Grid:M-9sith35 wrote:As dawn was creeping slowly upon them Willem, Graygon and Katheryn were already preparing to leave. Once again all there were silent, it seemed as if that was what kept the three together. The journey north was going to be loaded with trouble, and Willem wondered how they were going to find supporters. He has heard numerous time of them in hiding, but how will he be able to rally them. And to return to power and reform the Wolfpack. It all seemed so impossible, at least he had Graygon. The one man that could always be counted upon. Then there is Katheryn, Willem was sure he could trust her, but why go to all the trouble to help him. She could easily take care of her business with out the need for two Wolfpack. Only time would tell...
Time, it seemed, was on their side. It had been months since Willem Blackcloak had been ousted from the Wolfpack throne and had fled with Graygon, and they still had not been recaptured. Willem didn't know whether to count it to his and Graygon's own superior skill of subterfuge, or whether it was simple luck, or some other reason. After much thought as he traveled with his companions, he reasoned it had to be simple luck. It was true Willem and Graygon, like all Wolfpack, were exceptionally skilled at subterfuge, but the persons seeking him were also presumably Wolfpack, and would have the same advantage.
No, Willem reasoned, It had to be dumb luck. Especially in some situations. Especially when Katheryn did something very un-Wolfpack-ish and blow up an inn.
Willem was still amazed that they had ever made it out of Denderham. After a while, Willem conferred with Graygon about his thoughts and worries.
"I really don't think Ciroal even cares any more." stated Graygon after Willem had finished speaking, "Perhaps she just wanted the throne, and didn't need you dead."
"Or perhaps..." said Willem, "She doesn't have the resources anymore."
"Why do you say that?" asked Graygon.
"We would have been dead long ago if Ciroal had taken advantage of the Wolfpack spy network. Tyco, the whole Wolfpack factions is nothing but mercenaries, spies, and the like, with only simple villagers and lords holding them together! I think Ciroal's takeover did not go as smoothly as she hoped."
"Then that's good, for us." Graygon smiled.
"Perhaps not," Willem cautioned, "As I said, the Wolfpack is chock-full of sub-nations, clans, troupes and other such groups, more so than any other faction. I think after word got out I was gone, everyone jumped at the throne."
"That still may be good, for us and your supporters."
"I hope. Maybe we can just let Ciroal and the others kill each other off in their own civil war and then we can pick up the pieces once they're all dead."
Graygon laughed, then sobered.
"I just pray this conflict doesn't spill over into Forestmen and Dark Forest lands. Another Fell War will kill the Forestdwellers."
"Bjarn is smart, he won't let that happen." assured Willem, "And I hope Radjar Kath has matured since the last conflict."
"You won't have to worry about Radjar Kath." said Katheryn suddenly, butting into the conversation, "He was removed from office. An interim council now rules the Dark Forest."
"How'd you know that?" demanded Graygon.
"I know." Katheryn replied, "Perhaps I shouldn't say removed. He stepped down after the council asked him to."
"Then perhaps Fell War II will not happen." sighed Willem, "Radjar is a wandering soul, and could have led his faction to destruction. He has made a wise choice."
"Also, something else you should know," said Katheryn coolly, "The Forestmen and Dark Forest borders have been sealed. No one is allowed in or out. Just keep that in mind."
"Right." nodded Graygon, "but that's nothing a druid and two Wolfpack can't handle."
Willem chuckled and Katheryn even allowed herself a slight smile. They continued on.