"Don't worry, lord Begon," Kro said with a reassuring smile. "I heard directly from the captured coalition leaders, they threw everything they had into this attack. Their tribes should have little to no strength left."
Begon nodded but remained cautious. "That's good to hear. Still, be vigilant. Every warrior is a treasure to the tribe. I don't want us to lose more lives unnecessarily, especially not after such a monumental victory."
"I understand, Lord Begon," Kro said sincerely, recognizing the wisdom in his elder's words.
Logan, who had been listening intently, leaned forward slightly. "Here's what we'll do. Hoyle will accompany you with a few sixth-level warriors. That way, if anything unexpected arises, you'll have a strong defense. This isn't just about caution, it's about ensuring we act decisively without exposing ourselves to unnecessary risk."
Kro's face lit up at the suggestion. "Thank you, Chief. I appreciate the support. Having them with us will make a big difference."
Begon, too, gave a rare smile. "That's a wise move, Logan. With Hoyle and the others involved, I'm more confident things will proceed smoothly."
Logan gave a small nod of approval. "Good. Then it's settled. As for the captives, keep them under strict guard for now. Once we've secured and annexed the coalition tribes, we'll reassess their roles. No hasty decisions."
"Understood!" the council members echoed, their voices firm.
After the discussion about the captives, Begon cleared his throat and turned back to Logan. "Chief, there's another matter. What do you intend to do with the Duskin tribe? Their leaders; Surshen and the others; are waiting outside the hall for your decision."
The mention of the Duskin tribe sparked a ripple of curiosity in the room. The tribe's sudden surrender before the coalition attack had baffled many, especially Begon. Even knowing that Mamuti of the Duskin tribe had defected to the Silver Mane Tribe, Begon found it strange. Mamuti, after all, wasn't the tribe's absolute authority, and his word alone couldn't have swayed the entire tribe.
Kro and Lots, however, exchanged knowing looks. They were among the few who understood the situation. Having served closely with Logan, they were aware of the quiet but strategic visit the chief had made to the Duskin tribe just days before the battle.
While many still questioned how the surrender came about, Kro and Lots had no doubts. The image of Logan on the battlefield, defeating two seventh-level chiefs with devastating, single punches; left an indelible mark. If the Duskin leaders had witnessed even a fraction of that power during his visit, their surrender made perfect sense.
It wasn't just strategy, it was awe.
"Chief," Lots finally spoke, breaking the silence, "what about their losses? Should we assess their current strength?"
Logan turned to Begon, but his uncle shook his head. "I don't have the exact numbers. That's Kro's department."
Kro straightened and began his report. "From what I've gathered, the Duskin tribe sent over 2,000 warriors to the coalition effort. This included 150 wolf cavalry and the rest as infantry."
He hesitated for a moment, glancing at Begon before continuing. "The wolf cavalry was completely wiped out, and over a third of their infantry sustained injuries during the battle."
Begon's brows furrowed in disbelief. "That many? But they didn't even fight us directly. How could their losses be so high?"
Kro sighed, his voice tinged with regret. "Alirang had assigned the Duskin wolf cavalry to the coalition's vanguard. They were part of the initial charge against our defensive lines. When our crossbow corps and archers unleashed their volleys, the coalition's vanguard was decimated. The 150 Duskin wolf riders were wiped out alongside the others."
The hall grew still. Realization dawned on everyone, they had unknowingly killed warriors who, at that point, had already pledged their loyalty to the Silver Mane Tribe.
He paused, his gaze sweeping across the room. "Let's avoid confusion. Let's avoid rumors. What matters now is uniting the Duskin tribe under the Silver Mane banner without unnecessary complications."
The council murmured their agreement, recognizing the wisdom in his words.
Logan straightened in his seat, his expression hardening slightly. "Bring in Surshen, Mamuti, and Kule," he ordered. "It's time we settle things with them."
Begon immediately stood and left the hall. Within moments, he returned with the three Duskin leaders trailing behind him. Surshen, Kule, and Mamuti entered the room cautiously, their postures stiff with unease. The betrayal of the coalition forces had clearly weighed on them, and now they faced the one man whose judgment they feared most: Logan.
"Surshen. Kule. Mamuti." Logan's voice was steady but carried an unmistakable edge. "You wanted to speak with me. What's the matter?"
The three immediately dropped to their knees, bowing deeply. "Chieftain," Surshen began, his voice respectful but nervous. "We are here to report and express our loyalty."
Logan studied them for a long moment before a faint smile played on his lips. "Report? Let me tell you what I see first. The Silver Mane Tribe's victory over the coalition forces wouldn't have been possible without your Duskin tribe. Your decision to turn on the coalition in the rear caused chaos, weakened their resistance, and helped us crush them from both sides. Many surrendered because of your actions. Your contribution cannot be overstated."
The three leaders exchanged relieved glances, but they remained cautious. They knew that Logan was not one to heap praise lightly.
"That said," Logan continued, his tone sharpening, "your decision to betray the coalition was... delayed. It nearly cost your tribe dearly. Your hesitation meant your cavalry was placed under Alirang's command, and we all know what happened to them."
Surshen flinched, his expression darkening with guilt. "Chieftain, we didn't—"
Logan raised a hand, silencing him. "I don't need excuses. What's done is done. Your hesitation killed those 150 wolf riders, not our arrows. But despite that, I recognize your ultimate decision was crucial to our victory. It doesn't absolve you of your mistakes, but it does give you a chance to make amends."
Kule, sensing an opening, spoke up. "Chieftain, we pledge our full loyalty to the Silver Mane Tribe. The Duskin warriors and their families will follow you. Please, grant us the chance to prove ourselves worthy."
Mamuti nodded fervently, adding, "We acted late, yes, but our intentions were clear by the end. We want to be part of the tribe's rise. We will do whatever it takes."
Logan leaned forward, his piercing gaze locking onto each of them. "You'll have your chance. But understand this: the Silver Mane Tribe does not tolerate half-measures. You're either fully committed or you're against us. There is no middle ground. Your tribe is mine now, your warriors are mine, and your loyalty will be absolute."
The three leaders bowed deeply again, their voices uniting in agreement. "Yes, Chieftain! We swear it!"
Logan straightened, his expression softening slightly. "Good. Then rise. Your tribe will be integrated into the Silver Mane Tribe immediately. We'll ensure your people are treated fairly, but make no mistake, any disloyalty will be met with swift consequences."
Surshen, Kule, and Mamuti stood, visibly relieved. "Thank you, Chieftain. We will not disappoint you."
"See that you don't," Logan replied firmly. He glanced at Begon. "Ensure they're given clear instructions for integrating their tribe into ours. I want it done efficiently and without confusion."
Begon nodded. "It will be done, Chieftain."
As the Duskin leaders left the hall, Logan turned to his council, his voice calm but resolute. "This is how we build strength, not through force alone, but through strategy, unity, and purpose. The Duskin tribe is ours now. Let's ensure they become a cornerstone of our future, not a fracture."
His words left no room for doubt: the Silver Mane Tribe was on the path to dominance, and Logan would see it through, no matter the challenges.