I emerged from Shane's house after discussing the plans to expand our lands. He was doubtful at first but relented when we clarified that it was going to bring peace one we eventually cleared all the land. Those that surrendered would get to continue ruling their land but would be unable to wage war against other kingdoms..... for now at least. Those who refused would have their land taken by force and become a part of our kingdom.
I made a mental note of where the other wolves were and they confirmed location of the women as I relayed the plan. Cyan walked up as the were getting together into two groups.
"My lord, allow us to join you in the battles ahead. We returned to the others at camp and told them off what we saw and everyone wants to pledge their lives to you. Allow us to fight your battles and hunt your enemies." She lowered her head.
"If they truly want to serve me then they are free to do so, but for a while to come there will be little use for humans in the fights to come." I spoke plainly with little emotion. The three other mixed like me walked over accompanied by two of the women, Vixen and Rose.
"Then make us like you." As she spoke the group went silent and glared at her. My eyes went black as I approached her getting close to her face. To her credit she did not flinch but her eyes went wide.
"The pain you would endure will most likely kill you. Even if you survive it is difficult to take the inner demons and not go feral. Do you really think you want this." I stepped back taking notice of a strange scent.
"Allow us this and those who survive would be even more dedicated to you." She trembled slightly.
"Do what you will but you must find someone willing to turn you." She opened her mouth to speak again and before a word came out I shifted to wolf and took off the others pausing for a minute before following.
"She is a strange one. I wonder how she tastes." Rose grinned them looked at me. I shook my head and gave a little grin before heading into the direction of a relatively nearby castle. "I know you caught the scent. You almost lost control to your instincts."I snapped my teeth at her and she easily danced around it. "Careful now, you don't wanna give me the wrong idea." She laughed as she ran circles around me. I launched into an all-out run to ignore her but it didn't do much but get us to the castle quicker.
From the looks of it a seige was going on but none of the war machines were in use. They were starving out the inhabitants of the castle trying to force a surrender. I made a mental note on that since it may be a useful tactic later on. With a wordless command we spread out and charged thru starling soldiers as we jumped the walls heading straight to the keep at the center. We stopped a short distance away as a group of soldiers rushed out with spears and swords pointed at us fear evident in their eyes.
"Identify your self. What are you doing here." An old knight stepped forward his full plate armor rattling as he walked sword in hand as he addressed Rose.
"We saw the enemy outside your gate and have come to see if your lord wants us to deal with them. We may be able to come to an agreement." She smiled and looked around at them. He was quiet as if considering the offer before relenting.
"Very well. You may see the lord but keep your distance." Slowly they returned to the castle constantly watching us as they lead us to the throne room. It was a massive chamber with pillars lining the walls decorated with rich tapestries, gold and jewels were set in the walls in the absence of paintings. A fat man sat on the throne who eyes us as a frail looking woman in ragged clothes fed him grapes. He waved her away as the knight walked up and whispered in his ear.
"So you have a solution to the problem I currently face. Let's hear it."He shifted his girth, the throne groaning in protest, as he leaned forward.
"We can eliminate those outside the walls without a problem. The only question is what can you offer us." Rose stepped forward a soldier pointing his sword at her. Before he uttered a word she smacked it sending it from his hand. Two more began to approach her before I stood to my full height and gave a growl that resonated throughout the room making them stop in place. The looked Claire's as he chuckled.
"Splendid. What is it you want. Gold? Jewels? Land? Slaves? Even my daughter if it would strike your fancy. Name your price." He eyed her up and down.
"How about all of the above. We can figure out the details once we are done." As she spoke he wanted a servant over and whispered orders that she immediately overed leaving the room.
"Very well. Take care of my enemies and wealth shall be yours." He smiled as a young woman was brought out maybe around seventeen years old. "Here is my daughter. Take her with you." We betrayed no emotion as she was pushed forward to Rose. Fear racked the girl as she stood there frozen, eyes wide.
"Well boys, go have fun, I am gonna get to know our little lady." She smiled as her eyes went black and she took the girl by the arm. As we turned to leave one of the guys noticed the lord lick his lips but didn't mention it until we left the keep.
"Alright you boys deal with the army outside. There is something I want to find out." Rose face showed obvious disgust a she spoke.
"I already have an idea of what your thinking. You have our full support." I nodded as I lead the group to the walls. From our vantage point we could see the opposing force spread out before us. There was not a lot of them but enough to hold invade of an attack. The did not seem fully committed to holding the seige but with no retaliation the had no reason to leave. This was going to be to easy.
A chorus of hotels broke out as we jumped down and charged focusing mainly on destroying seige equipment but tearing they any soldiers who got in the way. Leaving the ones who ran to their fate it was only moments before we were done. Covered in blood we returned to the keep as Rose joined us.
It was deathly quiet on our way back thru no one even questioning us. As we entered the audience changed the doors were closed behind us and a group of richly dressed nobles stood.
"I have gathered the nobles as you asked. What is it you want for breaking the seige." The Lord spread his arms in a vague gesture a tone of boredom now evident.
"I will get to that in a moment. First I want to introduce, Ruby, who has been reborn as my child." As she spoke the lord's daughter walked in wearing a following red dress with black trim and accent. She moved to Rose slowly while swaying her hips in an exaggerated fashion. Her skin seemed to take on a pale glow and she stood with confidence before the lords.
Each of them eyed her with ill intent and she started back, a defiant smirk on her face.
"At some point in time all of you have tried to take advantage of me. Farther knew and did not care. So I think it is my turn to play this game. Come here for me." She spoke in a smooth voice and gestured to one of the nobles with her finger. He glanced at the others and with a grin walked up to her. She smiled as she put a hand on the left side of his neck.
"Now don't move." She whispered as she brought her face up beside his. In an instant everyone's grins turned into horror as there was a spray of blood as she sank her teeth into his neck. Immediately he went limp and after a moment she dropped him to the ground blood trailing down her chin over her chest and disappearing into the dress.
"Your a monster. General kill her and bring me her head." The old man that originally lead us in stepped down from beside the lord and slowly walked over to her. She silently watched as he drew his sword.
"I'm sorry it took this long for things to change." He kneeled before her to the shock of the lord.
"Stand up. You are one of the only who I could of confide in all these years. If you would serve as my advisor then maybe I could repay you."
"It would be an honor milady." He stood them turned to face the nobles. The lords mouth hung open as he was speechless.
"Ruby is now the ruler. Your fates rest in her hands. This kingdom is part of ours and she has our full support. You boys can go now. She still has a little adjusting to do." Rose turned to us a twisted smile on her face.
"Let us know if you need anything. If all goes well she should go hunting with us tonight." I laughed.
"You just want to sit by and watch us bathe after getting bloody." She smirked.
"Not my first thought, but you always put on a show either way."
"Only if you promise to keep me warm after. A natural fur coat feel good on the skin." She pat my jaw.
"I'm sure one of the other guys will be more than happy to accommodate you." I laughed
"You're no fun when I can't work you up." She pouted becoming slightly irritated. Ruby and the others watched in disbelief. "Change of plans slightly, Ruby. Since Shadow is not being any fun they all die. I'm in a mood to play before dinner. Get out of here boys." She looked at Ruby then us while guiding the new advisor by his arm to follow us.
"I'm glad I'm not them."One of the wolves said loud enough for the nobles to hear as the does shut behind us as we burst out in laughing growls the advisor silently staring not even trying to understand.