“Hmmm, raptors, I should’ve known.” Gulkain after Sayesun told him of the events that had unfolded for the Nubilus clan. “I seem to be hearing a lot of them lately. But, I don’t understand, why have they not attacked yet? They have nearly wiped out the Chryso pack. What are they waiting for?”
“Well, sir,” Sayseun said, “when I left, Alpha Neron hadn’t taken any actions against them. Other than the soldiers, all the rest did as they were instructed and were left alone.”
“Yes,” Zarkus added, “whereas my soldiers attacked from the start. Maybe if we hadn’t provoked them…” A look of sadness and remorse filled his eyes as he thought back. “No,” Asoth said, “We could not have known. It’s not right to place blame.”
“You’re right. But one thing’s certain, they’re already here.” Zarkus said. Gulkain stood and began to pace around the cave again. “Yes,” he said, “there’s no doubt about it, and they seem to mean business. We need to show them that they cannot invade our lands without a fight!” The other wolves nodded their heads and agreed. “Captain,” Gulkain continued, stopping in front of Baro, “I need a scout, no, a soldier. Get me your finest warrior and bring him back here. My friends,” he said, turning to the others as Baro ran out, “I have a plan.”
<<<<<<>>>>>>
Gulkain, Zarkus, Sayesun and Asoth were in the middle of a debate when Baro walked in with another wolf, looking almost identical to him, only smaller in size. “Maul has chosen to place himself at your service, my lord.” He said, walking over to sit between Sayesun and Asoth. “Are you sure this is your choice, captain? It will be a difficult mission; he will most definitely be risking his life.” Baro had apparently given this much thought and answered, “Believe me, I tried to talk him out of it. He is stubborn. And besides,” he said, winking at Maul with a grin, “I have faith in him.”
Gulkain turned to Maul, who was still standing and said, “Yes, stubborn just like his father. If he says you can do it, then I will trust his judgment. Now, have a seat and we will explain what it is you’ll be doing.” He waited for Maul to sit before continuing. “Now, although we have seen very little sign of them, we know that these overgrown lizards are here. Captain, if you would fill us in on your latest findings.” Gulkain sat beside Maul as Baro stepped forward in front of the group to give his report.
“Based on what we’ve seen and the reports I’ve been given by my patrol, I have reason to believe that there aren’t more than two or three of them. I suspect that what we have experienced so far are only scouts. They’re probably being sent to keep watch on us, checking for vulnerabilities and weaknesses, as well as making sure that we are not planning an attack. After the trouble they’ve been given from the Chryso and Nubilus pack, they are sure to be on their guard.”
“Hmm, I see.” Zarkus said once he was through. “Do we know yet why they are not simply attacking? They know they can easily overthrow us right now, our forces are not ready for them.” Baro shook his head. “Unfortunately, we still don’t know their intentions. It seems as if they aren’t after our lands, at least, not yet.”
“This means,” Asoth said, “that whatever plans we make, we must do so in secret. We don’t want to let them know that we are putting our forces together.”
“Exactly.” Gulkain said, “and that’s what makes your mission, Maul, very difficult. You must, at all costs keep from being discovered. If you are caught, it would be disastrous for all of us.”
“What, what exactly am I supposed to be doing?” Maul said timidly. He glanced at Baro, afraid he had spoken out of place. He was given a slight nod of approval as Gulkain began to speak. “What you must do is get a message to Nero. Tell him that our troops are ready for action; we will not sit by and let these despicable creatures continue to murder our kind. We need to know where he stands. If he will fight with us, we have a chance of running these foul lizards off our lands. However, if he will not, then we will have to stand alone, and hope that we can at least take some the beasts down with us.”
Baro looked at his son and added, “Remember, we are being watched. You will need to travel under the cover of the stars. Should you be caught, we can not help you. We don’t want to jeopardize this, it’s our only chance.”
“Yes sir. You can count on me. But, how do I get there? I have never left the woods before.” Maul said, trying to look brave. “Sayesun here will tell you the way,” Asoth answered. Maul nodded and said, “Okay. How soon will I leave?”
“You will leave with the evening patrol.” Baro said. “We will follow you to the tree line. From there, you’re on your own.” Maul nodded again, then Gulkain stood and said, “Alright, does everyone understand and agree with what we have decided here?” All the wolves nodded and agreed. “Good,” he continued, “then we will reconvene back here at dawn to discuss further action. We need to be prepared for the worst.”
As everyone walked out of the cave, Gulkain walked up to Maul and said, “Good luck son, you’re gonna need it.”
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