Chapter 269: Strategy
RETH - Anima
"Well, as you know," Reth said quietly, watching the Bear at all times for any sign he might shift, or grow aggressive. They tended to be emotional and easily triggered. "With all the wolves spread out through the WildWood, we've brought our people in to more easily defend them. But we have one area further out, a couple hours away if you're walking. It's low-mountain, rugged, lots of water, caves, and trees. Many, many den opportunities. It's an important territory to me. But I wasn't able to bring enough manpower to keep it when things went downhill quickly. So… I propose that you help me by clearing that end of the WildWood of any wolves that prowl it, and in return, we give you the territory for the winter as your own. Except for the one access trail, we will not intrude. And any we might send that way, we would warn were at your mercy if they left the trail."
Gawhr tilted his head. "Why is it an important territory?"
Behryn shifted in his seat, but Reth took a deep breath and plowed in. "It's the territory that gives us access to the Portal. The Gateway to the human world. My mate is there now and… I fear for her life if I cannot get through in time to bring her back."
Reth had never seen the Bear thrown off balance before. The man's mouth slid open and his one eye widened. He looked almost humorous. "You share this with me. Why?"
"Because I believe the only way to build trust, is to offer it. Make no mistake, Gawhr, if you use this against me, I will have no mercy. She is the light of my soul."
The man's eye narrowed, but his gaze never left Reth's. "You take a great risk, Sire," he said, his voice uncertain.
Behryn shifted again and Reth knew he was deeply uncomfortable with Reth sharing this. But he'd had a moment of inspiration—and no other choice. Reth would take dealing with the Bears to get through to Elia over trying to overcome the wolves, any day.
Well, unless the Bears declared war.
Reth swallowed. "Look, you need a place that's suitable for your Sleep, and I need a clear path to the gateway. That land is plush. And while it may be a little higher than you'd prefer to sleep, it is dryer there also, than here. I think you will find it very comfortable."
"Where is it?" Gawhr asked gruffly.
"Miles to the west," Reth said carefully. I could show you the trail and send a scout… I cannot go myself with all that's happening. But if you do this for me—clear that entire area of wolves, I will provide extra provisions for you in the Spring."
Behryn sucked in a breath and in any other circumstances, might have been dancing in his chair. He did not want Reth to make this agreement. But Reth was resolute. This was the only way to achieve everything that was needed.
"I've proposed unity to you before, Gawhr," Reth continued. "Consider this a… middle ground. In this way our peoples can become somewhat accustomed to each other. You'll see that we'll leave you to your own needs over the winter, and help provide for your young in Spring. You can show that you're willing to work for the common good. Between us… a new Anima could arise out of the ashes of this current war."
Gawhr rubbed his stubbled chin and shook his head. "You have balls, Reth, I'll give you that."
Reth didn't smile. The bear was testing him.
"Tell me what occurs during the snows. If my people are attacked, after clearing the wood. If the wolves come for us when we're vulnerable?"
"Isn't that a risk wherever you go? Don't you wake in those circumstances, regardless, if the wolve win?."
"A risk, but not a probability. If we walk into this war with you, we are far more likely than usual to have unwanted attention over winter."
Reth chewed on the inside of his lip. "If you clear the WildWood, I will provide scouts to patrol while you sleep. There won't be enough of them to do more than warn you, but you will not be taken off-guard."
"Reth—" Behryn began, but Reth raised a single finger to stop him.
Gawhr was staring at him, calculating. "I find myself considering your proposal," he said quietly. "I also find myself deeply skeptical of your ability to do as you say."
"You think I lie?"
"No, I think your situation might change drastically while we are asleep, and what then? What if your scouts are killed and suddenly we're cut off by the wolves—"
"First of all, if there's as many wolves in that direction as I suspect, you will deal a serious blow removing them from the pack. Secondly, if things are as serious as you describe then you will be at risk anyway. You're not going to be travelling far enough now to get away from this war, Gawhr. If we are overrun, if we lose, you are under attack anyway."
Gawhr sat back in his chair, rubbing his chin again. Their gazes remained locked. Aymora suddenly pulled out the seat next to him and Reth almost jumped. He'd forgotten she was in even in the cave. But she slid into the seat next to him and cleared her throat.
"We could also offer assistance to the mothers in the case of any… difficulties," she said quietly.
Behryn cut her a sharp gaze. He didn't want anything else offered to the Bears. But Reth was grateful.
"What do you mean?" Gawhr growled, still staring at Reth.
"I know every winter there are young mothers, first timers, usually, who struggle and wake. We could have the scouts bring us messages. You would be close enough that the Wise-women could send someone to help."
Gawhr's eye narrowed. "I once again find myself asking, what if? What if you are at war—in the midst of fighting—when the call is made?"
Aymora just shrugged. Reth wanted to applaud her cool control. "You are no worse off. But you know we keep our word, Gawhr. The situation in which no woman would be sent would be so dire, as Reth suggested, you would be under threat anyway."
The Bear growled in his throat, but he didn't look away.
Reth began to pray.
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