LERRIN

His massive chest heaving, Reth stood in front of Lerrin as both of them turned to scan the ground and find they were completely surrounded… by Equine guards, all facing out, spears and short-swords ready. But no more enemies launched at them.

The cries and snarls of battle still rose in small clusters of fighting around the floor of the Grounds, but as Reth and Lerrin both turned, looking back and forth, it became apparent.

The Tree City warriors had won.

The rebellious wolves and serpents were surrendered, or routed.

Reth turned to Lerrin, covered in sweat, dirt, and blood, his chest heaving, but his eyes still bright.

Lerrin's Alpha power pressed forward, wanting to fight, but he swallowed it back.

They stared at each other for a moment, then knowing that his life had been spared—and his people's lives had been spared—Lerrin cleared his throat. It was up to him to make the gesture here, to be seen by his people—now Reth's people once again—to submit and relinquish control.

Shaking with weariness and relief, Lerrin lowered himself to one knee, thumping his fisted hand to his chest in the traditional salute to the King.

"I am your servant,

" he rasped, the acoustics of the bowl ensuring everyone in the forward rows could hear him.

"Thank you. Thank you for not killing all of my people.

"

"My people,

" Reth snarled.

Lerrin nodded and dropped his eyes to the dirt.

"Thank you for taking your people back,

" he whispered.

Reth sucked in a breath.

Tobe who must have taken over as Captain—had the reported assassination actually taken Behryn?—stared between them, his jaw tight, but his eyes searching, questioning Reth.

Lerrin understood that question. The Anima that remained had proven that here and now, at least, they would listen to Lerrin and submit. But would they truly give themselves to the Leonine King?

And the people who had remained loyal, who had fought… naturally they would be suspicious of anyone who had not. Even the best people worried and wondered—wishing for the good in others, but always fearful, mindful of rebellion. Of the finality of death.

Reth scanned the crowd on the Lupine side, frowning, clearly having the same thoughts as his Captain awaited instructions. Then he turned to scan the battlefield, the few remaining fighters, and the bodies of warriors strewn from one end of the Hallowed Grounds to the other—blood once again staining the dirt of this sacred place.

Lerrin sighed, forcing himself to remain submitted, also waiting for Reth's decision. The lion had muttered that he would keep him alive… Lerrin had to pray that was true.

But when Reth caught his gaze, he felt his courage waver. It was the gaze of a King, the father of a people, and he was grieving loss so acute, it could not be counted.

His face hardened and Lerrin braced.

"Take him into custody,

" Reth growled.

Tobe's eyes widened, then he scrambled forward.

Lerrin dropped his weapon and sagged, but didn't fight as four of the weary equine guards darted forward to take him.

*****

RETH

Once Lerrin's weapon was removed and his hand had been tied behind his back, Reth turned to Tobe.

"Where's Brant?

" he said, a sick pit in his stomach. The older male was strong, but he was a thinker, not a fighter. And his prominent presence at the beginning of the Rite would have made him a target for the wolves.

"I'm here,

" a weary voice said from behind him.

Brant stood between two equine guards, his arms slung over their shoulders, his face haggard and blood smeared. But he was alive.

Reth almost rushed over to hug him. Instead he met the older man's eyes with appreciation.

"How bad are your injuries?

"

Brant growled.

"Not bad, but a wolf got his jaws on my ankle. It will heal.

"

Reth wondered what had happened to the wolf. He suspected the blood spattered over Brant's face told the important part of the story.

He was about to make a joke, but the hair on the back of his neck rose and he heard Tobe mutter an order for caution to the guards. Reth turned.

To his right, a sea of wide and disturbed eyes—the eyes of the people who'd rejected him and the Tree City and rebelled. Were led to rebellion by Lerrin and Lucine and… and they were watching their leader be debased and bound. They'd already seen him submit—willingly. They'd followed his orders. But now they were rudderless and leaderless unless Reth stood up.

The problem was, how? They all knew he was their Alpha now. But they were likely even more nervous than he was to have their backs turned.

The tensions were not over.

Not to mention that Reth was certain there were moles among them—spies that had been sharp enough and forward thinking enough to use the chaos of battle to return to the people and insert themselves as if they wanted peace.

Reth growled. Brant urged the two guards to help him hobble to Reth's side.

"What do you think?

" Reth asked under his breath.

"They can't just walk into the city. Those back home will be terrified,

" Brant replied just as quietly.

"I'd suggest a council on neutral ground, with leaders from among them—those they do trust.

"

"It's a good idea—necessary,

" Lerrin said, though no one had asked him.

Reth growled, but the wolf just stared at him.

Reth knew he couldn't let his pride make him stubborn. Not now. Not with this very fine line to walk. So after a moment he nodded, then pushed his shoulders back to address the rebels.

"You are lawfully won. Your Alpha has submitted. You have proven honor. You will not be rejected. However… we have many questions as I'm certain you do, also. Return to your camp to rest and refuel. Inform those who stayed behind of the outcome of this day. We will all meet at the outpost clearing tomorrow at dawn. All of the people will gather, and the councils will speak. Everyone will hear every word. We will negotiate your return to the Tree City. We will find our way to peace and unity again.

"

Cautious murmurs rose among the people and Reth shook his head.

"You do not need to fear me. You are my people. If there are no attacks on the Tree City, you will receive none, I give you my word as King and Alpha of all. Sentries will remain appointed as they always have, but only to guard against attack. Our troops will not move against you.

" Next to him, Tobe snorted, but Reth ignored it.

"You are my people and I wish for your best. We will take tonight to honor our dead. Then tomorrow will dawn a new day, and a new WildWood!

"

There was a smattering of applause and few cheers, but mostly the Lupines just murmured to each other, and bowed their heads.

Reth sighed. No, the fighting was not down. It would just be undertaken at a different level now. But at least… as least there was a chance for peace.

*****

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