Chapter 148: Bravery to be praised.

As the sun had begun to set, Kael and Althea finally reached the witches' coven. Countless supplies gathered on their journey which was tired to the horses. The witches came about with the warriors, and admiration was in the faces, though they looked weary. Kael noticed the tension in the sky like it was going to rain. As they dismounted their horses, a young witch approached them running , her face filled with excitement. "Kael! Althea! You've returned just in time!" she exclaimed, barely pausing to catch her breath. Kael threw a sidelong look at Althea, by the time he asked, "What's going on? Why is everybody so tense?" A slight faltering in the witch's smile followed as wonder filled her face instead. "It is Reika. She fought the army of Ariadne alone." Her breath caught at once, Althea let her hands fly up to her mouth. "Alone? What did you mean?" "It was amazing," the young witch whispered. "Ariadne sent her soldiers to the borders of the coven and Reika. she destroyed them. All of them. No one else even lifted a hand." Kael's eyebrows furrowed in incredulous surprise. "An entire army? By herself?" The witch nodded. "Yes, she was like a force of nature. We have never seen anything like it." Kael ran a hand through his hair as it slowly settled within. "Where is she now?" "In her chambers," the witch replied. "She's resting, but you may catch her before she begins with her meditation." Althea turned to him, her eyes wide with apprehension. "We need to see her." He nodded. "Let's go." They walked their way through camp, nodding or smiling to clusters of both witches and warriors alike that passed. the air was tensed ;Kael picked up its vibration. Witness to raw power like that of Reika had indeed stirred them, inspired them, yes. It has brought up memories of her extraordinary abilities. When they reached Reika's chambers, they found her sitting by the window, gazing out at the forest. She looked calm but Kael could see the exhaustion in her. "Reika," Kael said gently as they stepped inside. She turned to them, her face breaking into a small, tired smile. "Kael. Althea. You're back." Althea sat beside her, down on her knees beside her chair. "We just heard what you did. Reika, fought an entire army alone?" Reika exhaled softly. "They left me no choice. Ariadne's soldiers crossed the border, and I had to protect our people." Kael crossed his arms, a look of both admiration and concern. "You could have called for backup, Reika. You didn't have to face them alone." Reika met his gaze, her voice even. "I didn't want anyone else to get hurt. Besides, I needed to send a message-to Ariadne and to everyone else. We're not weak. We're not afraid." Althea had lain a reassuring hand on Reika's arm. "You are so v brave, but you do not need to bear this burden by yourself. We are here with you." Reika smiled softer. "I know, Althea. Sometimes to lead means being an example to others." Kael huddled a little closer, his voice going a little graver. "Speaking of threats, there's one more thing you should know. News from Viktor and Alfonso came in when we were away. Reika's eyes widened. "Viktor and Alfonso? "Are they all right?" Kael nodded. "For now, yes. But Adams Weasley is after them relentlessly. He is determined to capture them, and he's got werewolf soldiers helping him." By now Reika's fists were clenched, with Adams mentioned in that sentence. "That coward-he has been such a thorn in our flesh all these months." Softening her voice, Althea replied sweetly, "The bright part, anyway, is Viktor and Alfonso being clever ones-they can certainly out smart anyone." Reika nodded and, in turn, softened her expression to show her relief. "I'm just glad they're still alive. Hope soon I get to see them. Kael smiled weakly. "You will. Viktor wouldn't miss his chance to reunite with you. He is as stubborn as you are." Reika chuckled, that rare sound managing somehow to lighten the mood. "I suppose he is." This time, Althea was far more cautious. "Reika, I know you're preoccupied with keeping us safe, but don't forget to take care of yourself. You have been through so much." Reika turned and clasped Althea's hand between hers. "I appreciate that, Althea. Truly. But there is just so much more to do yet. Ariadne won't give up, and neither can I." Kael was firm but spoke softly. "Then let us help you. You don't have to face everything so alone. Reika glowed toward them both; her eyes shone with gratitude. "Thank you, Kael. Althea. Your support means more than I can say." In the quiet that followed, Reika rose and smoothed her gown. "Really, I should get back to meditation. There is still so much to learn, and the coven needs me at my best." Althea rose, too, "We got things here to do too so that you can take your time and meditate. Take care, Reika; we have this one." Kael nodded vigorously. "And the instant it starts looking like getting out of control, you shall be the first to know." Reika let a smile-be a cast of hope-enter her eyes now. "Thanks Both. See you guys later." With the wave of that hand, Reika disappeared deeper inside to inner meditation chambers, and Kael swung his gaze around toward Althea. "She bears so much in her shoulders," Althea whispered. Kael laid a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "She is strong, you are right in that sense: whatever is necessary, we will do to support her. Reika may be Luna, but even a Luna needs her pack." Althea nodded, and in her stomach, a steely resolve hardened. "Then let's make sure she knows we're here for her." And as he left the chambers, that picture just would not shake from his mind: Reika, one girl against an army. Of course, she was a force unto herself, but even the most brave of warriors would break at one point or another. In silence they made a vow they through thick and thin, they'd stand by her side. Reika might be the leader, but together they were going to face whatever came their way.