“Everyone calm down and I will explain.” Wildeye stood at the head of the Lost Dawns council table, surrounded by the confused and angered faces of the Draak’Terran leaders that agreed to Koda’s meeting.

  “Where be Koda, Wildeye?” asked Triss.

  “Yes, please tell us where the Dawnedge brat is,” Isana said.

  The harekin king stuck his fingers in his mouth and blew a sharp whistle. “Let the wolf speak!” Immediately the room quieted down.

  Wildeye nodded to Aemor. “Thank you, King Greyblade.” She turned to the awaiting leaders. “An organization known as Dead of Winter has manipulated Koda and convinced him to join their ranks.”

  “Excuse me? What does all that mean for us?” asked Fainn.

  “It means, demon,” said Avalon, “that Koda has joined the same guild that has been breaking the seals.”

  “Why would Koda do this to our alliance after working so hard to bring us together?” asked Travin.

  Wildeye rubbed her brow. “I’m not exactly sure. I felt he has been very troubled as of late. I suppose Dead of Winter’s members took advantage of those flaws—those weaknesses.”

  “The oceans of my realm have grown more dangerous and our storms more wild. Does that mean the Abyss seal has been broken?” asked Triss.

  “I believe so, Ocean Mistress.” Wildeye nodded. “It is as I feared. We are too many steps behind, but I shall find the fourth and fifth seals and send my men to intercept our enemies before they can break it.”

  “Your men?” Travin gave Wildeye a confused look. “Does this mean you have taken the crown of Long Whisper?”

  Wildeye placed her hand over her heart. “I am Koda’s Arcane Familiar, thus by decree of Long Whisper, I am the next highest rank of command and shall serve as Regent Queen.”

  “No offense, lass, but what qualifications do you have?” asked Aemor

  “As I said, I am a Wolf of the Eclipse. I have more wisdom of the secrets of these five realms than all of you combined. I have also been at Koda’s side when he ruled Long Whisper and attended each of his emissary missions. As Koda has learned about the intricacies of the political world, so have I. Thus, I am more than capable to lead this task force.”

  Dallin rose from his seat. “You have Varis.”

  Avalon stood next. “And the Silent Ones.”

  This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

  “Fine, you bloomin’ well have Southtail’s support,” Aemor said.

  Isana and Travin both nodded to each other “And the armies of Scorch.”

  Fainn gave Wildeye a gracious bow. “Anything to save our planet. Seru stands by Long Whisper!”

  Wildeye bowed her head and whispered a silent prayer. “Ruens grant me your infinite wisdom. I fear I shall need it.”

  ***

  Wiccer and Mave bowed before their newly appointed Queen Regent in the Lost Dawns throne room.

  “You’ve grown a lot since I last saw you, Wildeye,” Mave said, stifling a giggle.

  “You wished to see us, my Queen?” asked Wiccer, cutting to the point.

  Wildeye nodded to Wiccer and from behind the throne walked Inle. Wiccer drew his sword, brandishing in an aggressive stance. His most hated enemy once again before him.

  Wildeye raised her hand. “That won’t be necessary, General. Inle is on our side now.”

  “What is the meaning of this, Wildeye?” said Wiccer, forgetting formalities. How could Wildeye be so foolish to think Inle could be trusted? Was this some kind of ploy to assassinate the regent queen or a way to spy on the dragon realm coalition. Whatever Inle’s plan was, he will not falter, he will not fail Long Whisper’s leader again, as he had done time and time again in the past!

  “As I mentioned before, he is on our side now,” she repeated.

  Mave scratched her head. “Who is he and why is he a stone in Wic’s boot?”

  “He killed my brother and helped assassinate the former king!” snarled Wiccer. He raised his voice with each word. “He has been working for the shadow organiza—”

  “Dead of Winter,” interrupted Inle, “They are called the Dead of Winter, and I am no longer a member. I betrayed them once I turned against their leader.”

  Wiccer threw up his hands. “And we should trust a manipulative snake in the grass like you?”

  Inle glanced at Wildeye and then turned back to Wiccer. “Elucard was taken prisoner by the Dead of Winter and I am the best hope of getting him back.”

  Wiccer’s expression changed at the mention of Elucard as a prisoner of Dead of Winter

  “You want to help us rescue Elucard?” asked Mave. She waited for Inle to nod. “I’m jolly-well convinced.”

  “I’m not.” Wiccer scowled. “Do you think I’d forgotten my encounter with you in the desert? You were cruel beyond all belief. You cannot and never will be trusted, and I will see to it that you hang, Inle Ebonpath!”

  “Listen…” Inle paused with a sigh. “...I’ve made so many mistakes in my life that I know that not everyone will ever forgive me, but Elucard has and for that I am eternally grateful. Maybe you won’t trust me now, but allow me to rescue Elucard. Even if I have to do it alone, give me the chance to save him.”

  Wiccer folded his arms and bowed his head in thought. Elucard did not easily forgive his enemies, but if his friend could trust Inle, perhaps he could—just enough to get Elucard back. “You won’t have to do it alone. Elucard has made his share of mistakes also. He has wronged me more times than I can count, but he needs us more than ever.” Wiccer paused briefly, remembering a very vulnerable Elucard approaching him after the war in New Estinia. He’d hidden his emotions at the time, but he’d wanted Wiccer to forgive him. Elucard had needed him then, a frien — and now Elucard needed Wiccer once more. “I won't leave him behind. It’s not in my blood.”

  “Very well then,” Wildeye said. “Mave, I am assigning Inle to your Anti-Rogue Ops unit. I want him working closely with Elucard’s former teammates.”

  “Right-O, Chief!” Mave clicked her heels together and gave Wildeye a smart salute. “This way, Inle—”

  “Cade,” the shadow elf said. “Call me Cade.”