. You, how do I meet your leader? Are you going to call him out for me?"
Casper blinked, then looked at Karathra and Skolvar as if to ask if they could hear what he was saying. The other Winged People on the wall started to stare daggers down at him. "You want our leader to come down here to meet you? One of our Jaded Lord?"
Galthor didn't know what all that meant, but if he had to guess, he would think the leader was a nobility of sorts, and they were angry on his behalf because he was suggesting he come down to meet him.
He grinned in amusement. "Of course, I'm his guest. Shouldn't he be the gracious host and come and greet me? From one leader to another...."
Galthor paused as if he wanted to study the anger playing on their faces, and then, before they fell into outburst, he casually added, "....don't tell me he doesn't have wings?"
Since he came to this new life, Galthor had never seen a group this angry before. Even more, with their wings flaring behind them, he couldn't help but think of angry chickens, which only made him smile even more brightly.
Different types of curses were hurled down at him, and even some of the guards wanted to fly down and directly attack him. Casper managed to hold them back, but the anger in his own eyes wasn't any lesser than theirs.
He pointed an angry finger down at him, his wings flapping in annoyance. "Never in your life should you ever compare yourself to the Jaded Lord! The one with the most glorious wings!
"I know barbarians are stupid, but you seem to have the crown at it. Literally!"
Galthor didn't look at Casper. Instead, he raised his brows as he looked straight at Skolvar, a slight mocking smile on his face.
'...is this what they think you are?...' the expression seemed to say, and he took another joy in seeing him grit his teeth.
Galthor finally turned to Casper. His voice turned hard and deadly. "This is a matter between a banner and a banner. Are your words the words of the banner leader of the Winged People, Commander Casper?"
His voice struck like a hot blade, shorn of everything but the edge. His aura swelled and spread like the ripple before the storm of lightning.
The barbarians flinched, every one of them, as they felt a rage they couldn't quite explain. Skolvar's eyes widened with disbelief.
Even Karathra and Brakthar shifted beside him.
Casper gritted his teeth, and his wings flared defensively behind him as he felt the pressure he didn't understand. It wasn't that of a master essence user, but whatever it was, it was angry and powerful.
He forced himself to speak, especially when he thought about what awaited the so-called new barbarian chief. "I do not speak with his voice. Welcome then, to the seat of the Winged Banner!"
Galthor nodded in satisfaction and retracted his aura.
"Chief Galthor," Casper looked as if he was chewing hot nails with each word he spoke. "If you must enter the castle, then you will have to jump here to it. Only those who are worthy of it can see the Jaded Lord."
Galthor turned to Karathra, and she nodded. "They do this a lot when they want to embarrass their guests."
Casper continued, "And you must do it alone. This is what is expected of our guests."
Casper and the guards, together with Skolvar, all gave him a look as if they were expecting him to turn to the other masters for help. They did not believe that he was the one who killed the cursed monster, and as such, they still thought him a weakling.
"You guys should go on," Galthor waved his hand at his two worshippers.
Karathra didn't argue. Why should she? When she saw and knew what he was. Red light covered her, warping above her skin, and with a single leap, she blasted herself up to the top of the wall, clearing it easily without much effort.
Brakthar was different. He looked as if he had a lot to say, but in the end, he sighed. Unlike Karathra, he prepared himself for the jump before he finally made it, catching himself with his hand on the wall.
"We are all waiting for you, Chief Galthor." There was a bite to Casper's tone.
Galthor didn't give any reply. He simply pushed his feet against the ground, and he shot up like an arrow, landing perfectly on the wall, his tall frame looming over Casper so suddenly that the Winged man took hurried steps backward in surprise.
His mouth curled in undisguised amusement. "I am here now. Let's go see your leader. Skolvar, I will deal with you later."
Skolvar gave no reply, but his face tightened, while Casper cleared his throat to hide his blunder. "This way."
And that was how Galthor Stronghide entered the stronghold of one of the banners, followed by two of his worshippers and others that did not want him there.