KING OF BEASTS (Hiatus)

Ares remained within his tent, sitting down cross legged with his hands on his knees. He inhaled deeply trying to focus and clear his mind, but after each moment where he could feel himself drift away, his body would force himself awake. After what felt like an hour of this he finally stood up and then left his tent. 

Rori, Lana, Torak, and Heria were all waiting for him outside, plus a handful of others. The humans had been led away, what with the tensions high. A handful of Lana’s trusted warriors had taken them aside and were guarding them at the moment. The pair of wolffolk that had returned had been taken elsewhere to be treated and given rest.

“I suppose it’s finally time to confront the beast.” Ares said as he rubbed the side of his neck. “How many warriors do we have that have shields and armour?”

“Three of ten by ten, and then a few more.” Rori replied back. 

“What are their races?”

“Most are wolffolk, though there are some of the others. The oxfolk make the second largest portion.” 

“Bows and arrows?”

“Enough for each.”

Ares nodded and then paced once from side to side before returning to the middle. ‘Probably more than enough with me leading the helm, but I’ll have to wait for Asyllia…’ He looked up towards his allies. “How do they usually fight?”

“They fight with ten men abreast, several rows. I think there would be close to  one hundred per small unit, though ten of those would create an entire army. They may send three to five of those when trying to conquer a city.”

“Three to five thousand?”

“Sometimes they will multiple even that by three to five, though they would only do so for a large campaign against an entire people.”

“They don’t know how many of us there are, they could send that many.”

“Would you be able to handle such a thing?” Rori asked.

Ares caught the look in his friend’s eye and then he looked up to the sky. “I have no choice in the matter.”

Rori continued to stare into Ares’ eyes, waiting for more.

“I will do my best. Though, I do wish I had that sword. It would have made many things much easier… I spent quite some effort when it came to dealing with the three hundred earlier… Speaking of which, did the armour fit your wolffolk?”

“Mostly. None of it could fit me, but the armour could fit my wolffolk fine enough, though the helmets weren’t too good.”

“That’s fine. They can remain here as part of the city force, but I’ll take the other three hundred…” Ares paused for a moment in thought. “No, I’ll take one hundred. One hundred and twenty. The twenty will all be using oxen or wolves to carry equipment for us, and then when we engage in combat, will provide cover fire. I’ll send them back if it becomes too dangerous.” 

Heria and Lana nodded, as it was they that would provide such warriors for the effort. 

Ares stood a little taller. “No. One hundred and thirty. I’ll be taking those that wish to become the Kingsblut.” He smiled as he then turned to glance towards the fountain. Two of his trainee Kingsblut remained there, the other eight were training or rest, one of the two. Then he glanced over to another warrior and motioned with a hand. “Go call for the others, brings the representatives too.” Ares ordered.

When they had finally arrived, Ares began working with them to make a plan. He had told them exactly what he needed. He would have fifty oxfolk and fifty wolffolk, all with armour, shields, bows, and spears to accompany him, whereas he would take a few of the other races that would be those that will help bring items along that they would need. He would also need a handful of other wolffolk and oxfolk and some beasts as well to help carry these items too. 

“Why are you not taking those from the bearfolk or the catfolk for the front line?” Asked an older oxfolk man.

Ares looked up at the man. “There’s no need. The youths will help with logistics, those that are older will remain here on standby.”

“It seems as though you wish only for the oxfolk and the wolffolk to walk to their deaths.”

Ares stared at them. “I will only take volunteers on this mission. If Asyllia comes back with information, this may change, but for now I will take only those with the strongest of hearts.”

“What will we get in return for our service?”

Ares stood a little taller. “We will have to see what there will be to offer once we figure out how much we loot from the enemy.”

The oxfolk groaned but did not press further and then Ares looked at the others. “If you have anymore qualms, please raise them now. It is better for you to speak your mind now, no matter what it is.”

There weren’t any more complaints beyond that, and so the conversations continued as Ares asked which of the representatives wished to volunteer their own warriors for the front lines, and which of those wanted to volunteer their warriors to remain behind at the ready. 

Asyllia appeared soon after and landed down near Ares as her wings then disappeared from her back. “There are close to ten hundred that are heading to the base of the mountain. They are a half day away and are currently marching forward.”

“Ten hundred?” Ares asked as he then rubbed the side of his neck again. “Well that’s good. That doesn’t change my current plan… Did you see Jorgan?”

“Indeed I had. He is following behind. He had been chained and is being led forward. His condition is not good.”

Ares frowned and nodded. “Well…” Ares hissed out and then clenched his fist. He then looked out to the others before returning back to neutral. He remained silent for a few moments. 

“We’ll set out several scouts… Asyllia, how many times can you go out and fly?”

“If you wish for it, as many times as required.”

“How many times per day, going to the base of the mountain and then returning before you become tired, at a casual pace.”

Asyllia thought for some time. “Four.” She replied back. “If I take a straight line, then perhaps five.”

“That’s good. I’ll ask that you go once in the morning, once midday, and then once in the evening. Take Say… what was her name again?”

“Saykkera.”

“Right, sorry…” Ares flushed a gentle scarlet in embarrassment and then cleared his throat. “Saykkera, take her with you. I don’t want you going along anymore.”

Asyllia bowed her head. “As you wish, my King.”

Ares rubbed the side of his neck. “Also! From now on you are to call me Ares-kin, no longer will anyone call me King. It’s embarrassing. I already have a large ego, I don’t need any help boosting it.” He chuckled. He glanced to the representatives and then to Rori. “The representatives and the Consul will also share this name, people are to place kin after your names. This is to remind you of your place, to serve your kin.” 

Then with a hand, he dismissed his people. They were to take the information back and then in the evening they would convene again. Ares had another issue to deal with.