Unsevered Ties

Limited Run 16

16

“Wait so we could just teleport to the Meadow and save a long ass voyage and probably cut time out by like a third of a journey…”

Valas narrowed his eyes as he continued in disbelief. “But we have to walk like we aren’t actual Alphas who already paid our dues. Because we want to save people now if we could. That’s the moral dilemma? When we can get to the end faster and hit while we are at our freshest.”

“I agree with the Forest Alpha.” Luxiem leaned on the edge of the table, angled towards the map as if to emphasize how well he analyzed it. “I understand the goal is to get numbers along the way, as well as assist those turned into turning back. However, it feels counterproductive. Our numbers are not small and if we can gain the Meadow and attack, the Forest keep first, it should be more than enough. The Forest is Void’s biggest ally. Because we took the Field, he only has what he has made and the Forest people. Whoever he is keeping unturned has laid their graves, so their lives are not our concern. They made their decision.”

“So,” Aiden crossed thick arms. “Valas, you’re fine with all your citizens turned into fodder just because we force Void to use what he has? I’m not ruling out the fact that he could do this whenever he wants. However, it seems he is purposely moving with us. So if we deliberately try to hit him with almost no army, what do you think he would do? Doesn’t it seem like he would force as many as he could to change? Both your logic is that we might sacrifice many by going for an immediate attack, but hopefully we can backtrack later?”

“Your pack will probably take a hit no matter what, especially if Vyjas’ influence is as solid over the majority of your people as it seems. But, not taking the time to help as many as we can will guarantee your pack will have very few people left.” Riel shrugged. “I agree with Aiden but not because he is my King. An instant assault leaves too many problems. Most of us have little to no combat experience against Sha. I’m sure you are ruling out us normal fighters as backdrop people to clear the way for the heavy hitters. Which is fine for you. But those of us who just have our skills and weapons are fodder in your plan, and that doesn’t sit well with me. You’d be dependent on, I assume, all you magical folks getting the job done as soon as possible. We’d be tempting Goddess Fate, staving off death with the hopes of you all winning. At least if I die, it better be knowing I had the knowledge and ability to do all I could.”

“It’s more than that. We only know what Void has shown us, and that’s very little. We didn’t know the half of his power before and most of us still don’t. Despite Leo and Queen Kialis’ confidence in facing Void, our actions feel meaningless. We came to ask for the Cloud army and Queen Kialis granted us her aid. However, if we decide merely to go for the kill, then aren’t we putting an unnecessary risk on the Cloud people’s lives? I completely understand your entire pack has magic abilities.” Sega eyed Lucien from across the table. “But tenacity only stretches so far and Void makes a game of crushing confidence. If we can gain all the help that we can and fight him as a united people, then I believe we should.”

Sega pointed out over the map. “King Leo and Naki did a great justice around the Field. We were able to save near a hundred people. I’ve helped extract the Black out of many innocent people. A few learned to help me find others and help more in the Mountains. I’ve learned that those who didn’t want this monstrosity have a stronger resistance to getting changed again. Void’s goal is to break us by turning our people into his army and using them against us. Then why not take his army back? Everything he’s ever spewed has been turning the Shashiva into Sha and giving Night what he needs to take over.”

“That being said,” Sylas added, champagne eyes flicking up to Sega’s side. “Void also seemed adamant about tackling the Cloud last? Perhaps he does not have the forces he needs against this joint alliance as we are, and we do have the means to end this quickly. He ran when he encountered Leo, so that means he’s not ready to face his greatest foe. Are we making the stupid choice by letting him get what he needs?”