The Frostholm Pack was well aware that now was not the time to celebrate. The situation was far from being under their control. While they had managed to thwart the Nimbria Pack’s attack and capture some of their warriors, others had managed to escape. This left them with the looming threat of another attack.
Moreover, Kendrick personally understood that the Nimbria Pack would not retreat so easily, they would never surrender. Especially since he knew the nature of the Nimbria Pack’s Alpha, Connor Arbuckle, who was always ambitious and obsessed with conquering other packs.
Kendrick couldn’t just stand by. The Frostholm Pack couldn’t stay on the defensive. The pride of the pack was at stake, and more importantly, he would not allow anyone to underestimate the Frostholm Pack.
“Graham,” Kendrick called in a deep voice. He turned and looked at Graham, who was standing not far from him. “Any news from Ivan?”
Graham came closer, standing tall in front of Kendrick. “Ivan is in excellent condition. Although last night’s sneak attack by the Nimbria Pack cost us a few warriors, Ivan has managed to maintain discipline and morale among the warriors,” he explained, updating Kendrick on the current state of the warriors. He then added some more critical information. “After last night’s attack, Ivan reorganized the formation. He’s prepared a plan for a counterattack, and they’re ready to move at any time. In addition, Odin has reinforced the defenses at the most vulnerable points.”
“And what about the position of the Nimbria Pack? Is there any information about their current location?”
Graham lowered his gaze slightly as he replied, “I’m sorry, Alpha. There’s still no information on their position. However, as far as I know, Ivan has already ordered his special team to search the entire border area, including the Amerotha Forest.”
Kendrick took a deep breath. He paused, realizing that everything was happening so suddenly. Ivan and the others would need time to adjust. However, he fully believed that Ivan would be able to handle the situation.
“Keep the lines of communication open with Ivan. Inform me immediately of any developments, especially regarding the current position of the Nimbria Pack. We can’t do much without knowing their location.”
Graham nodded. “Understood, Alpha.”
*
Meanwhile, in the warriors’ barracks, Ivan immediately summoned his deputy, Ferdie Ortiz, and several other members of the elite team. They gathered around and focused on a map spread out on the table.
Ivan studied the map with a keen eye. His face showed seriousness as he verified the information he had received. “So, they are in the Eresca Valley?” he asked, pointing to the valley on the map, specifically at the southern end of the Amerotha Forest. “They are hiding there?”
“Yes, Ivan,” Ferdie replied confidently. “My team and I have confirmed that they are currently hiding there. They are numerous and appear to be preparing for a follow-up attack.”
Ivan carefully considered Ferdie’s explanation. As his deputy, he had no doubts about Ferdie’s information, especially since Ferdie had special skills that made him highly reliable in missions that required speed and precision. No wonder he was nicknamed ‘Flash’.
“It seems they are trying to consolidate their forces before launching a major attack. However, they are not fully prepared yet,” Ivan said with conviction. His gaze remained fixed on the map as his mind worked intensely. “Our resistance last night clearly dealt them an unexpectedly heavy blow. Their strength must have decreased compared to before. So, this is the best opportunity for us to strike first.”
One of the elite team members, Jason Ruiz, interjected cautiously. “But what if it’s a trap? As we know, the Eresca Valley has many ways in and out. They could be setting a trap for us there.”
Moving with caution was not the answer. Ivan understood the risks Jason was concerned about. Therefore, he had to devise a strategy with minimal risk and a high chance of success. “Our counterattack must be swift and effective,” he said in a flat tone. Then he looked up and glanced at everyone present. “We need to hit them at their weakest point. So, we’ll use small, highly mobile units to attack at multiple points simultaneously. This will confuse them and force them to spread their forces thin. Their focus will be divided.”
Ferdie narrowed his eyes, understanding Ivan’s intention. “Guerrilla tactics.”
“Exactly.” Ivan confirmed Ferdie’s assessment and took a deep breath. He clasped his hands in front of him, his focus returning to the map. “We will use our knowledge of the battlefield to our advantage. They may be outnumbered, but this is our territory. No one knows this area better than we do.”
“If we can encircle them in the Eresca Valley and attack from three sides, we can neutralize their attack,” Ferdie said, envisioning Ivan’s attack strategy. “And also cut off their escape routes.”
Ivan nodded. “Exactly. So, we’ll divide the elite team into three groups. The first group will be led by you, Flash. Your target is the eastern side. Make sure you neutralize their command. This will definitely affect their morale.”
“Understood, Ivan,” Ferdie said, ready for the task. “I’ll bring four elite team members.”
Next, Ivan turned to the second and third groups, each with a different focus. The second group would advance from the north, with the goal of pushing the Nimbria pack toward the valley. Meanwhile, the third group would guard the escape routes on the south side.
The strategy was set, and Ivan did not overlook any possible unforeseen circumstances. Therefore, he prepared a reserve team whose task was to anticipate possible negative outcomes. They would be positioned at various strategic points, ready to move wherever needed, whether to reinforce the attack, close gaps, or evacuate the wounded.
“Once we make sure they are trapped, I will deploy our full force for a simultaneous assault,” Ivan concluded. He made sure that every member of the elite team understood their tasks. “So, we need to get ready. In one hour, we will regroup and be ready to move.”
*