CHAPTER TWO: SPECIAL EVENT

"You don't understand, brother. No matter what I say to her, she just won't budge," Leon complained to Saxon.

"Now that's funny. Never heard of a female being so compelling about getting intimate with her mate. It's always the male thing."

"All the more reason I'm worried. Why does she want to sleep with me so bad?"

"You're probably overthinking this. I think it means she just really loves you. I mean, she's been faithful to you in all these years and there's no sign of her ever relapsing. What could possibly be wrong in wanting to get intimate with her mate so much?"

"I hope you're right, brother. I really do."

"It's nothing to worry about."

"Even if you're right and there's truly nothing to worry about, what do I about her? She hasn't spoken to me since yesterday."

"Just let her cool off for a little while before you speak to her. She'll come around."

"Alright. So, what do you have for me?"

"Aha. Six years ago, we had an army of only four hundred soldiers and through all of those years until eight days ago, we have been under the rule of father, Alpha William. Although, we've suffered losses over time, we now have an army of eight hundred and fifty soldiers. That of course does not include the Royal Guard of one hundred soldiers within this manor. This means we've grown stronger and we can focus on defence effectively with members to spare for other roles. In addition to that, we've had only two captains but two years ago, two new captains were appointed. We now have four squads with two hundred soldiers under each captains and an extra of twenty-five under Captain Albrecht and Captain Alexander."

Captain Albrecht- Squad I (225 soldiers) Captain Alexander- Squad II (225 soldiers) Captain Radolf- Squad III (200 soldiers) Captain Klaus- Squad IV (200 soldiers)

"Excellent, this is wonderful news. Surely this means we'll be part of the Big Five at the Hunt this year, right?"

"We will be a part of the Hunt but not the Big Five. There's no Big Five this year."

"What do you mean?"

The Hunt is a nonlethal traditional annual event used as a yardstick to primarily measure the growth and strength of packs. A pack needs to possess a stipulated number of soldiers to partake of it. That alone is a way of identifying the big packs and lesser ones. As a reward for victory, the Alpha of the pack gets the right to recruit one soldier from any of the competing packs into his army. Soldiers participating in the Hunt are called players.

Currently, to partake of the Hunt, a pack must be recognised to possess more than five hundred soldiers. For the last thirty years, all through Alpha William's reign, only five packs have been be able to fill that spot. Year after year, different packs often make it to the top five except for the last four years, where the same set of packs have continued to participate in the Hunt. These packs have come to be known as the Big Five, but that'll not be so this year.

"I mean exactly what I said. Eight packs have been recognised to possess an army of more than five hundred soldiers this year, so the Big Five ceases to exist. They'll have to think up a new name," Saxon explained.

"In thirty years, not more than five packs have been able to make there."

"Not anymore, anda we are part of the lucky ones to get there."

"Indeed," Leon nodded. "We certainly live in a competitive age, brother."

"You can say that again. Anyway, the Hunt is a month from now. We should select our candidates and start getting them ready. After all, this is our first time. We must put in a good performance at the very least."

"Yes, you're right. Every participating pack has to select two candidates. I'm thinking Lieutenant Caesar ought to be one of them for sure, but who do you think should take the second spot?"

"Yes, Lieutenant Caesar will definitely be one of them. For the second candidate, I think it should be Lewis," Saxon proffered.

"Lewis?!" Leon questioned, thinking he had heard wrong.

"Yes, Lewis."

"Why would we pick Lewis? Isn't he the incorrigible brat? I've heard countless reports of his past behaviours."

Saxon chuckled, "Yes, Yes, I know all about that brother.

"Then why?"

"Yes, Lewis is incorrigible. He's always doing things himself, doesn't rely on teamwork and sometimes even disregard orders. He gets the job done however. He is merciless and effective. Even though the Hunt is not a lethal competition, someone like him is what we need. Besides, who else can match up with Caesar's strength."

"I'm not sure about this, Saxon. I mean, his partner is going to be Caesar and they are direct opposites.

"All the more reason it'll work. They'll complement themselves and make up for what's lacking in each other. Opposite attracts, don't they say?"

"Fine. I'll take your word on this one."

Saxon bowed his head shortly. "Thank you. I also have a suggestion as to how their training should be conducted."

"Go ahead."

"I suggest a transfer of captains for both candidates. Caesar goes to Captain Albrecht's base and Lewis to Captain Alexander's base, then both of them will receive training there for a week."

"What good will that be to them?"

"Captain Alexander and Captain Albrecht are polar opposites and their attitudes will most likely be reflected on their subordinates. If Caesar trains under a new captain and Lewis does, they're bound to learn new things and expand their horizons. After a week, a joint training for both soldiers should be conducted by both captains throughout the remainder of the month."

Leon snapped his fingers. "Excellent idea! I approve. You always think up the best things, Saxon."

