Chapter 80: Bargains in the Dark

Above, the moon stood high in the night's sky, its pale alien glow casting an argent sheen over the packhouse. Reika tossed and turned, her mind racing with the problems the challenge to come would be posing. The Southern Warlords had thrown down the gauntlet, and little choice was left to her but to pick it up. And yet it tugged heavy at the weight of her pregnant abdomen. How to provide for both the pack and her baby at all? Reika slid into a midnight study. Quiet scratchings at the hearth reached out, embracing her into the leather chair pressed between her desk. Lips pursed deep and lost to thoughts seemingly, a knock rattled softly. "Enter," she called with posture immediately set for wakefulness for one or the other. The door creaked open, and in came Kael-etched concern upon every plane of his face. "I figured you'd still be awake," he said, coming in and closing the door behind him. Reika let out a breath. "There's too much at stake to sleep. Did you speak with the scouts? Kael nodded. "Yes, they confirm stir beginning from southern borders. And, as it would seem, indeed the family of the Dawn does pull back but not rather, it readjusts positions. Orik didn't make a bluff, then the Southern Warlords do a close watch. Reika's clench was in great tension. "I won't let this alliance pop out. Just in case the House of Dawn gains support, an extended war will reach those we just can't defeat them." Kael hesitated. "And the duel? Have you decided what you'll do?" Reika's jaw was stern in that quiet promise. "I'll fight. I have to. The Warlords must realize I am not afraid of what is at the front whenever leading. Kael's face clouded and he tried to lighten the mood. "You do realise they're probably sending their biggest, meanest warrior, right? Someone twice your size and with a penchant for breaking bones? Reika couldn't help but smirk. "Good. It will be all the more satisfying when I win." Kael chuckled. "This much I can say-I have seen you do things that defy all logic. But Reika, this isn't to prove your strength. It is a matter of survival. If you're going to do this, we need a strategy." Reika nodded. "Then prepare for it. I'll need every advantage we can get. Kael bowed low, his face grave. "Whatever your pleasure, my queen. I shall summon the invisible council of insomniac advisors." Reika laughed low, her head shaking. "You are impossible, Kael." Kael gone, Reika finally turned back to her desk, her brief smile well forgotten. She reached for the map of the southern territories again, studying the terrain so immaculately. So sunk into these documents, she did not really recognize the figure standing in shadow until a voice broke into the night air. "You take a very dangerous gamble, my Queen." Reika wheeled around, her wolf pricked. In the corner, swathed in black garb, a woman loomed, her face cowled by her hood. " Who're you?" growled Reika low, suspicious. The woman swam closer; flickering firelight betrayed an intently chiseled countenance. "A friend. Or perhaps an enemy, depending upon your view of what I bring forth with me." Reika's eyes flashed. "Say your piece quick or I'll call patrol guards. She smiled wryly. "The Southern Warlords are not united. Orik's challenge was a test, but more so a distraction. While you struggle to prove your strength, the family of Dawn works its backrooms for an alliance with one of the Warlord factions."   Reika's heart fell. "Proof? She reached into her robes and pulled out a small scroll, which she extended to Reika. "This contains the details of their arrangement. It would appear the family of the Dawn is offering something rather.substantial in exchange for their backing.". She unrolled the scroll, running her eyes down the text. The family of Dawn in turn would be given a variety of important trade routes, with certainty in respect of those very rare resources derived there-from-a gift hardly to decline. Why are you telling me this?" she narrowed her eyes, a stranger before her. Her smile broadened. "Because I am a believer in balance, and the Dawn family has offset it. I'd love to see them fail.   Her room was filled the next morning with all of Reika's most trusted advisors; to her right stood Ileus, his face unreadable; Kael spread the scroll over the table so all might see. "This changes everything," Kael said, tracing a finger over the map. "If the Dawn family secures this alliance, even defeating the Warlord in single combat might not be enough." Reika nodded. "Which is why we need to act now. We send in a stealth team to disrupt their negotiations. If we can get the Warlords to question either the loyalty or capability of delivery from the Dawn family, then we weaken their hand." Ileus frowned. "And the duel? You're not still on with that plan? Reika hesitated, her hand instinctively going to her abdomen. "Yes, the duel is more than about the strength. It is sending a message-to the Warlords, to the family of Dawn, and our pack. They need to see I won't be moved." Kael looked sideways at Ileus before answering, "We are with you, whatever you say. Still, we'd better be prepared for an unfavorable outcome. Reika smiled faintly. "Thank you. Now let's get to work." As the meeting concluded, Daisy entered the room, carrying a tray of breakfast. She placed it in front of Reika with a cheerful grin. 'You need to eat, my queen. You'll need your strength for the fight ahead." Reika couldn't help but smile at the girl's enthusiasm. 'Thank you, Daisy." She whirled for the door, swung back into the room with an impish glint in her eye. "By the way, the whole pack is laying bets on you to win. You know, no pressure or anything." Reika burst out laughing. The tension in the room broke at the sound of her voice. "Remind me to outlaw gambling in the packhouse." Daisy grinned. "Only if you win. Otherwise, we would need the winnings for damages."   The room thundered with peals of laughter then, and with that one swift second, it shifted the weight on Reika's shoulders a fraction.   As night fell, Reika stepped out onto her chamber balcony, the cool night breeze dancing across bare skin. The moon rode low in the sky, a great silver ball amongst treetops as black as ebony. Awhirl with the events of the duel, tumbling over ideas of Warlords, House Dawn, and its plans. She laid a hand upon her stomach, determination firming within. "I won't let them take this from me," she whispered. She looked out across the far horizon and caught in her vision the movement of a figure standing at the edge of the forest and watching her. The low growl stirred the wolf inside Reika's soul, though she could not locate who it was; the feeling of their stare weighed upon her. "Let them come," she hissed, closing in her eyes, "I will be waiting.".