Chapter 6
Herald stands before the fireplace soaking in the warmth to dispel the chill that has settled on his bones. He doesn’t fear about his life, his life was already snatched from him that night when Rosalyn died. He is afraid about the fall of his clan and for the safety of everyone he considers his family. The main issue is that no one really knows what the strength of Balkan’s clan is, where they are hiding now and what is his motive? This makes them more dangerous.
“Herald.”
“Ah Cory. What’s the update?”
“Malakai is awake.”
Herald doesn’t waste a single moment and rushes to question Malakai. He is the only one who might know something about Balkan’s intentions. When he reaches the healer’s cottage, he finds Malakai all cleaned up in his human form lying awkwardly on the bed. His entire torso and shoulder is wrapped in white bandages with red patches that suggest blood leak.
“Will he survive?” Herald asks the healer.
“Yes he will, but he needs some time to recover. I have applied ointments that will speed up the healing process a little bit.”
“Thank you.” Herald dips his head. “I wish to talk to him.”
The healer nods once and then leaves the cottage. Herald takes the seat beside Malakai’s bed and Cory stands behind him.
“Malakai, can you tell us what happened?”
Malakai looks at him, pain etched in his features and a single tear drop forms at the corner of his left eye. “They will come Herald, we must leave this place.”
Malakai whispers. “I was negotiating terms with Clan Barefoot when they attacked.” He closed his eyes momentarily. “They are evil, pure evil incarnate; didn’t spare anyone, not even the infants. They could have easily killed me but they didn’t. Instead they tortured me for a day and send me off with the note.”
“Did you understand their motive?”
“No! I think not all of the werewolves under Balkan know about his true intentions. They were just hungry for a status in a clan and Balkan gave them a place in his tribe and also the prospect of bloodlust, revenge and destruction. They will follow him without question. All I know is that they are searching for something. They were checking the women and children; they made them strip and checked all over their bodies before killing them.”
Herald takes a deep breath, “Hmm, so Clan Barefoot has fallen”
“Yes and Clan Fianna: the fierce ones have joined them to save their backs.”
“I can understand why,” Herald replies gravely. “There is no way we can surrender and there is little chance we can fight them off without major casualties. Thank you my friend, you have done well. Now rest and heal as fast as you can.”
Herald squeezes his hand gently and turns to Cory “Arrange the meeting in one hour.”
They both leave Malakai to rest and Cory leaves to call everyone for the meeting.
“Father.” Vivian calls, breathing heavily and running towards Herald followed by Niya.
“Where were you? What took you so long?”
“Is he okay, is Malakai okay?” Vivian screams.
“Yes, he is sleeping now. Don’t go in at the moment and let him rest.”
“What happened father? Can we help?” Niya asks
“Yes you can. Listen to me, I have sent a messenger to Clan BloodBane. Their Alpha Jaden and I signed a peace treaty years back and since then we have maintained a cordial relation. I want to send both of you there. Jaden has three sons who might be perfect for you.”
“This? This is what you wished to discuss?” Niya screams “Father, one of us is attacked and lying unconscious inside and you want us to think about wooing some royal bred precious prince charming and settle down happily? Do you even care?”
“Enough!!!” Herald growls “I have no time to babysit you and I don’t have to tell you what I care and don’t care about. I have many things to manage now and a meeting with my pack. You will do as I say that’s it. Better start packing because I won’t let you stay one moment after their reply comes. Vivian I hope you have the right sense to understand what I am saying. Help your sister pack too.” Herald turns and starts walking away from his daughters.
“I will not go no matter what!” Niya screams at his father’s back but is met with silence. “How can he do this to us?” She turns her frustration to Vivian.
“I don’t know and I don’t think you should scream at him like that. Till date have you ever seen him so distressed? The problem is big and I think he wants to save us by sending us away.”
“Exactly Vivi, and that is why I won’t go. I won’t leave him to face all the enemies alone.” Saying that she leaves her sister. She has to learn about the dangers troubling her father and for that she has to know where they are meeting.