Chapter 59 "I think we might need a bigger airship"
Alpha
The Alpha's office was dimly lit, with tall shelves of ancient books that had collected dust over the years. The heavy oak desk in the center was strewn with maps, scrolls, and various documents, all bearing the insignia of the Wolf Clan. The air was heavy with the scent of leather-bound volumes and an earthy musk. Alpha, a large and imposing wolf with a regal bearing, sat behind his desk, his intense eyes scanning the reports from the front lines.
His office door swung open, his butler waving the squad in. The first to walk in and stop before the desk was Bloodthrone, followed by Storm, and Shadowfang, their faces somber, with fresh wounds from their encounter in Violet's domain. Nyx was getting medical care at this time.
Alpha looked up, his gaze penetrating, and his eyes sharp and calculating, addressed the squad. "I've been informed about the incident in capturing the timber zone. The retreat was unexpected." He motioned for them to start, "Report," he commanded, his voice steady and deep.
Bloodthrone spoke first. "Alpha, we've returned from the territory outside our borders. We were tracking a possible threat, or target, when we encountered the mechanical spiders."
Shadowfang continued, "We tried to engage and eliminate the threat. But they were unlike any foe we've faced before."
Storm added, "They had incredible speed and agility. We managed to take down a few, but not without cost."
Sadly Bloodthrone spoke, “We lost Hunter to an elite mechanical spider. It was nothing like I have ever seen before. It was massive, and stood like a beastman, but it used a style of magic I had never seen before.
Alpha studied his packmates and then turned his attention to the maps and documents on his desk. "Mechanical spiders, you say? And our borders were breached. Is this a new weapon from the bugs?"
Bloodthrone nodded. "Yes, Alpha. But that's not all. It was a domain, the enemy forces we encountered seemed to possess powerful abilities. It seems to be managed by someone. My gut is telling me it might be a scion. They have transformed the territory we found into something entirely different, with constructs and devices unlike anything we've ever seen."
The Alpha's eyes narrowed in thought. "You mentioned domain. What more can you tell me about her?"
Storm hesitated before answering. "For one thing, Sir, boss, umm, Nyx told of the poison hedge that marked the territories boundaries, just like a dungeon might. Umm… plus they had gargoyles not just spiders. It is an enigma, Alpha, sir. We couldn't capture any of them, we barely escaped, and we underestimated what happened there. We couldn’t even find any evidence of the scout squad. We don’t know their strength. The powers are... unnatural, it reminded me of training in the dungeon."
Alpha leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable. "I see. Does this domain pose a threat to our clan? I will convene the war council to discuss this matter.”
Shadowfang spoke, but there was fear in his voice, "Alpha, I suggest a coordinated attack. We gather our strongest warriors, plan our moves carefully, and strike. I am confident it will be the spider's downfall."
“You are an idiot, and I should rip off your head,” the Alpha ragged, “Do you forget that I am fighting a great war against the bugs. If I were to pull our A grades and high rankers off the battlefield, it would collapse and the bugs would march on the city.”
Alpha took a deep breath and pointed at the squad leader, “answer my question.”
Bloodthrone spoke, “I don’t think they are currently a threat sir, because as we pulled back they didn’t follow. Their air units could have hounded us on our retreat, but they didn’t. They only took the slaves. The hairs on my neck are telling me this is a dungeon.”
Alpha’s smile spread across his face. Besides the loss of resources and a few troops, a dungeon is a powerful source of power. Thinking of their own dungeon and how it pushed the clan forward. Thoughts of greed and power pushed to the forefront, if they could capture this dungeon, or even raid it, think of the rare loot and levels they could gain.
“What rank or level do you think this dungeon is at?”
Storm spoke up, “It is a higher level then we are sir. I think either B rank or A rank teams only. Hunter was top level at C rank, and he put up a fight but lost.”
Alpha nodded.
Bloodthrone cleared his throat for a brief second, “Sir, I would like to have a chance to go back. I hate that we lost. I will keep training my squad, but I think we should be given a chance to prove we are valuable.”
Alpha spoke softly, “but first, you need rest and healing." Then he smiled, “Then I am sending you to the perfect training grounds. The front line of our current assault with the bugs. The higher A ranks can put you through the test. If you live, you will get your chance when we move to take the new dungeon.”
The Alpha rose from his seat and approached a small cabinet, retrieving a vial filled with a glowing, healing elixir. He handed it to Shadowfang, who nodded his thanks and passed it to Bloodthrone.
Alpha spoke with authority, "You three have done well to return and share this information. Now, rest and recover. I want a full written report on my desk in the next two hours."
As they left the Alpha's office, Bloodthrone, Storm, and Shadowfang shared a collective glance, knowing that the Alpha's decision would have far-reaching consequences for their clan. The dungeon, or the strange domain had brought a new challenge, and the fate of the Wolf Clan hung in the balance.
Then Shadowfang spoke, “I am happy you were wrong, Storm, we aren’t dead yet, we are going to die on the front lines.”
The three of them shared a sad laugh as they walked down the hallway to find Nyx to give the potion too.
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Violet
I am not built for meetings.
Ah, the age-old sentiment expressed by many who have endured seemingly endless meetings.
I remember my mom's frustration at the hospital, and it is a sentiment shared by countless individuals who have found themselves in marathon discussions that could have been efficiently communicated through a concise email. It's a testament to the need for effective communication and time management in the modern world. My mom explained that some clutched their caffeinated beverages as if they were lifelines, while others exchanged knowing glances that conveyed the shared sentiment that lay beneath the surface: "Here we go again."
Well, I don’t live in the modern world, and I don’t have email.
The meeting had been going on for about an hour after I told them I started my plan on building an airship.
