398 The Road to War - Part 2

LERRIN

Lerrin made no sound, only faced down the older, but slightly smaller Craye, who shifted his weight under the sudden compulsion from Lerrin to submit. He wasn't an overly strong or fit wolf. The Spymaster's formidable weapon was his mind. Lerrin did not underestimate that.

"You challenge me, Craye?" he asked, so quietly, he wondered if those nearby—who had all frozen when he shouted—would hear it.

"No, Sire, I simply need you to understand: Not all the bears are sleeping yet. They are very late, but there are still eyes in that valley."

"And I'm telling you, I don't care. Pull the wolves out. I am not committing genocide on the bears for any reason."

"You said—"

"I said I would consider it. I said I left them there as a last resort. I no longer need nor want them in place. Return them here before I come back from this mission, or I will lay your belly open and string you up by your guts."