Alec found Freya in the stables. Blue and her had become rather good friends. The mare often did not like outsiders, however she allowed Freya around her. The beast even tolerated her riding on her back, which was something he did not fathom. Since she was a foal, Blue was a wild spirit... picky, and reflected his hard shell. She was a war beast after all. Her kind was created in order to run into battle and hold their own. They did not need a rider to direct them. They did not need a rider to train them to fight. They had strength of forty men, and some could even breath fire. Some could even reach speeds that made them look as if they were flying. Blue was breath taking in all her ways, and she knew it. Alec had to admit he was jealous to know Freya had tamed her so easily. Watching her comb the grey strands of hair made him frown deeply while he leaned back against the wooden door. She had not detected he was there, but it gave Alec time to watch her.
She still wore the rainbow boa dress. It was a traditional gift given to the leader's mate, but the Hopi knew he had no female. Therefore, it was an acknowledgement of her being the top female. It made sense considering the war was being fought over her. Although, they did not understand why. She was a gift of some sort, which only was further confirmed from their words. She was not of this world. Could Fenrir have sent her? Was that what the felines had meant? Alec cared little considering he wanted their blood all the same. It did not matter if she was here or not. Narrowing cold green eyes, he clenched his jaw and crossed his arms over his broad chest. He had stripped away his clothing to just leave his feline pants on. The only thing that covered his chest was the Fenrir fang that hung on his throat. It sat their like an old friend. It had been his mother. Leaders gained them as they were passed down, often through a challenge. In this case, it was passed down from one generation to another. No one had been able to challenge him and his father. Soon though, Alec would need to take his father's, and his would go to his mate's.
Alec never wanted a female... not until Freya. It bothered him that she challenged him, could touch him, and had come into the council with her head held high. She tried to stay out of the way, but time again and again she shown herself brave. Not fearless... no only fools and idiots were fearless. However, he doubted much would come out of their relationship. He knew better. Until the Cathilon paid for his mother and his brothers he refused to entertain any idea of his own happiness. That was why, he intended to leave her here while he headed to the east to the Behemoths. It was a mission he was not even sure could be completed. Worse... he would be leaving Justin behind. His brother was everything to him, however he needed him to direct the war while he was gone.
Stepping forward, Alec finally allowed his presence to be known. Tapping his knuckles against the door, Freya turned her attention from Blue. The longma snorted in annoyance that her grooming was interrupted. Freya's eyes softened and patted the beast. "Alec." Her voice was hesitate as if testing the waters. He had not visited her once when she was hurt. He had invited her to the bonfire, abandoned her, and they had not spoken sense. He could not blame her for being nervous or unsure. Not when he stared at her like an intruder or reacted little in the throne room. However, Alec felt he had to speak to her about what was to come. It was a choice she had to make. Would she do as she was told or take action in the war to come?
"I am leaving. I assigned you a body guard, but-"
Freya interrupted him. "I am going with you." Her declaration had him smirking just a bit.
"I am n-"
Of course the vixen interrupted him again. "I am not asking Alec. I am going with you."
"You don't even know where I'm going." He growled low in his throat in warning. She liked to defy him, but this mission could be suicide. The Behemoth clan was not a joke.
"You are going to look for help." Freya turned back to Blue. Brushing her fingers along her mane, he watched her back as she spoke. "I saw their forces Alec. I saw the destruction in my dream. I don't know how I'm connected to this. I don't know why I am here, but I am. I can't sit by and watch. I can't keep being tucked away. I know you are just trying to protect me, but I am not foolish enough to think it's because you give a shit about me."
Alec could not explain the slight twinge of pain in his chest, however he did not let that change his stance. He remained straight back, shoulders stiff and unmovable. His green eyes focused on her while the beast inside of him clawed at his flesh. It wanted to put her in her place, however he understand her words. No one knew about her purpose here or where she came from. Yet, the night he meet her.. the thought of those flames, and the fact he was able to touch her meant something. Even Justin had acknowledged there was something about her. Could he tuck her away? Could he trust anyone to watch her? No, he could not. However, he could not allow her to stray with him. If they were followed, it would ruin everything.
"Do what you are told." Alec did not wait for a response before turning away and walking from the stables.
