Breakfast was a simple bowl of oatmeal porridge not quite what she was expecting but they were allowed to have as many refills as they wanted.
After the breakfast table was cleared they remained seated anxiously awaiting the news of their future.
They didn't have to wait too long.
The Aguatian army general started his speech and from his facial expression they knew it was going to be a long one.
"Currently we are not at war but be that as it may, circumstances can change at any given time. It's common knowledge that a lot of the wolfbeast population was decimated during the last wolf war. Although we are a proud wolfbeast territory and would rather not mix humans with our affairs, right now we have no other options. Our prominent leaders have decided that we won't just automatically make you our servants. We'll give a chance, a fair fight to show us what exactly you are capable of. If you can show us your talents on the battlefield you won't find yourselves at the bottom of the pecking order. There are twenty eight of you that survived battling Kanakika. So you will divide yourselves into groups of six. You have until midnight to write down the participants of each group. You will only get one week to get familiar with teammates and make your team as efficient as possible. Please choose your teammates wisely and good luck to all of you for you will need it."
Zyra did the math.
What was left unsaid was that Lord Carnelian was included in the twenty eight survivors.
He was not to be counted since he has already been granted status as emissary for the Fuegolian territory.
The rest that remained would be fighting amongst themselves.
That meant the three that got left behind would probably be treated no better than indentured servants.
If Zyra didn't act fast the three remaining could be them, from Terranite territory.
Afterall, they hadn't been on board Lord Carnelian's ship long enough to form any deep attachments with the crew.
There was nothing to stop the crew from turning their backs on them.
They would have to convince three other people to become a part of Zyra's team.
Leon was a wild card even though he also was from Terranite Territory.
Even worse, he and the girls didn't always get along so it could spell trouble for them.
His personality meant that he wouldn't play second fiddle to anyone and would always have to be in charge.
Something that didn't sit well with Zyra.
Not because she wanted to be the leader of the team but because she knew that a good leader should always want to put the group first.
Leon had shown on previous occasions that he was self-serving and can't always be trusted.
Plus he also had his share of followers in crushes from the girls and men; who idolized his prowess in battle and ripped, muscular physique.
Chances are he would be forming a team of his own.
Still she already had an idea of who to approach to join her team.
First option, The First Mate because he was the oldest amongst them.
No one would want him on their team thinking him a weakness because of his age.
He might slow down their team in activities that required speed or endurance and most would not want the dead weight but Zyra was willing to take that chance.
Despite appearances it was rumored that he was a mercenary for hire before he joined Lord Carnelian's crew. His expertise with weapons and warfare may come in handy.
Their next best option was his opposite, the Cabin Boy who was the youngest of the crew and not the smartest tool in the shed.
That would bring them up to five and just have to do their best to win over the sixth before midnight.
Anyone would do, it didn't matter who she was pretty confident in her girls that they would work as a team and pull through whatever the Aguatians had in store for them.
She ran her plan by the girls and braced herself for the arguments to come. "So what do you think?"
"Surely we can do better than an old man and a naive idiot." Verity cried out in dismay.
"Look here," said Nyla. She faced down Verity, "we might not agree with Zyra's options for our team but Verity you need to take some responsibility for that."
"Me….how so?"
"Well, you didn't exactly make friends when you almost instigated a fight this morning."
"For the record, I can take care of myself," interjected Zyra.
She might as well have not spoken since she was once more blatantly ignored by the other two.
"Did you expect me to just sit back and watch as they ganged up on Zyra, what's the point of being friends if we don't have each other's back."
"I'm not saying you were wrong, but I still think you could have approached the situation differently."
"By doing what exactly?"
Zyra sighed. "Verity, how about thinking before you speak and choosing your words carefully from now on. We are about to go through even more intensive tests and training than we had previously undergone on Terranite territory. The last thing we need is to make more enemies right now."
"Oh, I see." She pouted.
This was what she got for being helpful. Next time Zyra was in a pickle she would allow her to get shredded. Oh, what the hell she would probably react the same way and defend her friend again. That was just in her nature and she hated seeing injustice.
"Okay we wasted enough time as is. Let's get to convincing our three new teammates why they should join the best team ever. I'll get the old man. Verity please use your pretty wiles to tantalize that young boy and Nyla. I know I can depend on you to bring someone who will be a tremendous asset to the team. Everyone agreed?"
They all high fived on it and all had that fire within and determination burning in their eyes.
It was not too long ago that they knew hunger and despair.
No one wanted to return to a poverty stricken life or worse one of bitter servitude and regrets.
"Zyra wait, I need to speak with you, alone."
"You sneaky rat, you can't be trusted and you are the reason we are almost enslaved yet again. We aren't leaving Zyra alone with you."
The amusement in Lord Carnelian's eyes was jarring to her nerves.
Verity wanted to give him something to laugh about.
He deserved more than a slap to the face for the grief he caused them the entire voyage and for inviting them on this fool's errand in the first place.
Nyla was right he was no better than Rolf and seemed uncaring about the lives lost during this mission to Aguatian Territory.
He knew they would be hostile and he still let them all get caught and treated like prisoners.
He sucked as an ambassador especially since he was only concerned with saving his own skin.
Nyla would love to see him use that charming mouth to get them all out of this mess and spare them the lies.
"Zyra, call off your pet poodle."
Annoyed. Verity growled at him. Zyra wanted to laugh but she couldn't, "It's okay, just let me hear what he has to say and then I'll catch up to you."
"Do anything to hurt Zyra and it's your funeral." Nyla said while yanking Verity along with her.
Verity refused to budge so Nyla had no choice but to tighten her grip on her hand to get her to move.
If looks could kill Cyril would have been buried six feet deep with no remorse on Verity's part.
Now that they had been left alone Zyra turned to Cyril and asked,"Okay Cyril, what do you want?"
He puffed out his chest like a peacock. "That's Lord Carnelian to you."
"Oh, so that's how it is, we're back to being formal now." Zyra frowned.
"I consider this public domain."
Now wasn't the right time for Lord Carnelian to act like a smart aleck.
"You should consider my foot in your rear, if you don't get to the point." She snarled.
"Ouch Zyra, that hurts." Lord Carnelian unconsciously rubbed his tush.
Then he realized what he was doing, he then straightened his posture as if that would somehow make him look better in Zyra's eyes.
"What hurts is that you betrayed us and we still don't know the reason why."
Zyra stamped down on the bile of bitter emotions that threatened to swell up like unshed tears at the pain and anguish Cyril brought Zyra and her friends.
"Betrayal? That's a harsh accusation."
"Enough. No more cat and mouse games. You wanted my attention. You have it now either tell me the truth or I'm done with you for life."