Warrior Wolf (Complete)

20. Unconventional Strategy

Inside the dimly lit command tent, the atmosphere was thick with tension. A large map of the forest and surrounding areas lay spread across the central table, illuminated by flickering candlelight.

Alpha Chris stood at the head of the table, flanked by his advisors and five captains, each wearing a grave expression. They had just received alarming intelligence: the vampire covens had united under Vampire King Drake, forming a monstrous legion that was now moving relentlessly toward the Pineoland, their capital city, leaving a trail of massacred wolves in their wake.

Chris, his gaze intense and focused, pointed to a spot on the map. “We’re outnumbered here,” he began, his voice steady, “and their speed gives them the upper hand. If we join forces with the other battalions here—” He tapped another point on the map, closer to the city. “—we’ll stand a better chance. The open field would give us room to maneuver.”

Captain Garruk, a battle-hardened werewolf with a scar running down the side of his face, shook his head. “But the journey there would leave us exposed. We’d be vulnerable to ambushes along the way. The vampires could pick us off before we even reach them.”

Advisor Jackvi, the oldest and wisest of the group, nodded in agreement. His voice, though quiet, carried the weight of experience. “Not to mention, their numbers might swell by then. We need to consider defensive options that allow us to use our strengths—our knowledge of this terrain.”

Chris leaned over the map, his eyes narrowing as he weighed the options. “Agreed. But our priority should be linking up with the other forces. A united front is stronger.”

One of the younger captains, with piercing green eyes, spoke up, his finger tracing along the edge of the forest. “Look at this section of the forest? It’s thick, hard to navigate. Vampires will slow down if they take this path. They might consider taking this path if we block their original path.”

Chris considered the suggestion, his brow furrowing. “It could work, but we’d need to be precise. One mistake, and we could lose the advantage of surprise. The risk is high.”

The tent fell into a contemplative silence as the leaders mulled over the options. Outside, the muffled sounds of soldiers preparing for battle could be heard, a constant reminder of the looming threat.

After a few moments, Chris straightened, his decision made. “ We’ll send a scout to confirm the location of the other battalion, and we’ll start positioning our forces near the forest’s edge in case we need to pull them in.”

Standing quietly at the back, Rose listened intently, her heart pounding in her chest. She had been silent throughout the meeting, knowing her place as a soldier and scribe. But now, as the leaders began to disperse, an idea had taken root in her mind—an idea that refused to be ignored.

As the others filed out, Chris turned to her, his expression softening slightly. “Ronald,” he said, using her alias, “I need you to draft a report summarizing our strategies and plans. We’ll need it ready to review by dawn.”

Rose snapped to attention, masking her nervousness. “Yes, Alpha Chris. I’ll get right on it.”

She wasted no time, diving into her task with the precision and focus she was known for. Every detail of the discussion was meticulously noted, but as she wrote, her mind kept drifting back to the dense forest the young captain had mentioned. An idea was forming, one that was unconventional and risky, but if it worked…

Half an hour later, with the report finished, Rose approached Chris’s tent once more. She hesitated outside, her heart hammering. What if he dismissed her? What if he didn’t even listen? But she couldn’t let this idea go. Taking a deep breath, she stepped inside.

Chris was seated at his desk, flipping through another report when she entered. He barely looked up as she approached. “Alpha Chris, here’s the report,” she said, handing it over.

Chris took it, his attention still on the document in front of him. “Good. Leave it with me.”

Rose shifted on her feet, her nerves getting the better of her. “Alpha, I… I have a small suggestion about your plan, if you don’t mind.”

Chris’s tone was brusque, almost dismissive. “Ronald, we’ve already discussed the plan. We don’t have time for second-guessing.”

Her heart sank, but she steeled herself, knowing she had to push forward. “I understand, but… this is something different. It’s about the terrain… and how we could use it to our advantage.”

Finally, Chris looked up, his sharp gaze locking onto hers. “Go on.”

Rose stepped closer, pointing to a specific part of the map. “This forest here—it’s dense, with narrow paths. We could lure them in, break their formation, and use traps to disorient them. It’s risky, but it could level the playing field.”

Chris paused, considering her words. Her suggestion was unexpected, but there was something in her expression—a mix of hope and conviction—that made him take notice. “You’re suggesting we draw them into the forest rather than meeting them on open ground?”

Rose nodded eagerly, her voice gaining strength. “Yes, Alpha. We could turn their strengths against them. Their speed and numbers wouldn’t matter as much in the narrow paths. We’d have the advantage.”

Chris leaned back in his chair, his eyes narrowing as he studied both her and the map. “This isn’t a small suggestion, Ronald. It’s a complete change of strategy. And you believe this could work?”

Rose met his gaze, her voice firm and steady. “I do. With the right preparation, we could turn the forest into a weapon.”

Chris was silent for a long moment, the weight of the decision heavy on his shoulders. Finally, he gave a small nod. “Prepare a detailed strategy. I’ll review it.”

Surprised and pleased, Rose allowed herself a small smile. “Thank you, Alpha Chris. I won’t let you down.”

Chris waved her off, his tone serious. “Don’t thank me yet. If we go with your plan and it fails, it’s on both of us. Now, go. We’ve got work to do.”

Rose left the tent, her mind racing with plans and ideas. As she stepped into the night, the cool air filling her lungs, she knew this was her chance to prove herself—not just as a soldier, but as a strategist.

Inside the tent, Chris watched him go, a thoughtful expression on his face. There was something about Ronald that intrigued him. Ronald was more than he seemed, and his idea, though unconventional, had potential. Turning back to the map, Chris allowed himself a small glimmer of hope. Perhaps, just perhaps, this battle could be won after all.