THE WOLF’S HOWL

Philip, Azul, Mardukas and other white wolf officers were all gathered around a large table gazing at a map as someone was explaining the scenario. The wind which had calmed a while ago was picking up again, such that its whistle could be heard.

"Sir, we are here, as you can see on the map," said the person explaining, pointing his figure at the south end of the map. "About 30 miles north of our location is the territory of Commander Orthos, as well as the mainland." The man continued, pointing at the various locations on the map, as he went on. "The enemy would be beyond fools if they venture there." He added.

"Sir, Commander Orthos has already stationed his troops at the border as per my request." Mardukas added facing Azul.

"Right, moving on, Sir there are three possible exits from the area, one towards Aube, the second towards Tigris and the last towards Garta." Said the man from before, pointing at the East, west and South ends of the map.

"We have the total strength of 1300 strong in the region awaiting your command; also, we have not yet confirmed the enemy's location or number, Sir."

Philip nodded, observing the map he placed camp markers, "The enemy camp can be here, here or here," placing the markers to the northeast, northwest, and the top center of the map. "Expecting they knew about our location,"

"But Sir how would they know?" A young officer asked but immediately his expression grew as if he had committed a mistake. "Young one, it's always wiser to expect an enemy to be at their best, also they ransacked our posts" Philip smiled at the officer, "Move the troops exactly as I tell you to. Hmmm, right. Send four Warcra squads to the central camp site. Tell three of them to be at stand-by when near enough, no need to charge in straight. Elvib 5 and 8 towards where Elvib 9 was eliminated. Also tag the fourth Warcra with them."

"Next Station five rafters in an attack formation near the northeastern camp site, better send a Drago with them. Lastly I want one of each, the Elvib scouts, the Warcra soldiers, the Rafter warriors and the Drago elites to cross the river and approach the northwestern camp site, tell the rest of the squads to cover this whole exit, Garta that is, No one escapes." "But sir," The same officer started again "assuming the enemy knows our location why would they try to go to Garta? Why waste so many troops here?"

Philip looked at him again, "My dear, it's based on that assumption of yours that I am stationing troops here, because the best escape route would be from Garta, if the enemy were to think of us thinking the way you said. Always expect the enemy to be one step ahead."

The men hurried to carry out his instructions.

............................................................

ASSASSIN'S CAMP

Ken in Kai's body sat cross-legged facing Allen, His eyes their original color, an orangish almost rustic crimson.

"Well, well, well, look who it is, Allen the master Assassin or so I hear," Ken spoke with a sarcastic smile across Kai's face.

"Good to see you to Kenny," Allen's reply was in a similar tone, "so this is the boy, eh?"

Ken kept smiling as his eyes scoured the setting. "Why did you call me?" he spoke this time with a measured voice.

"Kenny, Kenny, calm down, always in a haste; we are old friends, aren't we?"

"Hah," Ken snorted aloud, "No not really. Not at all"

"Always so dead straight to the point, Kenny if I didn't know any better, I would say you didn't like me, Ha-ha." Allen maintained his lively attitude.

Ken shook his head, "Well if that's all then ..."

"Woah, woah, wait wait, you remember Alamut, don't you?" A thin smile ran across the assassin's face as well.

"Don't make me remember that hell hole." Rolling his eyes at memories he would rather not remember Ken answered.

"Hah, well sorry but do you remember that little favor you owe me?"

"Regrettably, I don't know what it is that you are talking about." Ken had his sights fixed on a teacup as he spoke again.

"Don't be like that, we are buds, aren't we? Now about that favor."

"We are no such thing..." Ken finally looked up at Allen who had a smile on his face. "What do you want?"

"Right, as you know I am up against old man Philip and if I remember correctly that geezer hasn't lost a single battle." Allen glanced at a nearby map and continued, "I am planning to change the score" he paused as his eyes settled back on Ken, "I am planning to outwit Philip."

The dead seriousness in the air was broken almost immediately as Ken burst out laughing.

"Hahaha, I would love to see you try,"

"Oh no no no, you are going to help me deal with him."

"You do know there are certain things that I am not at liberty to do, right?" Ken replied with an eyebrow raised.