"Thank you," Saxon chuckled.

"By the way, will Nightfall be participating in the Hunt this year too?" Leon inquired.

"They certainly will."

"Goodness! They don't let up, do they? For the past ten years, they've participated consecutively in the Hunt. In fact, it's the first and only pack to partake in the Hunt for more than five consecutive years, not to mention, they won the last three contests and have an army of one thousand, five-hundred soldiers. Undoubtedly the biggest pack. Do we even have a chance?"

Saxon cleared his throat. "Well, Connor almost died in battle earlier this year and retired. Rumours has it that he was so afraid he ran away from the battlefield with his tails between his legs, literally. "

"What?! You mean Connor the fearless, commander of five hundred, slayer of women and children and star player of Nightfall?" Leon asked, alarmed and excited at the same time.

"Yes, that Connor."

"Who did he face that got him so shaken up? In all the battles he has faced, surely he has come close to death numerous times. Why now?" Leon probed further.

"I haven't been able to find that out. The information is most likely classified and under strict regulation," Saxon said and emptied his cup of tea that had now gone cold.

Leon took a deep breath and sat back down. With a single gulp, he also emptied his cup and they both went quiet for a little while.

"I want you to send messengers to the Hexagon. Relay this training process you suggested to me to both captains. Also, have Lewis and Caesar see me at the Plague. I'd like to speak to them."

"As you wish, my lord," Saxon playfully replied.

Leon burst into laughter and Saxon followed. For a few seconds they both laughed heartily, until Saxon stood up still somewhat laughing. "I'll have your message delivered now."

"Thank you, and oh, have them come to the Plague," Leon said.

"Yes, you already said that," Saxon chuckled.

For why the room was called the Plague, many answers had been given. The most reasonable however was that it's because almost nothing positive was ever discussed in the room. When the monthly council was held with contents like war matters, irregularities and disturbances in pack affairs, it was at the room. Court-martials were also held at the room. Conspiracies took place in that room. In that room, words that claimed many lives were spoken. With the destruction, calamity and affliction brought forth from it, no name describes it better than "Plague."

It was in this room that Alpha Leon was now waiting for Lieutenant Caesar and Lewis to show up.

"Alpha, you called," said a voice bringing Alpha Leon back to reality. He had been staring at the paintings of past Alphas on the wall.

Alpha Leon turned around and saw a man on one knee with head bowed. "Rise and take a seat, Lieutenant Caesar," he said.

The lieutenant rose, walked over to a seat and sat as the Alpha had instructed.

The Plague was a really large room. On one side was a table, twelve feet long with chairs on each side that were rarely ever filled up. It was where the Alpha and his elders sat during their council. On another side of the room was a court for the trials of soldiers. There was also a huge map of the pack and it's surrounding areas, as well as the giant frames Alpha Leon was looking at. A library was also present in the room with books mostly about historical ages, werewolf society, stories of war and unclassified historical records of packs

"How do you do, Caesar?" Alpha Leon suddenly asked.

"I'm-I'm alright," he replied a little startled.

"And military affairs? I hope Captain Alexander isn't too hard on you?"

"All for the glory of Nocturnal Pride, Alpha."

Alpha Leon chuckled. "Glad I can depend on you."

Only seconds after Alpha Leon had finished speaking to Caesar, Lewis walked in. He approached the Alpha and when he was no more than two feet away, he got on one knee and bowed his head.

"Good day, Alpha," he said in quite a haughty tone.

"Rise and take a seat, Lewis."

Lewis raised his head and looked into the Alpha's eyes, smiling condescendingly. They held contact for a while then Leon withdrew, disturbed by his audacity and mostly his eyes. Lewis' eyes looked sly and seemed to hold infinite secrets. You could generally sum it up as threatening.

Alpha Leon cleared his throat, believably as a sign to Lewis. He took the hint and got up. As he turned to walk to a seat, Alpha Leon let out a sigh of relief but then he turned right back.

With one hand behind him and another on his chest, he took a bow, smiling condescendingly all the way. "Forgive me for taking liberties Alpha but there is something I wish to ask."

"What is it?" Alpha Leon asked with a frown. He did not a conversation that would go Lewis' way.

Lewis raised his head, still smiling. "I believe it's been a week since you became Alpha. How has it been? Are the affairs of the pack weighing you down? Is ruling perhaps difficult, or is it more of a bore?"

This got the attention of Lieutenant Caesar. While he couldn't be this daring to raise such a question, how the Alpha would react and respond greatly interested him.

Alpha Leon was stunned. This was no friendly question but a test of intellect and ability and for a little while, it seemed like one he had failed.