The very Idea of a council meeting will now trigger an audible sigh or eye roll from me in the future. I enjoyed working one on one with my Scions. I think next time, small groups. Current future prospect of gathering to deliberate, discuss, and decide on matters of importance was undoubtedly necessary, especially in running the domain but it rarely elicited excitement.
Instead, it often conjured visions of long-winded discussions, conflicting viewpoints, and the inexorable passage of time.
As the council members eagerly filed into the meeting room, over an hour ago, they carried with them a sense of duty, tinged with a hint of resignation.
Yet, despite the collective weariness that often accompanied such gatherings, the council meeting remained a critical forum for addressing the challenges and decisions that shaped their community or organisation. And so, with a mixture of reluctance and determination, we settled into our seats, ready to embark on another session of deliberation and decision-making, fully aware that, for better or worse, it was a necessary part of their roles.
In the heart of my dominion, down in the meeting room, hidden within the depths of my enchanting temple, I called a meeting with my trusted scions and Oath bound. The air was alive with magic, worry and there were whispered secrets between all those who gathered around the round table.
I was piloting my most powerful body at this point, with Nightmare’s help I was able to create my crimson hair cascading like a waterfall down my back, and began my address. My unmatched eyes glowed with determination as I spoke. "My loyal scions, and Oath Bound, we stand on the precipice of a grand endeavour. We managed to push back the enemies at our gates, and I believe the time has come to construct the airship that will carry us beyond my borders and reach the realms where the other humans are. But to do so, we must carefully select our crew.”
As I laid out my grand vision for the airship, the atmosphere among my scions grew heavy with scepticism. Azrael, Goliath, and Hades exchanged glances, their expressions fraught with doubt. It was Goliath who voiced their concerns.
"Violet, I admire your ambition, but is this truly the wisest course of action? Building an airship would deplete significant resources, resources that could be better allocated to strengthening our dominion and protecting our realm."
My scions, each bearing their own unique abilities and strengths, listened intently.
Grace, ever the practical thinker, chimed in, "Goliath's right. We've managed to keep our dominion hidden for now and we have defended our people, for now. Embarking on such a venture would draw even more unwanted attention from neighbouring realms and beings that might not have our best interests at heart."
Oliver placed his heavy hand down on the table, “Think of what the wolf clan would do, if it found out you had air travel technology. No one has that. Not even Gungrave.”
I, though resolute, couldn't deny the validity of their concerns. I sighed, "I understand your apprehension. However, consider the potential rewards. Our dominion could expand into new realms, creating alliances that could further safeguard our home. The resources we acquire on our journey will also benefit our people."
“Plus, you are forgetting the number one reason I want this airship. I am going to save more humans from those work camps. With a small team, we are going to come in the dark of night, and rescue as many humans as we can, and bring them back here. If we don’t, then we will never save them.”
The room reflected on the idea of what I had just said. All the scions remember the joys of the little girl seeing her father safe. Jack remembers her own people’s attempt at freedom, and not all of them had made it. I knew I had them, no one could argue the importance of saving as many as we could.
Jack broke the silence, "Violet, you know that our people will be essential to the airship's operation. I will ensure that I can guide us and avoid storms of all kinds from our path."
I nodded in agreement, acknowledging the importance of Jack’s role. "Your leadership of the humans will be invaluable, Jack. But we must also consider the physical aspects of the ship. Scion Hades, with your incredible strength and abilities, I believe that you should come.
“Smartest thing you ever said, I am incredible,” the fire gargoyle smiled as he sat back into his care.
I nodded and continued with my planned points for the meeting, “My new dolls, with the help of Nightmare, shall oversee the ship's construction. I will also be leaning on the Librarians for their help."
“I object to that,” Goibniu raised his little Canadian Fox hand, “You will need the help of myself, and at least three of my smiths. We can help you with the rune work, and outfitting the ship.”
“Deal,” I smiled.
Goibniu crossed his cute little arms and nodded his head. I just love how cute he is! I could just squish him up. Cute aggression is a thing after all.
At this point the research counter finally reached zero, and I smiled. The research project was finished. After this meeting, I can’t wait to dive into it. It was going to be a game changer.
Oliver, a massive and sturdy presence among the Oath Bound, nodded. "Aye, Lady Violet. I'll ensure that our vessel is solid and fortified, able to withstand any challenges that come our way. Maybe Grace and I could even come help save a few ourselves."
Lastly, Violet turned to Azrael, one of my first scions and one of the most powerful within the scion ranks. "Azrael, your role is equally crucial. We may encounter perilous situations, and your power to mend and restore will be our lifeline."
Azrael's gentle shark smile radiates joy as she accepts her role. Using her whale voice she spoke, "I am at your service, Violet. My skills will ensure the well-being of our crew."
My voice grew resolute. "The remaining scions shall focus on our arcane defences, help develop new trap rooms and maintain the traps or boundaries that shield our dominion. I trust you all to select capable and loyal beings from our world to join this journey."
Azrael, Grace and Oliver, and Goliath, the pillars of my council, nodded in unity. I continued, "With the crew and our combined powers, we shall bring the airship to life. Our destination is unknown, but we go with the purpose of exploring and discovering new realms, securing allies, and expanding our influence."
“The crew is going to be: Azrael, Jack, Goibniu, Hades, Grace and Oliver. I am going to need a bigger “air” boat.”
They all laughed, but I just kept thinking of shark teeth.
The scions exchanged determined glances. They had unwavering faith in their leader's vision. With their roles defined and the plan set in motion, they would bring the airship to fruition, embark on their grand adventure, and face the uncharted skies with courage in their hearts.
I just thought to myself: Time to start building some trap rooms now that my airship is underway.