"You won't have to do anything too extreme, just do as I say." Allen spoke as he clapped his hands together making his move.

"Sure."

.....................

CYER'S POSITION

Cyer and his assassins were making their way back to camp,

"Cyer, Its Karren, she was poisoned, she won't make it if we don't stop and treat her." One of the Assassins said indicating towards a wounded comrade.

Cyer stopped, "if we do treat her wounds, we won't make it...", Cyer thought for a while.

"Cyer what is your command? Should we dispose of her?"

Karren, who was injured looked up at Cyer, the tiniest bit of fear in her eyes. Cyer looked at her, nodded and spoke. "Set up a defensive perimeter and treat her wounds quickly, we don't have much time."

Karren breathed a sigh of relief as the other Assassins set to work.

....................................

PHILIP'S CAMP

"Sir the troops are making way as we speak, they will be at their designated positions within the hour, Elvib 9 is confirmed dead, not a single survivor."

"I see..., I wonder who the enemy leader is..."

"Sir Reports say its someone called Gus."

"Gus, eh... never heard of him, let's see what he can do..."

........................................

ALLEN'S CAMP

"Cyer still hasn't returned has he?" Allen asked Gus.

"No Allen, not yet."

"I see, Gus, start packing up!"

"Without Cyer?"

"Yes, start now."

"If you say so."

Gus left the room whispering.

Ken looked up at Allen, while drinking coffee.

"This is bad," said Allen looking over a map.

"What happened?"

"Well for starters there are over 1300 enemies and only 15 or 16 of us.... And it seems that the geezer is on to us. He has dispatched troops to all three possible camp sites that includes ours."

"Well let's see a large contingent here intending for us to withdraw deeper into the forest, seeing that we can't go back to Aube, our north is blocked by Commander Orthos and to the south is the enemy Command center... into the forest eh..."

"That's tough..." said Ken taking another sip.

"Tell me about it, apparently he also dispatched a large contingent to the western exit cutting our prime escape route and a few scouts to the river camp to keep us on our heels... A complex pincer movement ... ehh... damn he is good," Allen punched the map in frustration.

"So, what's your plan?" Ken inquired gently shaking the cup in his hand to mix the contents.

"I can't say that all of my men will survive ... rather most will die." Allen replied smiling at Ken

"Woah, hey hey I thought you were strictly against getting your own men being killed,"

"I am"

"Then what do you mean by most will die?"

"Hey now, is the demon worrying about my little men?"

"No, not really, but this action of yours will require me to reanalyze you"

"Hahaha, well don't worry old friend, I only brought 5 of my own men. The rest of them are Guradian assassins, their attempt at copying my team. They did a good job too, but you see, keeping them alive, well that will prove bad for business ... I am a mercenary after all" Allen said with a light laugh.

"Heheh, same old same old eh, I see" Ken replied relaxing again.

"Still, I will be using them to the best of their abilities, or rather as I see fit."

"Hmmm" replied Ken finishing his Coffee.

...

"Gus" Allen called out, his hand casually stroking his blonde hair.

"Yes Allen?"

"Tell Cyer, message him to haste towards the western exit with his men," He gave his orders in an light tone that in a way merged with urgency.

"Are you serious ?! that's suicide looking at the present scenario" Guss understanding the situation almost blurt out.

"Just do as your told," Allen answered rather dismissively

"Sure..."

"Also leave for the same camp yourself" Allen added almost as an afterthought.

"But..." alarmed Gus protested.

"Keeping you alive is a part of the mission but that doesn't mean I will not use your abilities. Now go!" Allen who was not fond of repeating his instructions replied now with a more forceful voice.

"Right," Gus left muttering under his breath.

"Who is that guy?" Ken asked observing the map.

"He is the finest assassin the garuda has trained and the only one which we were tasked to keep alive." Allen replied his voice back to its lighter self.

"Is he any good?" Ken raised a brow.

"Yeah, he is quite good indeed, almost as good as Cyer."

"Cyer?"

"My apprentice" Allen smiled

"Woah, wait ... you took on an apprentice... You?" Ken was genuinely surprised.

