"What are they discussing in here anyways?" Koda asked Ryker.
"We're about a day behind the rogues. They're arguing over whether they should go after the females or not. There are now less than fifty capable males and no supplies. We're doomed no matter what we decide. So I'm letting them talk it out for a bit before I shut it down.
Koda got murderously angry. Koda right hooked Ryker making him fall to the ground but he didn't fight it or try to get back up. Koda stood seething in anger that got worse due to Ryker's lack of response. Everyone got quiet.
"Get up!"
Still, Ryker sat there, defeated. Reality was just too much to handle for Ryker.
"I said get up, Ryker!!" Koda roared as he looked down at Ryker.
"Why should I? Blackmist is impossible to get into and we're already wounded, exhausted, and outnumbered." Ryker sounded exhausted as he spoke.
"Don't give me that crap. She's your sister! Man up and help us. We should at least eliminate as many rogues as we can for ever messing with your people and taking and killing them. At the very least give them hell!"
Ryker finally looks up to Koda.
"These are your people. They will look to you for leadership. You need to get yourself together for your people. Fight for them. Live for them." He started off with a roar but the more he said the less fierce his words became.
Koda looked around at everyone staring back at him. They had pretty much lost everything and yet the looks on their faces said they were ready to fight. It even looks hopeful.
Ryker gets up, pats Koda on the shoulder, and walks over to face everyone.
"Facts say we'll probably all die, but if there's one thing Prince Koda said that we need to do, GIVE THEM HELL!" Ryker roared the last three words with such vigor it pumped the others up.
Ryker got involved with the planning. When he got to the part about what to do with the wounded Koda spoke up.
"Anyone that didn't have a chance was already put out of their misery. You have no witch doctor or healers. They laid there slowly dying and suffering." Koda spoke without remorse.
Ryker was baffled by Koda's action but slightly grateful.
"We should do a mass burial then." Ryker chipped in.
When the meeting was done Koda and Ryker were the only ones left.
"You know Lyria means everything to me as well. I want to rescue her just as much as you do but I believe we should look at things differently." Koda stands beside Ryker who looks at him skeptically.
"What if we regrouped with my people? It would suck if the survivors all perished in this attack and no one came to back this up with more beastmen." Koda through in a suggestion.
"Weren't you the one telling me to go for the fight now?"
"Yes but at the same time, I want better chances at survival. I've been sending word that I was going to be bringing a female home with me to be my mate and my family is excited that I would be interested in anyone and want to meet her. I know they will help me rescue her and maybe we could bring in more villages to help us annihilate Blackmist Forest."
"Word has been getting around that they've been getting out of control and need to be dealt with. I'm sure hearing that they can take out a city like ours, the others will feel more threatened and will want to help take them out as well. You're right this may work out for us after all. I'll let the others know there's been a change in plans."
Ryker ran out to tell the others. It's risky but it is a better option.
Koda hated that he would have to wait to see Lyria again but he had to be smart about this too. Koda gathered his men and their things and together with the survivors they headed for Feline City.