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CHAPTER 40
In a gathering in the meeting room, Nickolaj is seen standing close to his chair while the other members of the council were all seated with their heads lowered as he spoke.
The news that they heard at night was really disturbing. Another attack had taken place, taking from them fifteen more werewolves with two severely injured and at the point of death.
It had only seemed as though they were constantly on the losing side and that had gravely angered Nickolaj.
"You all know why you were called here this morning, right?"
"Yes, your majesty."
"You see the severity of the situation. You know how terrible it is. We are not gaining ground, we are losing it to the vampires."
"Up until now, there had been no news whatsoever as to whom the new Vampire King is. What are we doing?!"
He half-turned, his hand flinging up to brush through his hair as his chest rose with great force. "Until when would we be like this? We have no news on them, rather it is more like their land, though you can see it, is clouded by a thick fog."
"That is one problem, your majesty. We cannot attack them. Entering that fog is like calling for your death. It is what gives them that advantage over us and no one dares go beyond the landmark save for the fact he wishes not live anymore," Ciaus voiced out.
"I know and I understand but I need you all to understand that either we up our game or the mating season would not hold this year," Nickolaj threatened.
"What? The mating season is one to which all werewolves look up. You cannot just scrap it? If you do, how would you control the urges and stuff? It would be a rampage and a weak point. Imagine if they attacked."
"Although Lord Narvi is right, I do not think it is a weakness," Lady Elena chipped in. "If I may, your majesty," she bowed her head to him, waiting for him to give her the go-ahead.
"Go on."
"Thank you, your majesty. Yes, I can be a standpoint weakness but most times they are savaged. More like it feels as though they are ruled by it. Their senses, they want to consummate that period so even if any vampire attack, it would be a doomsday parade as they would be in danger."
"So you are saying what, Lady Elena?" Another female council member cut in, looking at her in confusion as though silently telling her not to say what she is saying.
"I am not saying this should be the initial plan, Lady Flora. All I am saying is that it can be a good and nice backup plan in case we cannot find their king and base before the mating season."
"Okay, throw open your suggestion."
"Peradventure we can't find them, we can allow the news of the upcoming mating season circulate and the participation thereof. Obviously, word would get to them, so they would think us vulnerable but that is not the goal. You can choose to prevent it from really happening on the said night and get ready weapons for your wolves. Once their attack begins, we unleash."
No one spike. Everyone was silent. She suggested they render a sacred event into an all killing one.
What madness could that be and although they did not want to support the motion, they could not lie that their current predicament was way worse than what was been suggested and that seemed like a crazy mad plan the vampires wouldn't be thinking of.
"Hmm, so I am leaving this open to the council member. What say you on the matter?" Nickolaj finally broke the silence.
He knew most of them did not want to agree to such an idea but given the circumstances. If they could not ensure that they had struck the vampires were it hurt and they would not attack to disturb them during the mating season so what guarantee was there?
"Though this is not our way, I support Lady Elena," it was Lord Narvi that spoke. "Yes it remains absurd but it might just work.
"Good. Two down, ten more to go, council members."
"Sorry, your majesty but I believe the question we should all be asking ourselves is, are we willing to risk this once in a year time for this attack?"
"If we cannot gain grounds on the vampires, I fear there would not be another year mating season to celebrate when all of your wolves are in fear and constant hiding. Kill one to save a thousand. This time, take out one mating season to capture your enemy."
Everyone's gaze immediately fell on the one who spoke. Lord Cory tsked away as he averted his own gaze to Nickolaj. "Sire I believe you already have your answer. Now the council would vote."
Nodding his head at Cory, Nickolaj placed both hands on the table in front of him and when he looked up at them again, they could see the colour of his eyes change and his fangs came out.
"All in favour of having the next mating season as our attack period if things do not work out well in our favour before then raise your hands."
DRUMBEAT ROLLED
And the next moment, the whole room became very dark. Elena raised her hand, and a spotlight shone on her. Narvi followed suit and the same thing happened.
By and by, all of them present finally agreed, coming to a unanimous decision.
"So be it," Nickolaj presided, hitting his small hammer on the small pedestal in front of him and the light returned back to the room.
Just when he was about to take his seat to rest and listen to what other suggestions or matter his council members would bring up, Narvi stood up from his seat and bowed to him then faced the others.
"Now that is a countermeasure plan. What is your own plan, your majesty? According to the report, they are gaining grounds."