"I know right! Anyway, Cyer is still better than Gus" Allen spoke in understanding with an excitement that hinted at being sarcastic.

"In what way? Assassinations, strength, special abilities?" Without brooding Ken carried on with his inquiry.

"naah naah, Cyer is a human plain and simple and in all those things he would be considered at par with Gus."

"Then why do you say he is better?"

"Because... He is my apprentice" Allen answered with pride? In his voice, or maybe that too was false.

"I see... what's your plan?" Ken paused.

"Plan... please... we just have to get the hell outta here, direct confrontation is suicide." Allen laughingly replied.

"Then?"

"Well, Cyer and Gus have to escape from the west exit. I am guessing next to zero chances of success but if it's Cyer even a single chance should work... if they really try" He had a mischievous expression on his face.

"Ahaan"

"Next you remain here with two Squads and create a diversion... while I escape with my men" Allen finished looking at Ken.

"... Seriously? That's your plan to outwit Philip?" Ken's words sounded disappointed to say the least.

"Yup it's so simple that it has to work." The answer was made in a matter of factly way

"It's stupid" Ken was quick to point out.

"It will work." The assassin answered.

"It won't."

"Want a bet?"

"You're on."

"loser has to do fulfil one command of the winner. Our standard rules," Allen was grinning now.

"Deal."

Both Ken and Allen shook hands while smiling wildly.

"So, what am I going to have to do?" Ken asked

"Stay here and when the time comes make enough fireworks."

"I am going to tell the men here that you are in charge, feel free to use them anyway you like."

"Yeah, yeah, whatever"

.......................................................

CYER'S POSITION

"Cyer a message just came through Allen wants us to haste towards the west camp."

"Can Karren move?"

"No Cyer, it would be easier if we leave her, rather decommission her."

Cyer looked at Karren who was bandaged, she nodded.

"Yes Cyer, I will only get in the way."

Cyer nodded and made his way towards her, his arms drawn. Karren closed her eyes waiting for a slash or stab but to her amazement she felt being lifted.

"I will carry her. Now hurry we must make haste if it's Allen's command." Cyer said and immediately started moving. The group surprised, changed their direction as well and started towards their destination.

........................................

PHILIP'S CAMP

"Sir, the troops from the Elvib squads are sweeping through the river camp, reports suggest no one is there."

"No one... that's odd..." Philip traced his light beard. "Mardukas, order them to set up camp there and wait for an enemy advance"

"Sir, yes Sir"

"Have the four squads reached the western exit yet?"

"No sir, for some reason they left just a few moments ago."

"Strange indeed. Dispatch four more squads with them, same constitution."

"Yes, Sir."

"Have there been any strange rumors in the surrounding areas?"

"Not exactly Sir, but some villagers have reported seeing strange people, upon investigation it turned out to be a farce, a pity attempt to degrade a rival."

"Hmmm, I wonder… Have the Rafters reached the third site?"

"They will be there shortly, Sir."

Philip walked away from the map, "Lastly call Azul."

"Sir yes, Sir."

"I have an errand for him to run."

......................................................

CYER'S POSITION

"Cyer, something is wrong, the river camp site we left, it's crawling with enemy troops about hundreds of them, they are on to us". An assassin spoke softly observing the surroundings.

"That might be, but they still don't know our exact location." Cyer was calm in his response.

"Should we take a detour, or should we go through them?" there was a general impatience growing.

"The bridge to the other side is within the camp limits so we have to go through. "Cyer maintaining his calm answered in a measured tone.

"How?" The assassins were looking up at Cyer.

"You are supposed to be assassins... I guess we will need some sort of diversion. Who is up for it?" Cyer was from the guild and these assassins were from the garuda so he naturally did not expect as much but he could not help containing his disappointment.

Everyone looked at him.

"Argh, I guess that's me, I will make a diversion, when you find it possible go through. You are on your own. Do not get caught. I will meet you on the other side" Cyer curtly gave out his instructions before he along with Karren set out in a different direction leaving the remaining three assassins to ponder.

"Are we going to Die?" Karren asked a while later.

