Falling in Love with the King of Beasts

RETH

Reth growled, but Aymora didn't drop the knife she'd levelled at him, just raised an eyebrow. "I am practical," she said dryly. "I don't desire death for anyone. But when one person's death might save the lives of many others, it's a valid protection of the people. And when that person is someone who has proven to run in circles of evil… there is no question in my mind. Remove him from the city as you will any of the others who remain dark."

"But he isn't dark anymore, Aymora, that's my point," Reth pushed out of the chair he'd been sitting in and began to pace the floor. "He saw the light and followed it. He did the right thing. I will wait to see what threat is formed by his presence—if there even is one at all."

"What do you envision, though, Reth," Behryn asked firmly. "Even if he's good. Even if his every intention is loyal now—which I would question—what do you envision for him? To be a prisoner for the rest of his life? Freedom? You cannot have him walking the trails of the Tree City. Even if his intentions were good, he would keep thoughts and feelings of rebellion alive, just by being seen. Hell, some of our citizens might kill him for their perceived threat!"

"I am aware," Reth muttered. "I do not plan to free the wolf—not here. But I am not certain I can kill him. Not after what he did to right the wrongs he helped create. But I'm also not going to make a decision until I'm certain. And as long as he is here, I'm going to use him to my advantage. He's a tool provided by the Creator. One I will use gladly."

Aymora rolled her eyes, "He is a tool provided by your mercy and kindhearted willingness to forgive, Reth. A quality I admire in you normally. But a quality that puts us at threat right now."

"You are under no threat from Lerrin! But I will not make decisions now in speculation! Nothing in this conflict, these days, has gone as I would have expected. Not one thing! I will not now determine that I can see into the future, and take a male's life based in my own fear. I had him analyzed. His heart is true."

"Now. But it wasn't. For a long time. That is the very definition of inconsistent," Brant said quietly.

"Which is why he will remain a prisoner," Reth growled. "But your arguments only make me more certain I am right, so we should move on. I am sick of blood and death. I was glutted this morning. I will not invite more that might be avoided." He pulled the chair out and dropped into it, leaning on the table towards the others who all watched him warily. "What we need to do is prepare for tomorrow's council with the wolves. We need to find a way to bring the tribes together. How do I convince the people to allow them to come back, assuming the wolves are willing?"

Everyone was quiet for a moment, but Reth just waited, looking at each of them in turn until Behryn said, reluctantly, "Remind them that they those who are still alive had a chance to fight—to kill—and didn't. That they honored the Alpha challenge, and they listened to reason, even in the midst of high emotion. That is proof of their consideration, if not their loyalty."

Aymora's lips were thin, but she put down the knife and opened her hands. "Remind them that the sooner this conflict is behind us, the sooner we can return to normal life."

Reth nodded at both of them. "I can understand why our people won't want to turn their backs on an old enemy though. Simply having the wolves in the Tree City isn't enough. There must be a way to bring the peoples together so that they can… relax around each other."

They all stared at each other, but very soon it became apparent that none of them had a solid idea. Finally Brant said, "This is a question for the councils. Let the people who walk the trails every day—and will have to walk alongside their former enemies—let them tell you what they think is needed to bring unity. Sometimes they see problems differently than we do."

"And if they have no ideas?"

"Then you should question whether they even want to be reunified. If neither our people or theirs can suggest ways to help, or we can't find agreement between them, you may be forced to find another way to solve this." Brant lay back on his cot and sighed. "I don't envy you this, Reth," he said slowly. "I admire your willingness to walk into it, and I pray we can be successful. But I would not be in your shoes if this goes bad."

"Thank you for the reassurance, Brant," Reth said dryly.

"Always happy to help," the older male grinned.

"I can't believe you let them convene before coming to meet us," Aymora grumbled. "They could be planning a take-over even now. That was how all of this started, remember?"

"Not with less than a half of their numbers, and after watching their Alpha submit," Reth growled. "At best they can plan an underground movement. But they will not be able to increase their numbers for some time… no I think we are safe from any attack, bar assassination. At least, in the short term."

"Great, then let's just worry about the long-term," Behryn snipped. 

Reth stared him down. "I have plans in place for the short term, as well. To ensure we are safe. Don't toy with me right now."

"I'm not toying—"

"Don't bait me, then. I have asked Suhle to connect with the wolves. She's trusted among them, and was seen in the higher levels. She will be able to tell us if there is any… unrest."

Brant nodded. "Good plan."'

"But not foolproof," Aymora said.

"Nothing is," Reth replied. "That's why we pray."

******

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