Wolves of War

Set The Stage

The next morning, the white ferret led us down a large hall and into what looked like a throne room. At the head of the room is a low chair with dozens of pillows around it. In front of the chair is a spread of food. Excited, Sanna made a bee line for the food, making herself comfortable on the large pillows. Getting into character, Asai swept me off my feet and walked authoritatively down the room toward the set-up. He gently set me down on a nearby pillow, then took a seat on the chair.

“I apologize for the seating, my Lord Prince Asai, we don’t get many visitors from other nations.”

A black ferret entered from the side of the room and came to sit down in front of us. Next to him is a woman who strongly resembled a mink. Her fur looked so soft and silky I had to resist the urge to reach out and touch it. Trying to act like the care-free consort I’m supposed to be, I picked up a piece of fruit and popped it into my mouth. Don’t know what it is, but it’s sweet and juicy. Before long, my hunger took over and I was stuffing my face along with Sanna.

“My name is Sebastian Musetela Putorius Furo, King of Musetela and this is my mate Lutreola Musetela Neovison, Queen of Musetela.”

“I am Third Prince Asai Zeeve Wolf, General of the Grey Wolf Empire. The women before you are my consorts. To my right is Sanna of the Mountain and to my left is The Silver Witch, Duchess Talia Noor.”

“We welcome you to Mustela” both the King and the Queen said in union.

“We thank you for your hospitality. I want to apologize for bringing our war to your lands. You have my word that this will be dealt with as quickly as possible.”

“Your army is vast, my lord, will they be needing accommodation as well?” The King asked.

“Nah, they will be okay outside. They have their own food and will keep themselves occupied.” Asai answered him.

King Sebastian squirmed a little uncomfortable.

“What is making you so worried? Speak your mind ”. Asai encouraged the king

“I have reports that you have Bat shifters in your army. I’m worried for my people when nightfall comes.”

“As you should with any potential danger”, Asai said “You see this beautiful silver-eyed woman to my left?”

Asai caressed my jaw line, his fingers slowly traced a line down my neck and into cleavage before pulling his hand away. King Weasel licked his lips and nodded.

“She is the ruling noble of Blackstone. With that title, the bat clan gives her their absolute loyalty. They will only act on her order and she will only act on mine.” Asai said.

The weasel king inclined his head at me curiously as if not wanting to believe a word that prince Asai was saying. I’m sure that he was just fishing, wanting to get as much information as he could. Ever since the fight with Rahjah, the secret of Blackstone merging with the Grey Wolf empire is no longer a big secret.

“I mean no disrespect, but how can she control creatures of the dark? I need to see proof that she can control these monsters.”

My eyes twitched. Did he just insult…

Asai pulled me into his lap and kissed my neck. “Calm down. Don’t get riled up” he whispered into my skin.

“She can prove it” Asai said.

Again the king inclined his head while looking at me skeptically.

“Come, Ulah” I said in an authoritative tone.

Mihirah recently taught me this. Bat shifters have incredible hearing. As long as they are within range, they will come once ordered from wherever they are. In this case, Ulah came from outside the gate. Not many people know that bat shifters have very good hearing. Day walkers like Ulah have a hearing range of up to 25 miles, while night walkers can hear the thumping of a bird's wings from 75 miles away.

There was a commotion outside in the corridor and a few moments later Ulah came bursting in.

“You called me Desmona?” He strode into the room with his wings folded tightly against his back, his posture regal.

“Are you hungry?” It was a stupid question to ask, but Ulah played along beautifully.

“No, my lady, you provide us with enough sustenance. We require nothing more.” He answered.

“Will you go against me and attack the citizens of Musetela?”

Ulah balked, “It will be my death the moment I dare to think of betraying you.”

“Are you sure you’re not hungry for weasel blood?” I asked Ulah.

“No my lady, they smell and taste like urine” he answered.

“There you don't have to worry about them”, I smiled at the Weasel King.

The Weasel King nodded a little bit offended.

“Thank you Ulah you can go.” I dismissed him.

“It was an honor, Desmona”. Ulah bowed low, then left.

Asai sighed, feigning boredom.

“My lord, I have another question”. King Sebastian said

“What is it?” Asai began kissing me on my neck, making over-exaggerated noises every time his lips separated from my skin.

“Why are you here and not out there fighting the Kodiac?”

Asai paused “I told you my consort was weary with travel.”

“You could have sent a delegation with them. You didn’t have to come yourself,” King Weasel pointed out.

The weasel king is suspicious. Hmm? Not as stupid as I thought he was.

“What are you implying?” Asai asked.

“Nothing at all! I’m just worried that the Kodiac will come here and attack us.”

“No need to worry about that” Asai countered.

“As King of this nation I need to know.” King Weasel pushed

The guards that were stationed along the walls began to tighten their grip on their weapons. I don’t know how weasels fight, but if a brawl breaks out, Keylyn and Sanna would be in danger. We need to think quickly.

“Why don’t you tell him the truth, my prince?”

Asai raised an eyebrow at me in question.

“Yes, the truth would be appreciated” King weasel said.

“During the battle for the Golden Forest, Prince Asai was gravely injured, and died. With my power, I was able to bring him back, but….he is now unable to meet anyone on the battle field. His wolf is dormant forever and I….”

Asai petted my hair and kissed my forehead tenderly. “She lost 90% of her magic as payment to bring me back.”

King Sebastian’s eyes widened in shock. “You cannot fight? And you barely have any magic left?”

Asai nods his head sadly “My brother now leads my army in my name.”

“Please keep this to yourself?” Keylyn jumped in, acting like the advisor and PR specialist that he is.

“If word gets out about this, the Grey Empire will be knee deep in physical conflict”

King weasel smiled. “Of course I apologize for being rude.”

“No need to apologize, you were just doing what any king would have done. Protect his people. Now, if you don’t mind, I would like to be alone with my Consorts.”

King weasel nodded then clapped his hands twice. The white ferret reappeared. “Mako, will escort you to your rooms.”

“That was brilliant, Talia, now the king does not suspect Asai.” Keylyn cheered.

“Okay, we are in Musetela. What’s next?”