"We died the day we carried out the first assassination," Cyer was cold in his reply as he set her down by a tree.

He soon after made his way from plant to plant, Karren who had pulled herself into a more comfortable position asked, "What are you doing?"

"Preparing gifts for our guest"

"Are we going to make it out of here alive?"

"That's the second time you have asked such a question. And I can't say for sure. The odds are slim."

"Not that I am ungrateful or anything but... Why didn't you leave me behind if you would have done that you could have joined up with Allen, and even here you would have more chances without having to support me." Karren was slightly confused regarding their circumstances and there was still pain that she felt.

"True, true ... but if I could save an ally wasn't it worth it?" Cyer smiled

"No, in doing so you put yourself and three others in danger. Why did you really do it?" She quickly called out his answer looking for a better one.

"To tell you the truth, Instincts. Anyway, we have no concrete proof that the other four including me will die. If we didn't save you, you really would have died." His voice had his usual careful calmness about it.

"I don't get it, how can you let instincts prevail over logic? I know you are going to have all us Guradian assassins except Gus killed anyway so why?"

"You know, eh? Then you should also know that I never agreed to that fate for you, I would rather not lose an ally." Cyer kept about his preparations as he engaged with her.

"You talk nobly. Are you lot really better than us? Are you really as good as they say you are?"

"Funny! how good do they exactly say we are again? Anyway," Cyer added dismissively, "you should know that we are different. You guys and us. You people were taught from books and training, we had to learn ourselves. You were punished for your mistakes. We were killed. Even if in the end we had the same lessons the output for you and us was different."

His straightforward reply had Karren taken aback slightly as she went on.

"I don't really understand"

"Tell me Karren, are you afraid of death?"

"Afraid of death... no, but I would rather live."

"That's where I am different from you, you see I am terrified of death".

"Really... isn't that bad?"

"Depends. you see in every mission our lives are at stake as in this one, we have to win in order to live, or die if we lose. It is because I don't want to die that I win, but then again there are things above life and death as well."

"hmm." Karren was trying to understand the words of the young assassin infront of her, A professional murderer who said he was afraid of death.

"I am glad, you see I saved you because I value life and it is because I value life that I am still alive otherwise I have seen men go down this line and become monsters..."

For Cyer it was a rare moment when he could let out his own thoughts, not that it really mattered but he still wanted to have at least someone know. "Every life that I have taken, I can feel its burden, the people I have killed, the families I have torn, It's like they are waiting for me on the other side waiting for me to die and that scares me."

"I never thought of it that way."

"I am sure you didn't," Cyer regained his slight of composure, "Karren, just a friendly advice, always value life. Oh and I do think we will make it out of here alive, now then." Cyer finished and drew a line in front of Karren.

"Cyer one more thing".

"eh... what?"

"If what you say is true... why are you an assassin?" Karren wanted to know more about this fascinating young man.

"Ha-ha, now that is the question. Well as I said there are things more important than life and death. Let us leave it at that."

Cyer stepped back from the line and thought for a while,

"You know what? I have a better idea. Let's go for now"

"Haan?"

Meanwhile the other three assassins were pondering on how to cross the camp. Cyer appeared back with Karren.

"So, any Ideas??"Cyer asked with a smile "Oh and I thought over it and me being a distraction isn't so inviting an idea after all"

The other assassins nodded, "Also it wouldn't do much good. Cyer, there are almost a hundred men here, I doubt more than fifteen would be distracted with whatever it was that you were planning."

"Ah well ... sure, let's think like that."

"It seems Gus is on his way here; we might as well make it."

"... you know your doubts in my ability are hurtful. Anyway, let us wait for Gus, how long until he gets here?"

"He is here already!!"

"Ah, nice"

Five assassins arrived.

"Still here Cyer? "Gus called out after stopping.

"Yes, my friend still here. It seems our enemy is well prepared" Cyer's tone had a bit of hostility towards the newcomer.

"So, you got a plan or what?"

"Oh, that is a work in progress."

"You do know we need to hurry? An enemy force is also approaching the west camp."

