"It turned out that we had missed the gulf of their ambush by just five kilometers. They were a combination of Pirates, Magi, and..." Victor paused and sighed a bit.
"Iron Back Werewolves!"
"HUH!" The Elders gasped and another round of murmuring began.
Isaiah hit the table with his fingers to get all their attention, and for them to relax.
"Settle down! Settle down!! Order! Order!! Let's hear what he has to say."
At his call for 'Order', they all quiet down.
"From the look of things, our ship was supposed to land right in the middle of the ambush. There was absolutely no way we were supposed to have survived.
However, thanks to our earlier change in course, we were able to have a slim opportunity at escape."
"And according to the report, you also lost the Eye of the Primordial beast at the same time?" Isaiah asked.
Victor hesitated a bit, but he still nodded.
"This is preposterous!" One of the elders suddenly stood at his feet. This was elder Zod.
"How do we know he did not just sail his vessel into territory he was not supposed to, huh!? For all we know, he might be trying to frame the Iron Back Werewolves."
Victor frowned, "and why would I want to do that, huh? Why would I want to frame another Pack."
Zod massaged his beards, "who knows, you might hate the idea of mating with another Werewolf that is not of this pack. After all, we all know how you hate to leave your comfort zone."
Those words ignited Victor's anger, "what the hell is wrong with you? I did not complain when YOU, Elder Zod, suggested I go and become a breeding animal on behalf of the pack and now you accuse me!?"
"You see, my fellow elders, this is my point exactly. Now, he is raising his voice at me because I suggested he make an honorable sacrifice for the pack!"
"Huh!? I'm not raising my voice at you. You are just being FUCKING preposterous."
"VICTOR!" Elder Isaiah shouted.
Instantly, Victor knew he had gone too far. The use of curse words against one's elders was considered disrespectful.
Isaiah took a deep breath in and then he sighed, "Victor, I am sure you know the current situation of our people. Since the history of our people, there has never been a time as dark as this. Even the arrival of the Demons into this world did not move us at all. Do you know why that is?"
"It's because of the Primordial Beast," Victor answered, his head low.
"Exactly! It is because of the Primordial beasts. Even those wild demons will not dare offend a Primordial beast. They were here at the very birth of the earth, and are considered as world guardians. Their power is unimaginable.
Our forefathers were lucky to have been chosen to become the servants of the Primordial beast. And now we live in this City of Milk and Honey. And it has been so for many many years!
My dear boy, I'm sure you, the one with the purest bloodline, are well aware of the current situation of the Primordial beast. If we lose our backer, we will lose our way of life. The worst part is that the highest strength we have is only at the Deep demon level of strength.
If anything happens to the Primordial Beast, our Pack will end.
To make matters worse, our Alpha had to pass away at such a time that we needed him the most.
We need an Alpha that can communicate with the Primordial beast for us to find a solution.
But at the same time, it is because we wanted to have an alternative means of escape in case it does not work, and that was why you were sent to the Iron Back clan to claim their Alpha's daughter's hand in marriage.
The Eye of the Primordial beast would have eased the process of bonding for both of you, and even ensured you imprinted, but you had to lose the second most important treasure of the Giant Shadow Werewolves."
As Elder Isaiah talked, his voice rose slightly, emphasizing his rising anger.
"Apart from that, you were sent with a vile of the Primordial Beast's blood, and half of our greatest warriors, but you lost all of THEM!"
Victor's head fell even lower.
He knew of all these offences and what they meant.
"This court of Elders will see that you are dutifully punished for this wrong..."
There was suddenly a short pause, and Elder Isaiah's eyes flashed with wisdom, "however, the Alpha Selection Tournament starts tomorrow, we will see to your case after it is over!"
"WHAT!?" Elder Zod rose to his feet, "It is clear that Victor has faulted. He should be punished by Execution, here and now. I propose we give a vote to that motion."
"Elder Zod! I understand your point, but please understand that Victor still carries the bloodline of the Alpha. And we have The Alpha Selection Tournament to conduct. How do you think the people of the land of Milk and Honey will react once they discover that we ordered the execution of an Alpha's blood, on a day to the Tournament? We are not barbarians. We are Werewolves, and as such, we are a family. We cannot act in such a brazen manner at a time like this. Besides, Victor has the purest bloodline that has ever been seen in this Pack. I hope you understand this."
Zod saw the reaction on the faces of the other Elders. Evidently, they all agreed with Elder Isaiah.
Gritting his teeth, Zod sat back down.
Elder Isaiah turned to Victor, "We will revisit this case after the Alpha Selection Tournament. With this conclusion, this meeting is adjourned."
.....
Victor stepped out of the room. The moment he closed the door behind him, he couldn't help but give a hard sigh.
"So, are we going to die?" A voice came from his side.
Victor turned. The familiar face made him smile; it was Moses...
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