The Alpha's Shield

Chapter 4- THE PLAGUE

“Alpha, you called,” said a voice bringing Alpha Leon back to reality. He had been staring at the giant photo frames of previous Alphas on the wall.

Alpha Leon turned around and saw a man on one of his knee with head bowed, a gesture common among people paying respect to the Alpha, especially soldiers.

“Rise and take a seat, Lieutenant Caesar.”

Lieutenant Caesar rose, walked over to a seat and sat as the Alpha had instructed.

The Plague was a really large room. On one side was a table, twelve feet long and with chairs on each side. It was rarely was ever filled up and that was where the Alpha and his elders sat during council. On another side of the room was a court for trials of civilian and soldiers. There was also a huge map of the pack and it’s surrounding areas as well as the giant frames Alpha Leon was looking at. A library was also present in the room with books mostly about historical ages, werewolf society, stories of war and unclassified historical records of packs

“How do you do Caesar?” Alpha Leon suddenly asked.

Caesar was startled, he was not expecting the Alpha to start a casual conversation. “I’m alright, Alpha.”

“And military affairs? I hope Captain Alexander isn’t too hard on you?”

“All for the glory of Nocturnal Pride, Alpha,” Caesar replied almost immediately.

Alpha Leon chuckled. “I’m glad I can depend on you.”

Only seconds after Alpha Leon had finished speaking to Caesar, Lewis walked in. He approached the Alpha and when he was no more than two feet away, he got on one knee and bowed his head.

“Good day, Alpha,” he said in the most haughty tone Alpha Leon may have ever heard.

“Rise and take a seat, Lewis.”

Lewis raised his head and looked into the Alpha’s eye, smiling condescendingly. They held contact for a while but Alpha Leon withdrew first, disturbed by his audacity and mostly, his eyes. Lewis' eyes looked sly and seemed to hold infinite secrets. You could generally sum it up as threatening and terrifying.

Alpha Leon cleared his throat, believably as a sign to Lewis but he did not take the cue immediately. When Lewis did get up and turned as if to walk to a seat, Alpha Leon let out a sigh of relief, but then he turned right back.

With one hand behind him and another on his chest, he took a bow, smiling condescendingly all the way. “Forgive me for interfering, Alpha but I must ask something.”

“What is it?” Alpha Leon asked with a frown. He certainly did not want this conversation to go in Lewis’ way.

Lewis raised his head, still smiling.“ I believe it’s been a week since you became Alpha. How has it been? Are the pack affairs difficult matters? Is ruling perhaps, difficult or is it more of a bore?”

This got the attention of Lieutenant Caesar. While he couldn’t be this daring to raise such a question, how the Alpha would react and respond greatly interested him.

Alpha Leon was stunned. This was no friendly question but a test of intellect and ability and for a little while, it seemed like one he had failed.

Alpha Leon cleared his throat and threw his hands behind him, appearing even more majestic in his black robe. “Ruling a pack is a demanding affair. Infinite responsibilities and hundred of lives rests on the Alpha’s shoulder, especially in this Warring times and the power is certainly intoxicating, I could never be bored. Difficult doesn’t quite describe it either. I’d call it a bittersweet experience. You see, it’s pleasurable when your pack flourishes and when it soars, it’s delectable, you could almost taste a flavour, but when it’s ravaged or devastated, misery won’t be nearly enough to explain your situation. The Alpha takes the glory if the pack excels and trust me, the feeling is divine, but should a pack meet unfortunate conditions, well, he’ll take the blame too. In short, it’s a role one can never be truly ready for.”

Lewis took another bow “Splendid response, my lord.”

“Now, “ Alpha Leon started as he made way to his seat, “let’s get to why I called you here.”

Once they were all seated, Alpha Leon spoke. “I’m sure you are both aware Nocturnal Pride is now big enough to participate in the Hunt. It’s happening exactly a month from now and both of you will represent this pack.”

Pausing to notice the expression on their faces and see if they had questions, he continued when he saw they didn’t. “Caesar, I understand that you’re a direct subordinate of Captain Alexander and Lewis, Captain Albrecht, but for a week I’ll have you swap captains, because I want you both to keep an open mind and develop a new approach to problems. Afterwards, I’ll have Captain Alexander and Albrecht conduct joint training sessions for both of you. During this time, simulations of the Hunt will be run and you’ll be engaged in a wide range of training courses. This is about to become the busiest month of your life, you had best be ready. Now, questions?”

Lieutenant Caesar was the first to speak. “First, I thank you for bestowing me the privilege to represent this glorious pack. I’ll do my best and put you not to shame. Allow me to ask Alpha, will swapping our captains truly produce efficient results? I’m twenty-six and I’ve served under Captain Alexander for eight years. Everything I know today, he taught me. Will a week training with someone totally new be enough to enhance us? Are we going to be able to adapt? Most importantly, what if these captains are not suitable for either of us?”

“I did consider all of this, hence, you’ll be only doing this for a week. I know you’ll be facing something completely new and perhaps, opposite to what you’ve learned and practiced throughout the greater part of your life, but I’m certain you’ll be able to learn one new thing at the very least. I’ll be counting on you.”

“I won’t let you down, Alpha,” Lieutenant Caesar assured.

“Lewis, do you have a problem training under a new captain?”

“Not at all, Alpha,” Lewis replied with a smile.

“And you have no question?” Alpha Leon inquired further.

“I certainly do.”

“Well, why make me ask for it? Out with it.”

“My apologies. My question is this. What would be my reward when I bring victory to our pack?” Lewis asked.

Alpha Leon was overwhelmed, both by his confidence and haughtiness. He had certainly heard a lot about Lewis but speaking with him first-hand, his nature far surpassed everything he had heard.

“What is it you want?” Alpha Leon asked, finding his tongue.

“I want to be promoted to Lieutenant. As fate would have it, Squad I, my squad, has been without a lieutenant for no less than two months. When I bring victory, I want to be it’s lieutenant.”

“Quite an ambitious one, you are. Very well, I’ll have you promoted to lieutenant if we come victorious at the Hunt, but should we lose, you’ll be taking orders for a very long time and from a junior too,” Alpha Leon declared.

“Just what I like to hear. I’ll be looking forward to your training sessions, Alpha.”

“Well then, be at the Hexagon at eight tomorrow. You’ll begin training there,” Alpha Leon instructed.