"That's troublesome. I would rather not lose my men." Cyer genuinely went in thought as another contingent by the wolves would really put him in a bind.

"Your men? Don't kid yourself, we were assigned here to fulfill our mission now that its complete listening to you is just a courtesy."

"That may be but"

"We already know you plan to have us all killed."

"..."

"So, if you don't mind, I will be taking command over my men." Gus was done with his respectful act.

"Do as you wish, but at least let them decide themselves." Cyer reading the situation replied calmly.

"Eh, well if it satisfies you" Gus looked around, "Men who want to stay under Cyer's command raise your hands, I will not hold it against you if you do."

No one raised their hand, "See, now then Men lets. "

"Umm, Gus" came a timid voice, "Wah, who said that..." Gus looked around, "Oh it's you Karen, what is it? And what happened, why are you all bandaged?"

"I was poisoned in our last encounter with the enemy, Also I would like to stay with Cyer" An assassin herself she was clear in her request.

"You what... well I guess its ok, you might slow us down anyway." Taken aback at first Gus made up his mind, Karren was a strong warrior but, in her condition, she was as good as dead anyway.

"Yes"

"Well then Cyer, you get to keep Karen, now if you will excuse me," Gus observed the surroundings again and began signaling his assassins.

"You will get everyone killed." Cyer threw out a word of caution.

"They are not as week as you think..."

"Suit yourself"

"What was your plan?" Gus did not like to second guess himself, but he did want to know how Cyer was aiming to address their predicament.

"My plan? It involves waiting here till sundown." Cyer answered looking at the sky.

"We can't do that; the enemy is blocking all the exits." Guess strengthened his resolve.

"I prioritize on getting everyone or at least most of us through here." Cyer spoke.

"I do that too, but we have a mission. And your plan may as well compromise it." Not wanting to look bad in front of his assassins Gus answered immediately.

"Like I said do what you want!!" Cyer adopted his dismissive demeanor.

"I will. Now men, we are going through the charge maneuver 15. Gear up and lets go".

All the assassins except Cyer and Karen, took out their weapons and tools, making ready to charge.

"Right, Lets Go!!!"

They all sprinted like bullets through the trees, upon reaching the vicinity of the camp they unleashed their smoke bombs, nullifying vision, the assassins charged on.

Five minutes later the smoke cleared. On the other side of the bridge stood Gus along with three assassins, while the other four assassins were missing.

Looking over at the Chaos Cyer said to Karen, "Now then, it's almost time, let's go."

*BOOOOOOOM*

The trees shook and intense smoke started spreading. The explosion distracted the White wolves while Cyer slipped amongst them with Karen on his back.

*BOOOOOOOM*

Another explosion, the Wolves again diverted.

Someone caught sight of Cyer and Karen as they crouched through the camp site which was overflowing with men. But before he could raise his voice, a knife slit his throat.

The wolf commander roared out "Idiots, what the heck are you doing looking at the smoke."

"But Sir its... writing something."

"I don't give a fuck about what its writing! The enemy just got through and you idiots are staring at the sky!"

"Sir, we caught four enemy men who tried to get through. Three were poisoned, they will die wherever they are!"

"Sir, there is someone on the far side of the bridge."

"It's the enemy."

"Sir, should we give pursuit?"

"Wait, what was that?"

"Sir another enemy, with someone on his back got through to the other side."

"Sir, your orders?"

.... The camp was in alert and everyone was screaming.

*BOOOOOOOOOOM*

This time the explosion took place inside the camp.

The wolves were in disarray, puzzled and under attack

"Call in the reinforcements. Regroup and chase after them. Also inform the base at once."

On the other side of the bridge Cyer approached with Karen on his back.

"If only you would have waited. " Sighed Cyer

"Bastared! if you had such a plan why didn't you bark out?!" Gus caught hold of Cyer's collar.

"... I told you it was under progress, what was lacking was a bit of a diversion, or night's cover and you provided exactly that. It's sad that you didn't listen to me." Cyer's voice was cruel in a way yet fitting. "Anyway, thanks to you, we lost four men and three are going to die soon" Cyer coolly finished removing Gus's hand. "Now then what do we do?"

