Edmund Boris and his remaining loyalists had gathered in the deserted fortress, and the faint glow of candlelight flickered against the chilly stone walls. As the disgraced Alpha paced the length of the war table, his eyes blazing with anger and vengeance, the air was heavy with the smell of damp earth and burning wood.
Recalling the humiliation he had endured at the hands of Jacob and the Nightwind Pack, his fingers clenched into fists. His influence and reputation among the other packs had been destroyed along with his daughter, his legacy. He was now only a deposed leader, a sliver of the authority he had once possessed. However, that would soon change
.
Edmund growled, "Enough waiting," and slammed his palm down on the table, causing the scrolls and maps that were strewn all over to jump. "We've spent too much time hiding in the shadows. As we lurk like cowards, Barduff Castle stands firm.
There was a ripple of agreement in the room. Those wolves who had stayed faithful to Tailwind Pack in spite of their pack's demise were among the gathered wolves. Rogue mercenaries stood next to them, their eyes gleaming with avarice and ill will. They had only the promise of reward and bloodshed, no real allegiance.
Edmund turned to Varek, a seasoned warrior and his closest advisor. "What's the latest on Barduff, please?"
Varek gave a nod. Since Serafina was kidnapped, the castle has increased security. Regular patrols of the borders are conducted by Nightwind warriors. But they don't anticipate another assault so quickly. He grinned. "They think they've triumphed."
Edmund's mouth formed a sneer. "Stupid people. We attack at that exact moment, when their defenses are down.
He unfolded a map of Barduff Castle, following the routes to the stronghold with his finger. "We're not going to repeat our mistakes. A direct assault won't be successful. We have to start by weakening them internally.
One of the rebellious leaders, a woman with flaming red hair, leaned forward. "What do you suggest?"
Edmund's eyes grew serious. "We cause mayhem. sabotage their assets. Take away their power. They will be driven into desperation if we burn their fields and cut off their food supplies. He pointed to a particular area on the map. We also attack their coalitions. If the packs in the area fear reprisals, they will not help them.
Varek gave a nod. "And when are they at risk?"
Edmund's eyes shone brightly. "Then, we storm Barduff Castle and bring it to its knees. I'll take back my position, and Jacob will see his kingdom fall apart. His tone was piercing and determined. "No more tolerance. Don't wait any longer. Tonight is when we start.
The gathered wolves looked at one another, some smiling expectantly, others nodding solemnly. The strategy was underway.
Edmund Boris imagined a future in which he stood atop the shattered remnants of Barduff Castle, his enemies bowing before him, as he gazed into the flickering flames of the torches. Jacob of Nightwind had stolen everything from him, and now it was time to repay him.