Raul's presence was noted at the edge of the woods, having recently visited the wolf leader King Demon. This wolf leader, known far and wide as King Demon, had suffered the loss of his mate in a brutal battle that had once divided the entire realm.
For years, King Demon had held dominion over the wolf territory, safeguarding his kind from various threats. Though he had an incessant desire to expand his domain, he had remained cautious. However, the offers brought forth by Raul intrigued him.
King Demon's formidable reputation sent shivers through the land, and even the volkihar vampires dared not challenge his might. Despite this, he held a deep respect for King Athan, recognizing the wisdom and prowess that the vampire king possessed in the art of warfare.
King Demon's own son, Prince Olcan, was a force to be reckoned with. He had proven himself in numerous battles, securing victories and advancing the cause of the alpha males and the entire wolf community. With unmatched strength and a tactical mind, Olcan had become a beacon of success.
"Father, you summoned me?" Prince Olcan entered, interrupting a meeting King Demon was having with his council. He had been invited beforehand to discuss the new plans involving Lord Raul.
"We require our finest warriors. We are on the brink of battle against the vampire king and his clans. Raul, his own brother, seeks to overthrow him and seeks our aid. This collaboration could give us the upper hand, ensuring victory and reaping benefits," King Demon explained, a mischievous glint in his eye.
Prince Olcan frowned at the proposal. Disagreeing with his father, he unsheathed his sword and knelt before the king and his council, voicing his opposition. "Father, forgive me, but didn't we collectively agree not to encroach further into their territory? They've abided by their commitment, and we should maintain our pride..."
"Enough, this is a command, not a subject for debate. Prepare our forces for battle," King Demon interrupted, his tone firm.
"But..."
One of the council chiefs, positioned to the right of King Demon, interjected, "No 'buts.' Should we allow boundaries to confine us? The expansion will offer us the means to hunt and cultivate. Raul has presented an opportunity, and in exchange, we shall send a select few of our warriors."
Prince Olcan voiced his concerns, "What if this is a trap?"
"Raul won't deceive us. With our combined strength, we can decimate their entire race," another chief responded confidently.
Prince Olcan persisted, "But division runs rampant among our own ranks. In less than six years, we've been entangled in internal warfare. Should we exacerbate our existing problems? Other wolf packs are growing stronger, scheming to claim this very throne. Perhaps it's wiser to manage our own conflicts and let the vampires face their own battles."
With his thoughts expressed, Prince Olcan stood, a sense of disappointment evident. The council echoed with murmurs, their doubts echoing the prince's sentiment.
"Quiet!" King Demon's authoritative command silenced the room. He rose from his seat, approaching his son. "I lead this wolf pack, and my decision stands. Just as my father's decisions stood when I was your age. When your time comes to lead, you shall make your own choices. Ready the troops, and come nightfall, march toward the woods. Await Raul's signal and capture the princess alive."
Prince Olcan's dissatisfaction lingered, but he understood his father's authority. With a heavy heart, he set about preparing his forces. Studying the battle plans provided by Raul, he assigned two of his closest allies to set an ambush for Princess Nimoes, while the rest of his warriors established camps near the entrance to the territory, poised to attack upon receiving Raul's signal.
As the wind whistled through the woods, Prince Olcan's unease was palpable. He discussed the plans further with a select few companions, confiding his discontent with his father's choice for war. These friends, loyal and battle-hardened, had stood at his side through countless skirmishes, and now, they shared their concerns about the impending conflict.
"You don't seem to be okay, is everything alright?" Lowe, Olcan's best friend, asked with genuine concern etched on his face.
Olcan's expression abruptly shifted to one of sourness, his lips tightening in anger. "I'm fine, Lowe." His words attempted to dismiss the concern, but Lowe knew better. Something was amiss; Olcan's demeanor was far from his usual self, especially before entering a battlefield. This time, a different air surrounded him.
"I can tell when you're fine, Olcan. If anyone understands you inside out, it's me. And right now, I'm telling you that you're not fine. But if you're not up to sharing, I'll step out of this tent and give you your space," Lowe offered, his voice steady and empathetic.
Olcan inhaled sharply, a sign of internal struggle. "I don't want to be part of this conflict."
Lowe promptly settled in a nearby seat, positioning himself closer to Olcan. "Which conflict?" he inquired gently.
"My father and the chiefs want to initiate a war in New Orleans against the vampire king. If we manage to defeat him, they aim to claim a stake in their territories and expand our boundaries beyond Greenland," Olcan revealed.
Lowe's astonishment was evident; Olcan had kept his men in the dark about the true purpose of their presence, framing it as a training exercise. The revelation left Lowe speechless, and Olcan left the tent without further explanation, leaving Lowe stunned and motionless.
[Horses whinnying]
Outside, Olcan stood beside his horse, allowing the wind to brush against his face. While many creatures sought refuge in hibernation during winter, wolves remained active, impervious to the harsh cold. Unyielding and adaptable, they thrived in these frigid conditions.
"What's our course of action? The vampire king and his forces have upheld their part of the agreement. I'm not convinced we can overcome them with our current strength," Lowe pondered.
Olcan sighed, his thoughts heavy. "I don't know. I just wish there were another way."
Lowe offered a suggestion, "What if there is another way?"
Olcan's frustration surfaced. "There can't be another way. My father and the chiefs are consumed by power. All they think about is claiming more land and shedding blood. What's worse, I find myself entangled in these killings. I'm exhausted and yearn for a different life. I long for a path of my own." Olcan's desires for marriage and family had been thwarted by his relentless involvement in warfare.
Lowe reassured, "I empathize with your sentiments. Whatever decision you make, I stand by you."
"Thank you. You've been a brother to me. So, tell me, what do you suggest we do?" Olcan's face brightened with gratitude.
Lowe contemplated for a moment. "Well, perhaps you should intercept the Princess. She could become a bargaining chip to secure land concessions for your father."
Olcan's eyes widened at the idea; it hadn't crossed his mind before. "Hmm, that's an intriguing thought. But I've already dispatched men for that mission."
Lowe proposed a solution, "You can halt them and take charge personally. I'll oversee things here in your absence, assuming command until you return."
The notion resonated with Olcan. He swiftly issued the final command, appointing Lowe as the acting commanding officer. Mounting his horse, Olcan galloped away, pursuing his men who were en route to their assignment.