Gus looked at Cyer, his eyes full of rage, then he nodded. "Fine, you are in command."

Cyer smiled, then said, "You three, the poison will slowly take effect and will soon parallelize your entire body treating you will take time we don't have. You are going to die anyway, defend that bridge with your last breaths." The three assassins were the same ones who had left Cyer's party earlier; they nodded and moved towards the bridge drawing their weapons.

Cyer then looked at Gus, "We need to hurry towards the west Camp."

"Why are you carrying Karen?" Gus asked regaining his composure.

"Because I want to, now let's move," Cyer replied. They started sprinting towards the west exit while the three on the bridge locked swords with the enemy that approached.

...

ALLEN'S POSITION.

Allen and his group were free running in the trees with an unrealistically fast pace.

"Just three more miles and we are out,"

"ALLEN, there's someone in front of us."

"Shit... Shit shit shit. Stop now."

Allen and his men stopped near the person who was standing in their path. The man looked up at Allen and smiled

"Damn..."

"Now now, my dear is that a way to treat your elders?"

"Philip" Allen said with a half-smile. "That's it men, the gigs over."

"Oh no no no, Allen, you miss understood. I am not here to stop you, When I realized you would leave without dropping by, I decided that I should pay you a visit, for old times' sake. I just wanted a chat. Care for some tea?" Philip stood with a smile on his face, facing an unknown number of assassins.

"You aren't stopping us !!?" Allen was wary, confused and relieved.

"I don't intend too." Philip's tone was as though he was talking to a child.

"Fine, tea it is then." Allen decided to go with the flow.

"Glad you accepted my offer." Philip spoke as he waved his hand in the air dismissively.

"Glad you made it in the first place." Allen looked around as the forest's shadows seemed to retract.

Allen and his men walked with Philip as he led them to a short clearing and arrangement for tea.

"Have a seat my friends"

...

"Now then Allen, my boy, do tell, what brought you here. Surely you did come to meet me but what else?"

"Aah yes, I did miss you, but it was a contract more than that."

"From the Garuda, right?" Philip was looking over at the assassin as a grandparent would a child, a kind loving gaze that saw through.

"Yes, yes from the Garuda" Allen had always felt uncomfortable when Philip saw him like that, he felt belittled, like a child.

"Very bold of them." Philip spoke pouring tea for his guests.

"I know, they intend to start a war." Allen looked as the contents from the pot filled his cup

"So that is what brought you here, trying to ignite a flame?"

"Yeah, that... that's what I came here for" Allen answered carefully.

"Now now Allen what else?" Philip raised an eyebrow as he presented the cup.

"err..." Allen was guarded.

"Don't worry as I said, I have no intention of stopping you" the old man's smile was as gentle as they came.

"We required information, plans and records." Allen resigned himself.

"One more thing. How did you get in this far?"

"We had help. How did you find us?" Allen answered with a counter question.

"I had help. Now who was it that helped you?" Philip decided to play the assassin's game.

"You first." Allen spoke narrowing his eyes.

"Ahh, well it was a man named Gus" Philip answered smiling.

"Gus eh, in that case it was Azul." Allen catching up with his tricks replied in kind.

"Oh, you caught me, So Gus has such a high rank in your order. Well now then. The truth is I was tracking you ever since you entered my domain. I just didn't know it was you."

"It was Heraro"

" The man who portrayed as my friend. hmmm so I am guessing you entered from the south..." Philip answered calmly sipping at his own tea.

"Yes"

"Interesting, quite interesting indeed"

"What are you planning?" Allen asked finishing his tea.

"Oh, don't worry child. You will find out when the time comes. Now I suggest you run off. Oh, and I might just help you this once my dear."

"Ahaan"

Allen gave a bow to Philip before he left with his men.

.................

KEN'S POSITION

Everything was burning,

"WAHAHAHAH, I haven't had this much fun for a long time" Ken was laughing hysterically while the white wolves and the assassin's engaged in combat

"More more," Ken laughed as he spew fire from his mouth like a dragon, adding to the already blazing flame.

"We need reinforcements!" A white wolf officer screamed.

....