---
There were only a few individuals he could take with him. Drole was at the top of his list along with Hope. Klepto had volunteered to follow, but why Alec did not know. Hope and Klepto were given their own longmas to make it easier for travel. Both beasts were children of Blue, so he knew they could easily keep up and be of use. Drole, however, remained in his canine form. Since the time in Kenya, the canine never turned back to his human form. He had been apart of Alec's party after all. He was one of the three soldiers that had survived, and the things they witness... He could not blame him for staying in that form.
Their mission was to ride east, however it was unknown exactly where they were heading. They had to get there soon... no later than a month in order to convince the Behemoths to assist in the war. It was be a time crunch considering Justin would be handling the war front on his own. They planned to head to Kenya in hopes of engaging the army and defending the border. This meant they would have to make due with the small amount of resources they have. The Hopi clan had cashed in a few favors, which could give some support. Alec just hoped it was enough to defend Bellaroos and their territory until they returned. If they were able to pull this off, it would promise a win.. It would promise they would be able to conquer the Cathilon.
Alec was pulled from his thoughts at the sight of footsteps. Green eyes turned to look down at Justin from his steed. Blue had been dressed in the finest. The Hoofed herd had given them reins and saddles made of leather that had been dyed the color of a royal blue. A banner of Fenrir had been tied against the saddles that was hidden behind carefully crafted bags. Bamboo was perfect for the weight of their tools and food. It would make the journey easier and much more bearable.
"Brother." Justin came to Blue and placed a hand on her hip. Blue's tail flickered at the touch while her ears folded back. He knew the mare did not like being touch, which was evident by the warning. Alec smiled at the sight of Justin. He was the rare few he let his guard down around, but he also had not expected for him to say goodbye. He was against the war in the first place.
"I will be back before you know it." Alec promised him knowing full well each second would be a torture to Justin. The man could not bare war... could not bare bloodshed, however Justin knew this meant life or death for their people. Without his leadership, they would all parish.
For a second, Justin's blue eyes searched Alec's. He looked for something to confirm the promise. It broke Alec's heart to see the fear reflect the husky's eyes. He saw all over again the broken man that lost his beloved one in the last battle, yet there was nothing he could do. There was no one else he could trust. "You have to promise me brother. Give me your word you will come back. You will bring the Behemoth clan, and we will stop this bloody war... once and for all."
For a second, Alec stared down at his brother wordlessly. It was not that he believed he could not, rather he was unable to find the words to comfort his brother. Justin was the closest thing he had to family. He was the one he trusted above everyone else. He was the one he could not bare to lose "On my mother's grave, I promise I will return. There is nothing, Justin, that will stop me from being peace to our people again. It is time this ends. It is time they pay for everything they have done. Their sins cannot be forgive."
Alec held out his hand and waited for his brother to take it. Justin's eyes remained on Alec's hard features though. Silence stretched out between them before finally Justin's hand found his brothers. "Shall Jormungand guide you home. If you lose your path, shall Fenrir protect you. If death claims you, shall Hel chase it away."
"Shall Jormungand guide you home. If you lose your path, shall Fenrir protect you. If death claims you, shall Hel chase it away." Alec repeated before he pulled his longma around. With a kick the creature bolted forward with Dhole, Hope, and Klepto at their heels. Not once did Justin look away until the company was no longer in sight. It was only then he glanced back to the wooden gates that lead into the two.
The dust from the hoofed longmas was beginning to calm, yet his voice carried strong. "He is gone girly." Frowning, he watched as Freya stepped out from hiding and looked forward. "There is a longma prepared for you in the stable. If you wish to follow him, I won't stop you. Just know, if you get my brother killed... I will hunt you down and rip out your throat."
Growling, Justin started back towards the gates, but it was Freya's hand who stopped him. For a second, he debated on yanking his wrist free. "Justin... please be more patient. I promise, when the time is right I will tell you everything." Her voice was soft, almost a whisper. Guilt gripped Freya for being unable to be honest, yet there were still to many questions. There was still to many holes to be filled.
"I know you will girly, but I will not repeat Kenya. Not for you... not for anyone." With that, he pulled his arm away and walked by into the village. He had an army to prepare. It was time to stain the ground with blood.