He cleared his throat and threw his hands behind him, appearing even more majestic in his black robe. "Ruling a pack is a demanding affair. Infinite responsibilities and hundred of lives rests on the Alpha's shoulder, especially in this Warring times and the power is certainly intoxicating, I could never be bored. Difficult doesn't quite describe it either. I'd call it a bittersweet experience. You see, it's pleasurable when your pack flourishes and when it soars, it's delectable, you could almost taste a flavour, but when it's ravaged or devastated, misery won't be nearly enough to explain your situation. The Alpha takes the glory if the pack excels and trust me, the feeling is divine but should a pack meet unfortunate conditions, well, he'll take the blame too. In short, it's a role one can never be truly ready for."

Lewis took another bow. "Splendid response, my lord."

"Now," Alpha Leon started as he made way to his seat. "Let's get to why I called you here."

Once they were all seated, he spoke. "I'm sure you are both aware Nocturnal Pride is now big enough to participate in the Hunt. It's happening exactly a month from now and both of you will represent this pack."

Pausing to notice the expression on their faces and see if they had questions, he continued when he saw they didn't. "Caesar, I understand that you're a direct subordinate of Captain Alexander and Lewis, Captain Albrecht, but for a week I'll have you swap captains because I want you both to keep an open mind and develop a new approach to problems. Afterwards, Captain Alexander and Albrecht will conduct a joint training session for both of you. During this time, simulations of the Hunt will be run and you'll be engaged in a wide range of training courses. This is about to become the busiest month of your life, you had best be ready. Now, questions?"

Lieutenant Caesar was the first to speak. "First, I thank you for bestowing me with the privilege to represent this glorious pack. I'll do my best to not put you to shame. For my question, will swapping our captains truly produce efficient results? I'm twenty-six years and I've served under Captain Alexander for eight years. Everything I know today, he taught me. Will a week training with someone totally new be enough to enhance us? Are we going to be able to adapt? Most importantly, what if these captains are not suitable for either of us?"

"This was all considered, hence the reason you'll only be doing it for a week. I know you'll be facing something completely new and perhaps, opposite to what you've learned and practiced throughout the greater part of your life, but I'm certain you'll be able to learn one new thing at the very least. I'll be counting on you."

"I won't let you down, Alpha," Lieutenant Caesar assured.

"Lewis, do you have a problem training under a new captain?"

"Not at all, Alpha," he replied with a smile.

"And you have no question?" Alpha Leon inquired further.

"I certainly do."

"Well, why make me ask for it? Out with it."

"My apologies. My question is this. What will be my reward when I bring victory to our pack at the Hunt?"

Alpha Leon was overwhelmed, both by his confidence and haughtiness. He had certainly heard a lot about Lewis but speaking with him first-hand, his nature far surpassed everything he had heard.

"What do you want?" Alpha Leon asked, finding his tongue.

"I want to be promoted to Lieutenant. As fate would have it, Squad I, my squad has been without a lieutenant for no less than two months. When I bring victory, I want to be it's lieutenant."

"Quite an ambitious one you are. Very well, I'll have you promoted to lieutenant if we come out victorious at the Hunt but should we lose, you'll be taking orders for a very long time and from a junior too," Alpha Leon declared.

"Just what I like to hear. I look forward to your training sessions, Alpha."

"Your captains will swap you two tomorrow morning. You may leave."

Both soldiers bowed and took their leave. With work out of the way, it was time for love. Leon stood up and went to find Emiliana. This he did in the art room. She loved painting, so she'd spent a lot of time there just painting for hours.

"Hey, babe," Leon said slowly, unsure of his choice of words.

Emiliana ignored him however, only caressing her canvas with a brush.

"I'm sorry about yesterday."

Still, she ignored him.

"C'mon, you know I didn't mean it the way you're taking it. It was a wrong choice of word. I'm sorry."

She still remained silent.

"If you don't forgive me, I'm going to take your painting and have you chase me round this manor."

"Don't you dare."

"Then peck me and tell me you forgive me."

"Fine, I forgive you."

"And?" Leon asked, tapping on his cheek.

"There you go, you've gotten what you wanted. Now, let me finish," she said after pecking him.

"What you painting anyway? Looks like mashed potatoes."

"Oh c'mon, it isn't that bad."

"You're right, I'm joking. Looks more like molested gummy bears," Leon teased as he laughed.

Emiliana however didn't find this funny. A smile only lit across her face when Leon choked from laughing. "That's what you get for insulting a work I put so much work into," she said.

"I'm... I'm... I'm joking," he replied in between coughs. "You know I love your work. It's not perfect but they always come out so well. And you were never taught, imagine if you had a teacher."

"Yeah, I wouldn't have issues with my finishes."

"I have a surprise for you."

"You do?"

"I do."

"What is it? Tell me, tell me."

"Well..." Leon sighed.

"What? What's wrong?"

"You'll have to wait till tomorrow."