The next day, as Vesairus prepared for his hunting trip with Jago and Jaho, the leaders of the Great Packs gathered in the Grand Alpha's hall to discuss pressing matters and present their challenges. The Grand Alpha, Rodivo, sat at the head of the long obsidian table—his posture noble, though his breath shallow. Around him, the Alphas of the Seven Great Packs took their seats, including Sairus of Zuganis—father of Vesairus.
The new moon phase marked not just a celestial shift but the beginning of the Council Cycle, a time-honored tradition when the highest-ranking Alphas convened in Windorous Keep to resolve disputes, renew trade bonds, and tend to the affairs of their vast empire. While the atmosphere in the hall brimmed with political tension, Vesairus, elsewhere, was lacing his boots beneath the morning sun, unaware of how these deliberations would soon shape his own destiny.
Inside the Grand Alpha's Hall
The Grand Alpha's voice rang out, not with force, but with quiet, ironclad authority that instantly commanded the chamber.
"Let us begin," he said. "We have much to deliberate—trade disputes, rising tensions, and matters yet unspoken."
He turned his head slightly, his gaze settling first on the brooding figure seated to his left.
"Blakizo, Alpha of the Great Pack Aziba. A report has reached me from Vela—grains from his territory, Bonsaidis, destined for the Capital, were intercepted near your borders. Nine masked attackers—described as skilled and coordinated—ambushed the caravan. Two traders were slain. Four others wounded. The cargo was stolen."
A heavy silence followed, the weight of the accusation clinging like smoke.
"Have you received any information regarding this?" the Grand Alpha continued. "If so, I trust your investigations are well underway."
Blakizo straightened, his cloak of midnight fur sliding off one shoulder. He met the Grand Alpha's eyes with solemn deference.
"Long may you reign, Wazili," he began, bowing slightly. "Information on such incidents is not easily obtained. Bandits plague every region—trained or untrained. That they struck traders from a neighboring pack is indeed unfortunate."
He paused, then added, "We are investigating. But as you understand, Wazili—masked men leave no names behind. It is not a simple task."
The Grand Alpha gave a slow nod, his expression unreadable.
"I understand, Blakizo. But surely someone saw or heard something. These were no common thieves—they murdered unarmed men. That speaks of motive far darker than greed."
He raised his voice slightly—not as a rebuke to Blakizo alone, but a decree to the entire hall.
"Let this not become a pattern. Strengthen your patrols. I want the roads of Aziba to be safe for all who pass. Traders must not fear traveling the heart of Horgara."
He then turned to the wiry figure across the table.
"Vela—do you have anything to add?"
Vela rose slowly, his robes rustling like leaves.
"May your reign be long and prosperous, Wazili," he said, then turned to Blakizo. "I will take you at your word, Alpha. But I urge you to find the ones responsible. The families of my slain men cry out for justice."
He bowed again and sat, letting his silence speak louder than further words.
A beat passed. Then a calm yet resonant voice broke it—Sairus, Alpha of the Great Pack Zuganis.
"In wisdom and good judgment, you have spoken, Wazili. But I must bring troubling news of my own."
He stood, his eyes sweeping the room.
"There was an attack on our cornfields— and on the Falandi pack tribe near Blackwood Forest. They came from the forest... and retreated back into it after we repelled them. We captured a few of them alive. They claim to be from Raxedeos—and their dialect supports it."
A stir of murmurs rippled across the table.
"My people are outraged, Wazili. They demand answers. And if none are given... they will see this as an act of war."
The Grand Alpha leaned forward, eyes narrowing.
"How many attackers, Sairus?"
"Roughly two hundred," came the grave reply.
The Grand Alpha's face darkened. A silence descended—one that clung to the stone like a fog.
"This is no mere raid," he said grimly. "Word will be sent to the King of Raxedeos without delay. In the meantime, begin construction of a fortified barrier around your fields. The Capital will assist. You have my condolences for the lives and the crops lost."
Sairus bowed his head, but his tone remained firm.
"Thank you, Wazili. But understand—Blackwood Forest is sacred to my people. It has been our hunting ground for generations. While a fence is wise, it must not be a wall. I ask that a gate be included. We must not yield what was never theirs to claim."
Kazili, Alpha of the Great Pack Kanujagu, nodded.
"May your reign be long and fruitful, Wazili. Sairus speaks for more than just his own. I propose a watchtower near the gate—manned by his pack. Let it serve as both symbol and shield."
