” Welcome. Welcome. Welcome. ”
The Wolf King could not believe that the Fox King had come to meet him in person.
They had never talked face to face except for in battles
It was an overwhelming situation for both of them.
In fact it was overwhelming for both the tribes .
” Never had in my wildest dreams did I think that we will get to meet in circumstances like these. ”
The Wolf King was unsure if he was supposed to hug or shake hands with the Fox King.
The Fox King smiled at his hesitation.
Then embraced him into a bear hug.
” There is no more need for any formalities. We are in-laws now. Our ties have been sealed with blood. ”
The Wolf King laughed.
” Ha Ha !
How have the times changed. Wasn’t this the very reason why it had all began. ”
The statement made both a little uneasy.
Lin and Xie came forward to fill in the awkward moment.
” How are we planning our defence against the onslaught? ”
Xie dared to immediately bring up the question. Afraid that the discussion might trigger misunderstandings from the past.
” Mia’s child, I mean Mia and Lin’s child is due within a month. We need to find a way out before that so we can bring her home for the delivery. ”
He looked like a proud brother .
” Yeah! We need to Xie. We need to bring her home. ”
The Wolf King heaved a deep sigh.
” My father here has a suggestion to hold it down for the time being. ”
Lin stepped forward with the proposal.
” Let us know about it. ”
The Wolf King asked eagerly.
” He suggested that we shift both our capitals and settle in between. ”
The statement was met with total silence and staring.
” Is that even possible? ”
The expression on the face of the Wolf King was hard to read.
” Possible but difficult. ”
The Fox King put in.
” This is our only chance at strengthening the barrier. If the two tribes work together . Only then will we be able to extend our field of protection. ”
Xie spoke for the motion. Specially trying to coax his father.
” It will let Nana work . In finding a way out of all this along with the help of the Wolf Spirits. ”
Lin told the Wolf King.
” You do not need to persuade me. I am willing to take the step. But… ”
” But what father? ”
Xie asked the Wolf King.
” What worries me is the process of resettlement. ”
He had a lot going on in his mind.
” I know what you are worried about but we will need to think about the mortals in the human world as well.
They have always been at the receiving of the struggles between both our tribes. ”
Lin’s words made everybody pay attention.
” I have visited the king personally. He is a total mess.
He had made some secret deal with the mer-queen. He had been sending people to the mer-world as human sacrifices. In exchange for security.
Which in itself is such an absurd idea. How were the ones in the ocean going to protect the ones living in land.
Moreover, it throws a while new level of shade over the mer-Queen’s intentions. Which makes me want to head straight down there and bring my Mia back home, here. But that is not possible because the situation on the ground is worse than the ocean. Atleast we know she is safe down there. Safe from the grudge that’s plaguing our lands. ”
” The humans need to be protected as well. We will only be able to do that if we join forces and consolidate our kingdoms. ”
Xie turned his attention towards the Wolf King and his men.
” We might have to go through the process of child birth, to usher in a new beginning. It will hurt. It will pain. But at the end we will have something better. Just like my nephew or niece, who is about to be born. A living example of consolidation. Born from a Fox Prince and a wolf mother who is part mer-witch. Conceived in the human world where the two first met. ”
Even Lin had never thought about it in that light. It was true. His child was going to be a living example of unification. A true heir to all the four kingdoms.
” It seems like they have already settled and sorted everything, ” the Wolf King smiled at his Fox counterpart.
” Ahhhhh!
How these kids have grown up, ” He sighed and walked upto the Fox king.” Let’s give them a chance to sort these things out. With all these white hairs on our head, we deserve a little break. What do you say? Care to take a little walk with me and share a few drinks. ”
The Fox King smiled back.
” Sounds like a wonderful temptation. I believe our lands are on perfect shoulders.
Children we believe you will be able to see our people through the difficult process of re-settlement. Keep their safety and best interest in mind as well. ”
Lin bowed in front of his father.
” Yes, father. I… ”
He looked at Xie, ” We will do our best. ”
Xie followed suit.
He bowed in front of his father and the Fox king.
” This is a mission with scope for zero mistake. We will make sure not to disappoint you. We will strive our best to live upto your trust. ”
The Kings went to their recreational chamber. Talking. Probably about old times and events.
Lin and Xie turned towards their respective soldiers.
” We need to inform all the princes and officials about the task at hand. Disperse immediately and collect them for an urgent meeting. We cannot afford to slack off. Or lay back at all. Is that understood?”
” Yes, sir ”
The entire place echoed with their resonance.