ELIA

There was a bustle of activity after that, Reth pulling different men aside to discuss strategies for attempting to find the wolf encampment without being caught, or whether time and effort should focus only on defending the city from attack.

The wolf-man, Charyn, watched worriedly, only speaking when he was asked questions. Reth always kept himself between Charyn and Elia, but he was grateful for the man's input, and made sure everyone knew to keep his identity a secret.

Elia clung to his arm, despite some odd looks from the elders and guards. They clearly didn't know that Reth was trying to make her leave, and even if they did, she didn't care if they thought she was odd, holding onto him. She had to keep reassuring herself that he wasn't going to disappear. That she wouldn't be suddenly alone.

It was Behryn who first raised the Bears.

"They're talking now, Reth, and negotiating. Not to mention that they're basically already here. We had to re-route them a little when they came off the mountains. We could just let them take their natural path and ask them for help. They won't hibernate for a few more weeks. We have food.

"

"The Bears have no allegiance to us at all. We have no idea if they could be trusted.

"

"They also have no prejudice. And I doubt they'd be excited about a wolf-King. They're barely used to you. It doesn't hurt to ask. In fact, I'd go so far as to say we're more likely to be hurt by not asking. The wolves will approach them, definitely. Maybe making it known that they're wanted will help sway them?

"

Reth stared at Behryn and his grip on Elia's hand tightened. Why did the Bears make him so tense?

"How far away are they tonight? Have the scouts come in?

"

Behryn nodded.

"They're a couple hours North.

"

"Okay,

" Reth said, like the words were pulled out of him.

"We'll go find the Bears. But we need to leave early. I need to be back for the submission.

"

Oh. Elia's heart sank. That was why.

As soon as Behryn had nodded and taken the guards aside to give them orders for making the arrangements, Elia asked Reth,

"You're leaving?

" Her voice was too high.

He looked down on her, his face tight.

"I have to.

"

"I'm coming too.

"

"Elia, you can't,

" he said softly, leaning toward her.

"We'll be travelling as Beasts. It will be extremely dangerous if the wolves get wind of it. And we have to travel as swiftly as possible so I can be back in time for the Submission.

"

They stared at each other a long breath.

"How will I—

"

"I'll leave you heavily guarded, and with your Cohorts. There will be much you can do here to benefit us and the people, Love. Believe me, it's the last thing I want to do, being taken from you. But… this is war.

"

And she caught the glimpse of it, then, how—if she wasn't there—he wouldn't have had to be talked into making the trip to speak with the Bears, even though they might prove to be a very useful ally.

How he wouldn't feel torn about travelling, but would have leapt into it, determined to see if he could bring back a solution.

How his efforts now would not be split between preparing for the trip, and guarding her.

But she did not want to see it. She did not want to hear the wisdom in his words about her leaving, so she pushed the thought away and clung to his arm even more tightly.

"How long will you be gone?

" she asked quietly, every molecule within her fighting the idea of having him out from under eyes.

"We'll leave before daybreak and be back before dinner. That will be the plan, anyway. The Bears can be… difficult. It will depend somewhat on how quickly they agree to a discussion at all.

"

Behryn approached again then and they both fell silent.

"The guards will be here for Elia,

" he said, either anticipating Reth's next question, or he'd caught part of their conversation.

"She can keep her Cohorts here, too.

" Then he turned to Elia.

"It will be a matter of hours. The Bears pose no threat to us. The worst that is likely is that the effort is wasted.

"

"Unless the wolves hurt you,

" she said darkly.

"They'd have to catch us first,

" Behryn grinned. Reth tried to return it, but his heart wasn't in it. His brow was lined, and his mouth tight. Elia stroked his arm and tried to smile herself.

"Well, let's pray this Creator is on your side,

" she said to them both.

"I'm sure me and the others can find things to do to help, or to fill the time. Just… bring him back safely, please, Behryn,

" she said, her voice much shakier than she'd intended.

Behryn's expression went very serious.

"I will, Sire,

" he said softly.

Elia swallowed the pinch in her throat.

The two men discussed details for a moment, then Reth's lips pursed.

"I want you to go read the winds in the Tree City.

"

Behryn frowned.

"You don't think it's too soon? As far as most people know, nothing has changed.

"

Reth nodded.

"And yet, I can't get rid of this itch between my shoulder blades. Go. Tell me what you find. If nothing has changed, that will be good news.

"

Behryn sighed heavily.

"If you're certain?

"

"I'm certain.

"

Behryn took his leave, moving quickly, briefing a couple of the guards on his way out of the cave.

Elia turned to Reth.

"I know that they can do with this reading the winds, thing, Gahrye does it too. But… do you know how?

"

Reth shrugged.

"It's a Creator-given gift. Like an extra sense. Or perhaps a heightened sense? I know Behryn actually scents the wind when he does it. But the things he learns… they are not always from sight or smell. It's like… they can hear the hearts of the Anima. Especially when emotions are high. If Gahrye ever reads the wind, you listen and you do as he says, even if it seems like it makes no sense.

"

She didn't like his tone, like he was giving her advice for when he was gone. But she nodded and made a mental note.

She was going to prove to him that she could be here, while he worked elsewhere. And she would be safe.

*****

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