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Leif, stared out toward Seraphim Tower, lost in thought in the otherwise cheerful and sunny afternoon. The young castle entrance guard had recently been promoted to the rank of captain, having proven his abilities in the previous Insect assaults. That, however, was not what he was thinking about. The Beast General had convened a meeting at Seraphim Tower with Elder Goldy, and diplomats from the other Beast Clans. The subject at hand: Insects.
Time after time, the brave HolyBeasts had fought and repelled the rampaging Insects, and succeeded in defending their homes. The Beast General had no doubt though, that the Insects would strike again, and again, until HolyBeasts were no more. With the recent intelligence gathered by the cunning scouts – Monkey and Tiger Clan thieves – the Beast General felt that he had enough evidence to propose a course of action to the elders... one that may finally bring an end to the Insect assaults.
*****
“And with this, you want to send our children to war?” Elder Ginko of Firebird Castle exclaimed. “There still is no solid evidence that the Insects have any connection with the Ancient Towers at all!”
The Beast General held his composure and replied, “It was your keen Bird Clan scouts that gave us this intelligence, Elder. The fact is, Insects have been seen in and around Eldritch Tower. Similar reports indicate the same is true for Deviltide Tower and LifeWhittling Tower as well.”
“Even so, does such a speculation warrant an all out assault? Are we truly prepared for war, and ready to send our children to their deaths?”
“Whether or not we strike, Elder, lives will be lost. You know what these Insects are capable of. Whatever their connection to the Ancient Towers, they are planning something... something big,” the Beast General stated in a matter-of-fact tone.
The Elders fell into silence – the debate had been raging since morning, yet little progress had been made. The Beast General had shown numerous reports, all indicating that Insect activity around the three Ancient Towers had increased dramatically in the days after their previous assault. He was boldly proposing that the HolyBeasts bring the battle to the Insects this time, marching to the Ancient Towers not only to gather information, but to stop whatever they may have been planning. The Elders of the Beast Clans, who had lived through the horrors of the war between clans, did not welcome such a proposal.
Finally, Elder Goldy spoke for the first time during the meeting, “The three ancient towers... Eldritch, the tower of spirits... Devilide, the tower of demons... and LifeWhittling, the tower of decay. It seems the Insects are going for the dark powers locked away in these towers by our ancestors.” The other Elders began murmuring in agreement.
“But our ancestors were careful to protect these great powers. What hope have the wretched Insects, to summon and defeat the Guardians? What chance have they, to claim the weapons of old, locked away after the war between our clans?” another Elder questioned skeptically.
“Perhaps they cannot revive these dark powers. Maybe they have already found a way, or are searching for one. With all due respect, Elder, do you plan on finding out whether they have been successful, when they are at our castle gates, armed and ready to slay us all?” the Beast General challenged.
The Elder opened his mouth as if to speak, but closed it once again. The young general had made his point.
*****
Nearing dusk, the signal was spotted – red smoke was pouring out of Seraphim Tower. Leif stared for just a second – hesitant and frozen from disbelief. It wasn’t that he didn’t believe in the Beast General. Rather, he had never thought the Elders would agree so soon. That second passed quickly, and Leif struck the gong for all of HolyBeast Castle to hear. The swiftest Bird Clan messengers immediately took off, with messages attached to their talons. The Elementalists and Illusionists gathered toward the middle of the Castle, with their minds rested and ready for what was to come. The Warriors stood stoically near the entrance, with their blades sharpened, and armor polished. The Hunters stood to the rear, quivers filled with arrows, and bows to their sides. Healers scattered through the ranks, ready to patch up the many wounds to come. The Thieves had already left, to scout ahead. It was time for war.
*****
Elsewhere...
“Commander, they know what we are doing, and are marching as we speak...” whispered a voice.
“So they have decided to strike back, have they?” a dark voice laughed. “Very well, prepare an ambush for them outside the Towers and make sure no beast gets inside! Station a few tainted Insects as well, and show them the power of darkness...”
“Understood, commander...”
*****
To be continued...
Written by [GS]Latias
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