Bathala had his own headquarters. Built forty years ago, after he quit being an instructor at the Warrior Assembly. He decided to have his own hideout. Hanan's co- high-ranked commander in her chosen group, who once managed to get himself chosen by Bathala, would always tell them stories about how it was a heavenly place for wolves who liked fighting. That there were different types of weapons. Disparate zones for Bathala's company, who had different fighting styles, to further develop their skills. That it was a training camp, perfectly suitable for those whose goal was to get stronger.
All that seemingly exaggerated narration Hanan heard, and she was here, only to make a fool out of herself because Bathala's headquarters was exactly how Joven described it. Hanan's eyes roamed with awe and amusement as she walked inside the headquarters. On her left was Amon, while Bathala was leading the way.
Hanan skimmed the area. Interested. Tons of naked male wolves were going in and out of what seemed to be a dungeon. A horde of wolves on the other side were loudly cheering for the two warrios inside the squared space bordered by metal bars. There were also those who were walking in their wolf form, with their fur tainted with blood.
Bathala's men were scattered. Training and functioning even without the lead of anyone. It was as if they knew exactly what to do. A training camp, indeed, but without a leader.
A group with equity and one goal. It was very ideal. So, this was what kept Bathala hidden and pre-occupied for the last decades. Hanan thought.
"If this place were open to everyone who wanted to be strong, the Kingdom might be able to produce the best army." Hanan could not help but give a comment. She shifted her thrilled eyes from the wolves passing to Bathala's back. "Why would you keep something as empowering as this from the Mandaya pack?"
Hanan, after stepping inside Bathala's place, began to wonder about the benefits this place could offer to the Mandaya pack if this was publicized. She believed that with Bathala's knowledge of fighting, and his methods of indoctrinating those he had chosen to join him, Bathala could create a better army. A stronger and larger organization, like the five groups, to protect and serve the Kingdom. He would be more able to make full use of the Mandaya wolves' strength.
That way, not only could he give opportunities to those who wanted to be strong. It would also raise his winning rate by almost half.
Amon cleared his throat. "Certainly, young Miss. But I'm afraid the downside will affect the five groups."
"How so, Mr. Amon?" Hanan looked to her left. "If it's about the numbers, I don't think everyone would be that interested in joining. Given that only a few have the courage to enter the Warrior Assembly."
Out of the five groups, the Warrior Assembly was the only group similar to Bathala's group. First, it had the same role. Second, it had the same purpose. It was meant to train the wolves and flourish their abilities. Thus, if the downside Amon was talking about was numbers, that would be unlikely. Because not all wolves in the Mandaya pack wanted to be strong to be able to fight in the battlefield.
At least, not anymore.
The number of applications the Warrior Assembly could accumulate every year would be proof of that.
"Oh. We do not fear the influx of warriors, but the negative impact it would bring on the five groups. They exist to retain peace, and to make sure we will remain honorable and respectable. I believe suddenly imparting a new group for battles would taint that." Amon answered. "Not to mention, this group was originally established to be the Mandaya's shadow."
From the moment the Councils created the five groups, up to this day, it has been serving the Kingdom. From maintaining control and reputation, to earning accolades and recognition. It was what's keeping the Southern Vale on a pedestal.
Though, since ancient times, the Mandaya pack had been preeminent. They had long abandoned their legacy of being the merciless and dominant pack.
But no perfect kingdom exists. Even when time had perfectly changed the wolves' ways, no matter how hard it was avoided, there would still be wars, simply because each had their own to protect and maintain. Thus, the Alpha allowed his son, Bathala, to move on his own, with the benefit of having him work in the shadows. He was the perfect character to play the role.
"But you allow those who are part of the five groups to know about this group…" Hanan, who was still not convinced that keeping this place from the pack's warriors was imperative, spoke again with a discontented tone. "So, certainly, it wouldn't make that much difference if Bathala is going to give them a pass for it."
Of course, Hanan understood what Bathala's group was all about. But she was specifically referring to the fact that extending its availability would benefit the kingdom more. Especially when it was already renowned. They weren't going to publicize it to the other kingdoms, but only to the members of the Mandaya.
"I just have to ask…" After Bathala's long silence, he spoke, breaking the flow of Amon and Hanan's conversation. "Why did you think it would be better to create an army, when it is not the Southern Vale's goal to clash with the neighboring Kingdoms?"
Bathala stopped walking. He turned around, glazing his ever-nonchalant eyes over the young governor general, whose eyes were swamped with engrossment. Though he inwardly realized the point of her argument, he wanted to ask.
No. He wanted to check something.
"As someone who was a part of the Warrior Assembly, I think it is vital to have an army ready for a sudden combat." Hanan's eyes met Bathala. "It is not about what our goal is, but what we are made of. We have to be more than just a title."
"Hanan, we have the Criminal Affairs Assembly, the Police Assembly, Stationary Assembly, Financial Assembly, and Warrior Assembly. We are more than just the title we're given." Though Bathala's tone was calm, it had an emphasis. "How did you think the Mandaya pack was able to live with peace through the last decades? Because we are compact and capable."
Amon, who was a witness of Bathala and Hanan's argument, smirked at each of their remarks. He stepped back, giving the two a space they needed. He stood in evident amusement, not minding the wolves around who were patently starting to pay them attention.
It was a sight to see. Amon was impressed, as he had never thought an apathetic wolf like Bathala would have the time to engage in a war of words. He didn't even say anything when he was criticized by the Mandaya when he hid himself forty years ago.
"On what grounds?" Hanan's brows creased. "During the last expedition, one of the Governor Generals was killed by the enemy. Did we retaliate? No. Because the Kingdom is afraid of the casualties. We don't have as many warriors than we did before. Because the pack isn't as fierce as it used to be."
"As it used to? How old are you, Hanan?" Bathala stepped forward. "You're only nineteen, aren't you?"
"My age has nothing to do with my argument." Hanan drew a deep breath. She was caught off guard. Now, being given time to pause made her realize how much she pushed her idea. Hanan's shoulders slumped hard as she rewinded what she had just said to Bathala in her mind. "I apologize for my intrusiveness. I was carried away."
"I asked for it." Bathala's response was quick. "I do not mind."
Hanan breathed hard. "I hope you don't get the wrong idea—"
"You're just as opinionated as they say." Bathala cut her off. "But I don't really mind, Hanan. You're a governor general now, so your opinion matters."
He obviously disagreed, though. Hanan licked her lower lip, and nodded. "Thank you."
Amon cleared his throat. "Well, if you're done with the discourse. We should be on our way."
Hanan nodded. For a moment, she had really forgotten why she was brought here. She was piqued. The way Bathala's league was on a different scale was stimulating. Not to mention, he built a really detailed and convenient place for them. Never in her curious mind had she ever thought that what Joven had told them was true. She found it hard to believe, considering, despite his narration, he mentioned it was located in the woods.
Bathala started walking. Hanan, who was beside Amon, trudged in to follow. Her neck craned to continue inspecting the area, but what surprised her was a mob of Bathala's men looking at them with prying eyes. Probably curious, or disturbed by what they heard.
"Who am I going to fight, Bathala?" Hanan asked.
Regardless, she did not look away. She trailed her eyes to each of the wolves, looking, as if trying to discern who among them was strong enough to be chosen by Bathala to be her opponent. She wasn't afraid, right? But she was hoping it wasn't someone who'd rather die than surrender.
Because Hanan certainly wouldn't make a name by killing a wolf from the same pack.