37 - The Bear's Secret

*Nemesia's POV*

The camp buzzed with activity as the morning light filtered through the trees, casting a golden hue over the tents and the warriors who moved purposefully between them. David's camp was well-organized, with a disciplined air that reminded me of my time in the royal courts. The soldiers here were focused, their loyalty to David evident in every gesture. Yet, beneath this veneer of order, I sensed the underlying tension—war had a way of unsettling even the most steadfast.

Evar, Murphey, and I stood near the entrance of our designated tent, discussing our next steps when a commotion caught our attention. A group of David's knights, flanked by a handful of Jaguar warriors, were dragging a massive, heavily muscled man toward one of the larger tents.

"Who's that?" Murphey asked, his voice low and cautious.

I narrowed my eyes, recognizing the telltale signs of the Bear Clan—thick, coarse hair, a build that seemed more beast than man, and deep-set eyes that glared defiantly at his captors.

"That's a Bear Clan warrior," I murmured. "Looks like they captured him alive. This could be our chance."

Evar glanced at me, his expression serious. "Do you think we can trust him? Bears are known for their brute strength, not their subtlety."

"We don't need subtlety," I replied, watching as the warrior was unceremoniously shoved into the tent. "We need information and a way to contact his people. If we can gain his trust, he might just provide that."

Murphey nodded thoughtfully. "If David's men are holding him for interrogation, they'll keep him under heavy guard. We'll need a plan to approach him without raising suspicion."

I took a deep breath, already formulating a strategy. "First, we need to make contact with him. Let's see if we can convince David to let me speak with the prisoner. He trusts me, and if I position it as an attempt to gather intelligence, he might allow it."

Evar looked sceptical but nodded in agreement. "It's risky, but it could work. We'll need to be careful—David isn't stupid, and the last thing we want is to tip him off."

With our plan set, we made our way to David's command tent. He was already deep in conversation with a few of his commanders, but when he saw us approach, he waved them off and turned his attention to us.

"Nemesia, Murphey, Evar," he greeted warmly. "What brings you here this morning?"

"There's a matter I'd like to discuss with you," I began, choosing my words carefully. "I noticed that one of your patrols brought in a Bear Clan warrior. I believe he might have valuable information that could help us in our fight. With your permission, I'd like to speak with him."

David raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "You think you can get him to talk? Bears are notoriously stubborn—they don't give up their secrets easily."

I offered him a confident smile. "I have my ways. If we can learn more about their movements or weaknesses, it could give us the upper hand."

He seemed to consider this for a moment before nodding. "Very well. I'll authorize it. But be careful—he's dangerous, and I don't want you taking any unnecessary risks."

"Of course," I replied, grateful for his trust. "Thank you, David."

With his approval secured, we left the tent and went to where the Bear Clan warrior was being held. Two guards stood at the entrance, their expressions hard as they watched us approach.

"We're here to speak with the prisoner," I informed them, holding up the writ David had given me.

They exchanged glances before stepping aside, allowing us to enter the dimly lit tent. Inside, the Bear Clan warrior was bound to a heavy wooden chair, his wrists shackled with silver manacles making it impossible for him to shift. His eyes, sharp and filled with fury, locked onto mine as we stepped closer.

"I'm Nemesia," I said calmly, my voice steady. "We're here to talk, but first, I need to know if you're willing to listen."

The warrior's lips curled into a sneer. "Talk? The only talking I'll do is when I'm free, tearing your camp apart."

Evar stepped forward, his tone calm but firm. "We're not your enemy. If you help us, we can help you."

The warrior spat on the ground, his contempt clear. "Why should I trust any of you? You're Wolves, no better than the Jaguars."

"Because we're not here to serve the Lycans," I replied, my voice low and serious. "We're here to take them down."

That caught his attention. The defiance in his eyes wavered, replaced by a glimmer of curiosity. "What do you mean?"

I leaned closer, my gaze locking with his. "We're rebels, fighting to bring down the Lycan royalty and its rulers. But we need allies—strong ones who know the land and the enemy. Help us, and we'll ensure your people are not only free from Lycan oppression but that they have a chance to strike back."

He studied me for a long moment as if weighing the truth of my words. Finally, he spoke, his tone cautious but no longer hostile. "If you're telling the truth, then I'll help you. But know this—if you betray us, there won't be a place in this world where you'll be safe from the wrath of the Bear Clan."

"I wouldn't expect anything less," I replied, a faint smile playing at the corners of my lips. "Now, tell us how we can contact your people."

The warrior's gaze shifted to Murphey and Evar, then back to me. "There's a signal—a pattern of fires in the mountains. Light them in the right sequence, and my people will know it's a message from one of their own."

Murphey nodded. "That could work, but we'll need to move quickly. David won't keep him here for long, especially if he thinks the Bears might try to rescue him."

"We'll need to make it look like an escape," Evar added, already thinking ahead. "If the Bears think he was captured and managed to escape on his own, it'll keep our involvement hidden."

I turned back to the Bear Clan warrior. "What's your name?"

"Gunnar," he replied, his tone begrudgingly respectful.

"Alright, Gunnar," I said, meeting his gaze. "We'll get you out of here, but we need you to trust us. Follow our lead, and you'll be free by nightfall."

Gunnar nodded, his expression grim but resolute. "I'll do my part. Just make sure you do yours."

With our plan set, we left the tent and began preparing for the escape. We'd need to move swiftly and decisively, coordinating with the Bear Clan while keeping David and his men in the dark.

As we moved through the camp, I felt the weight of the task ahead. The stakes were high, and any misstep could spell disaster. But with Gunnar's help and our team's skill, I knew we had a chance to turn the tide in this war.

"We need to find a way to light those fires without anyone noticing anyone of us are gone," Murphey said as we regrouped near our tent. "It has to be subtle, or David's men will catch on."

Evar nodded in agreement. "We'll also need to make sure Gunnar is ready to move the moment we signal his people. Timing will be everything."

"I'll handle the signal," I said, determination hardening my voice. "You two make sure everything's in place for the escape."

They both nodded, trusting in the plan. As night began to fall, we moved with purpose, each of us knowing that tonight could be the turning point in our fight.

Athena's voice echoed in my mind, her presence a steady reassurance. "I'm so excited Nem! The Bears will be valuable allies and the Lycans will never see the coming! Maybe I'll be able to spar with some of them! I think some of them can match my size!" Yes, she seemed excited.

I took a deep breath, steeling myself for what lay ahead. "We'll see, Athena. We will see..."