The Grand Alpha considered, then nodded.
"Agreed. Let it be so. And transport the captured men to Windorous Keep. They will remain here until Raxedeos answers for their actions."
He rose from his seat, signaling the meeting's end.
"This Council is adjourned. Go and fulfill your charges. May Ovina guide your judgment."
One by one, the Alphas stood and departed, cloaks whispering over polished stone, their thoughts heavy with consequence.
After the Council
Outside the grand hall, beneath the shade of flowering tamura trees, Sairus and Kazili walked side by side.
"I received your sister's wedding invitation," Sairus said warmly. "Please offer my blessings. May Ovina bless their union."
Kazili smiled, the tension of the council fading slightly from her brow.
"Thank you. I meant to speak with you—about the wedding. I need deer meat from your lands and fresh sardines as well. I thought it better to ask personally rather than send an envoy. The ceremony is in a fortnight, and I want no delays."
Sairus chuckled. "A fair request, though I must remind you—Zuganites are hunters, not fishermen. You'd get better sardines from Klando."
Kazili's tone grew serious.
"That may be true. But you know why I come to you. Some of the Alphas still see a woman among them as sacrilege. Their whispers poison the wind. But Ovina makes no such distinction—man or woman."
Sairus stopped and turned to face her.
"And neither do I. My wife was a warrior greater than most men I've known. That's why I loved her. I know what women can do when allowed."
Kazili exhaled, visibly relieved.
"Then you understand why I trust you with this. Your pack controls nearly a third of sea trade.second only to Varigoz, You can make this happen."
Sairus nodded. "You shall have it. Consider it done."
"Thank you. I'll send three silver claws as deposit. The rest upon delivery."
Their conversation was interrupted by the approach of a guard.
"Frakazi," the guard said, bowing low. "The Grand Alpha requests your presence."
Sairus turned to Kazili with a smile. "I must go. Walk in Ovina's grace."
"And you," she replied, her eyes still filled with gratitude.
The Grand Alpha's Chambers
Sairus followed the guard through winding halls of carved stone until they reached the Grand Alpha's door. The guard opened it and stepped aside.
"Wazili, you sent for me?" Sairus entered, curiosity etched on his face.
"Come in, Sairus. Sit," the Grand Alpha said, motioning to the chair beside his hearth. He dismissed the guard and lifted a crystal bottle of gin.
"A drink?"
Sairus chuckled. "If I start now, Wazili, I'll drink till sunrise. Better not tempt me."
The Grand Alpha smiled. "Honesty—one of your finer traits. That's why I need you here."
Sairus leaned forward, attentive. "Ask anything, Wazili."
Rodivo hesitated. Then, quietly:
"You've heard the whispers—about my health?"
Sairus bowed his head slightly.
"I do not lend ear to whispers, Wazili. I am feared enough that none bring idle words to my table. But yes, I know you are unwell. The depth of it, only Ovina knows."
The Grand Alpha's shoulders relaxed.
"Thank you. For that, and for always speaking truth. Let me walk you out."
As they descended the grand staircase, Rodivo asked one final question.
"What drives you to always speak truth, Sairus?"
Sairus answered without hesitation.
"It is the way of my ancestors. A Zuganite fears nothing—so we have no need to lie. Fear breeds lies. And fear is something we do not possess."
A rare smile crossed the Grand Alpha's face as they walked into the echoing twilight of Windorous Keep.
Beyond the Palace Walls
Elsewhere, outside the palace gates, two Alphas crossed paths.
Blakizo leaned against his chariot, watching Kimboku of Slavinda approach.
"I do hope," Kimboku said, voice edged with suspicion, "this isn't your subtle way of disrupting trade routes."
Blakizo smirked. "Why would I do that? I'm not your enemy, old friend."
Kimboku's gaze narrowed. "I want to believe you. But I know you. Your ambition often strays far beyond your morals."
Blakizo leaned in closer, voice lowered.
"While we argue over grain and fences... a bitch sits amongst wolves, and the Alpha's teeth have dulled."
Kimboku blinked, caught off guard. "What are you implying?"
But Blakizo was already mounting his chariot.
"I'll visit you in a fortnight. Then I'll speak plainly."
And with that, he rode off, leaving Kimboku rooted in place—not because he misunderstood, but because he feared he understood perfectly.