“We have heard all day of the varying attacks that seem to be testing our border protection as individual packs and as a kingdom. As we have gathered information, the attacks seem to be similar enough that we should assume it is from the same group. We do not have any confirmation that it is Rogues, but we hope it isn’t another pack or Kingdom. At this point we need to plan for both options.”
“We have been given some ideas for updates to our own border and territory patrols and contingency plans to keep our pack members safe in the event of an attack,” Warrior Osiston starts, then clicks a button, and a screen opens up from the far side of the room. The picture is a schematic of the castle and surrounding areas, complete with a 3D image of what the inside of the mountain looks like and what appears to be escape tunnels from different portions of the territory. All the different ideas we had talked about on Alpha Lucas' patio, what seems like forever ago.
“The only people privy to this knowledge are sitting in this room now. There are different reports of what the safety protocols are for the Royal Pack and those rumors can keep circulating. This keeps any enemy guessing as to what we are fully capable of,” Nickolas begins, but is interrupted by Elder Sam, who has been vocal about my presence with Xander all day.
“What about the young lady? How do we know she won't be swayed to give out information if a smooth talking boy comes along? Or what if she is captured and tortured? The little thing wouldn't last five minutes,” Elder Sam says.
Warrior Osiston clears his throat to stop Elder Sam and probably to keep me in my seat, as I'm about ready to jump over the table and show him what I'm made of. I'm done with being made fun of for my size. It's not my fatal flaw.
“First, Elder Sam, she is an Elite Warrior and as a warrior, what she has had to endure and survive is beyond your comprehension. Second, she is the one who destroyed the original safety plans the Elders had in place and single-handedly came up with what you are looking at now, with multiple contingencies. It is safe to say she can be trusted,” Osiston says.
I receive another disbelieving look from some, but not all the Elders as they examine the image on the screen, realizing it was my idea. I can't pay attention to their doubts, as Osiston and Nickolas walk us through the 3D model, explaining the build-out plan and how we'll keep it a secret. I'm in awe of how they took my simple ideas and turned them into something amazing. The collaboration is incredible, and it makes my heart swell to know I'm a part of something so important.
