Karl had no way to send a message back to the Silver Mane Tribe telling them of the plans brewing against the tribe.
Ever since he had boldly stepped into the presence of Arar, the formidable chief of the Adik tribe, he felt a pair of watchful eyes tracking his every move. The tension was palpable, and he had grown increasingly cautious. For nearly a month, he had severed all contact with the other infiltrators within the Adik tribe, desperate to avoid detection.
Now, he couldn't shake the regret of having revealed himself to Arar too soon.
The Adik tribe had surprisingly allied with the Cardia tribe, and Karl found himself wondering if the Silver Mane Tribe could withstand such a formidable coalition.
Just then, a youthful voice pierced the silence. "Is Karl here?"
Karl quickly masked his anxiety, rushing to the door. Standing there was Artom, the young chief of the Adik tribe.
He immediately adopted a respectful demeanor. "Greetings, Lord Young Chief Artom!"
Artom waved dismissively, a grin spreading across his face. "Karl, you really don't need to be so formal with me!" Yet, the sparkle in his eyes revealed his appreciation for Karl's respect.
Karl chuckled softly, shaking his head.
"I came to ask if you're ready. We're setting off tomorrow," Artom announced, his expression serious.
Karl's heart raced. "Going to war?" he echoed, a note of surprise creeping into his voice.
The news hit him hard. The very thought of departing the next day filled him with dread. Just this morning, he had noticed many unfamiliar werewolves milling about the tribe. Chief Alirang had personally welcomed him, sharing unsettling news about the imminent destruction of the Silver Mane Tribal Alliance.
"How can they decide to mobilize so quickly?" Karl wondered aloud, his mind racing.
Artom arched an eyebrow. "You mean you haven't heard about the Silver Mane Tribe's predicament?"
"I only just learned of it. So, this expedition... it's to attack the Silver Mane Tribe tomorrow?" Karl questioned, disbelief etched on his face.
"Exactly!" Artom nodded, his smile widening. "This is a prime opportunity to expand our horizons. I know you've heard tales of the Silver Mane Tribe's treasures, right?"
Panic surged within him. What could he do? He needed to find a way to relay this critical information back to his tribe.
"That's right! So prepare yourself. Tomorrow, I'm taking you to witness this. It could be the largest battle the southern wilderness has seen in decades!" Artom's excitement was palpable.
Karl nodded, but as Artom left, anxiety settled over him like a heavy blanket.
Returning to his room, he paced back and forth, mind racing. He longed to return to the Silver Mane Tribe, but the reality of his situation hit hard. Though he was a fifth-level warrior, the Adik Tribe had sixth- and even seventh-level warriors prowling around. If he attempted to flee now, he would be exposing himself to imminent danger.
There was no way he could survive an escape back to the Silver Mane Tribe.
---
At the gates of the Adik Tribe, Chief Arar watched as a dozen other chiefs departed, then turned to the eight werewolf chiefs who remained by his side. These leaders belonged to smaller tribes temporarily seeking refuge near the Adik territory.
"My esteemed chiefs, we've finally secured our desires. Soon, we'll conquer the Silver Mane Tribe, and there will be plenty of food for all!" Arar declared, his voice buoyant.
The assembled chiefs erupted in laughter. "Indeed! We owe our thanks to the Adik Tribe for your hospitality. Once we claim the Silver Mane Tribe, we ask for little in return; just a modest share of food. The rest will go to repay your kindness in taking us in," one chief stated, bowing his head respectfully.
"Agreed!" another chimed in. "Our tribe is starving, but thanks to this alliance, we can secure our future. We only want a small portion of food; the rest can go to you!"
The rest of the chiefs quickly voiced their agreement, their enthusiasm infectious. They had been on the brink of starvation, but with this alliance formed so swiftly, victory over the Silver Mane Tribe was within reach.
"Hahaha, I appreciate your generosity, chiefs," Arar replied, his smile betraying a hint of malice. "But do remember to prepare quickly, so we don't miss this critical opportunity."
As the chiefs hurried off, their minds racing with plans, Artom approached Arar.
"Father," Artom said, watching the chiefs leave, "it seems they have nearly depleted their food supplies. I wonder if their warriors can even march with steady feet."
Arar chuckled, his expression confident. "It doesn't matter. The Cardia, Feida, Hyan, and Duskin tribes will form our main force. The smaller tribes are mere cannon fodder; their strength is irrelevant."
He leaned closer, a sinister gleam in his eye. "In fact, it would be better if they weren't strong at all. If they all perish in this conflict, the Adik Tribe can easily absorb these smaller tribes afterward."