Cursed By Fate

After the meeting, with the faction, Walter was given free reign over manpower, weapons and several resources. The first move he made, was requesting the influx of manpower from other factions of the Hunter association. Each of the seven factions pledged ten soldiers each.

Jack’s faction had ended with his death so the chairman donated and extra ten on his behalf. Walter had a total of eighty two men at his command and he divided them into squadrons.

This was the first time the hunter association would carry out such a large scale operation. Walter could not afford any mistakes. Any casualties if there were to be any were to be kept at a minimum.

He was sure they all had basic training but he was going to put them to the test before sending them out into the battlefield. While he trained the bulk of them on how to shoot crossbows, fight with knives and swords, he also focused on their hand to hand combat.

There were squadrons that were skilled with axes for combat involving fully morphed wolves and others spears to help keep them at bay.

But today his focus was aimed towards the research and development squad. They had invented a smoke grenade using Wolf’s Bane. This would be a huge deal to their war as if they could stop the wolves from morphing into their full form, they could level the playing ground and tip the scales in their favor.

He was observing a demonstration when some scouts returned with their reports for the day. “Great just in time ” he said to them. He handed them a bottle of water each and asked them to sit down and observe. They all had face masks on to prevent them from inhaling the particles of the wolves bane.

“Proceed !” He said as he watched the demonstration with excitement across his face while he smiled maliciously. They tested their invention and form all indication, it was a great success. This pleased Walter immensely.

” Come with me , you can brief me on the report while I have lunch. By the way , have you had something to eat ?” He asked as he walked towards his tent which was in the middle of theirs.

He ordered that their lunch be brought to his tent as he sat down and listened to their reports. ” There’s been an increased activity and we have observed wolves going in and out I the area. They’re usually being led by a man called Damian. He seems to be their current leader ”

“They’re quite a sophisticated bunch so we’d have to be tactical about our assault.” The scout reported. He also indicated they visited the settlement site where the massacre happened and were there for quite some time looking through it.

“I guess they’re so vile, they chose to relive their atrocious deeds.”Walter said as he proceeded to hand out further instructions. All of which he laid out in detail and they seemed to understand.

Unlike Louis’ soldiers, these hunters believed in Walter’s cause and pledged to fight for him out of free will , they were neither manipulated nor coerced into it.

*******

Everything Louis wanted was finally coming together and he started to feel over confident. Even so much that he began to underestimate the reach of the shadow moon pack and what they were capable of.

But even in his arrogance, he kept mute and didn’t act out of turn . His warriors kept training like their lives depended on It. Because in reality it did.

Alfred was finally sent for the day after they returned from their mission. After delivering a successful report, Louis was so ecstatic he suggested they throw a feast. But was discouraged out of the idea as it would send the wrong message to the troops.

However his happiness was replaced by paranoia when the Shadow moon pack summoned him once again to meet. This time he blatantly refused and there were no more elders to advise him on the matter.

“Tell Rudolph and his son I’m not interested in meeting him or any of his people right now. I have too much to do right now.” He said as he sent an emissary to deliver the words.

Unfortunately for the messenger, Damian felt the disrespect was not to go unanswered and sent back the head of the messenger. this was the final straw for Louis .

But instead of acting out in retaliation, he made sure to keep his plans a secret until the hunters dealt the first blow.

“He’s crossed the damn line this time and I believe we ought to show him his place father” Damian said agitated while walking with his father along the river banks.

Rudolph had requested to see the settlement as the rumours that spread around his pack had gotten to his ears . They were going unguarded this time as Rudolph often preferred his privacy within his own territory.

His legs became firm and his jaw dropped when he came across the horrific site. The bodies has been removed but the stench of blood mixed with smoke and ash still filled the air and it was as if he was present live there when it had happened.

Damian gripped his father to bring him back from his shock. But the old man was struck with grief and sadness. He stood silently and his eyes filled with tears.

They were just about to leave when Damian picked up the scent of a foreign element and turned back. One of Walter’s scout had been watching them .

As soon as he discovered he had been made he got up and turned to run. But giving away his position to a wolf that was enraged and was known for blood lust meant death .

Without thinking twice, Damian charged at the poor soul and in a moment of fright, the scout fired a crossbow at him. Damian ducked and went in for the kill . With one swift slash he took the life of the scout.

He turned to return to his father but he found the old man coughing up black blood, with an arrow in his chest.