Chapter 140 - Cowardly behaviour

The wolves were even worst for the caravans. This is because once they were injured, they would try to harm the mounts, in some cases forcing the trader to leave their stock, as only a few of the mounts survive such an ordeal.

The decision for Xue to make was a hard one. Facing 100 suicidal wolves, while having to protect the caravan was just a difficult predicament.

So she gathered everyone and made the first decision that they will not turn back but make sure to reach the trade, in time. Next, she made the plan to create a small group consisting of the fastest people and try to lure the wolves away.

Once the caravan passed, the group that lured the wolves away would be called back. Xue explained the nature of the Lunar wolves and how each one of the males will take the opportunity to impress the queen. Therefore they should not worry about only a few of them being attracted and following the group.

She then asked to create a group of volunteers among her people to lure the wolves away. She also formulated, a backup plan to form another smaller group, to keep the queen busy in case she does not follow the pack.

Her plan was meticulous. However, Aile interjected, "That is a great plan, and it would work if the wolves were just resting on the other side. They are migratory beasts and would leave a place, as they do not have any attachment to where they rest and have no place to call home. However, in this instance, the plan would fail."

Everyone on Xue's side looked at Aile with an annoyed expression. They trusted Xue and her judgement. So they all just ignored Aile. However, Xue asked, "Why do you say that?"

There was a soft murmur from the people whispering not to waste time with inexperienced people. Hearing them, Xue said, "All of you be quiet... This concerns our lives, we cannot take unnecessary risks. My knowledge is limited, so if we can get more, we should listen and adjust accordingly."

Aile nodded at Xue's open-mindedness, most leaders would ignore the input of people below them, especially if it is someone they had to escort. Their mentality being, if you were so smart, why do you need us then.

Aile said, "Currently the queen is giving birth on the other side. The group would not separate and will instead act territorial, until after the birth. If we are going to conduct the trade, then we would have to fight all of them."

Everyone looked at Aile with disbelieve. They were thinking about how Aile would know if the queen was giving birth. After all, all of them were here, and no one could see the queen. It just seemed like Aile was making fun of them.

Aile shrugged and said, "My findings can easily be proven, plus sending a group to scout would not hurt. At the very least, you would know which direction would be safest to lure the wolves if I am wrong."

No one really had anything to say about Aile's logical answer. They were just waiting for the scouts to return so that they could mock him and tell him to shut up and not interfere and waste their time.

Soon three scouts were picked, and they were going to cross the river. The river was 300 meters across with powerful torrents of water that moved dense 2 meter high rocks from time to time with a lot of speed.

Aile gestured One to come close by and said, "Why don't I send my scout too."

This made the already annoyed group angrier. They thought Aile was not going to trust the word of their scouts, so he was sending his own. They were thinking and whispering why would we jeopardize our safety to win a stupid quibble with you. Xue too was not happy, but she did not stop One from going.

Aile then said, "My scout will be going first."

Aile then gestured One to go and said, "I think they are three of them, one close to the bank, and two at the centre. Be careful."

One then ran and jumped into the few rocks that were deposited on the side of the river. Once One was 50 meters across the river. Aile shouted, "The first one will appear now."

A giant pufferfish-like beast jumped towards One as it opened his mouth, showcasing his sharp teeth. With Aile's warning, he jumped towards the fish, and One used the small flat surface between the spikes as a footing to propel himself towards the other shore. He landed on a few rocks that had become covered with moss and was slippery. With some effort, he got his bearing and continued to the other side.

Once he was over halfway, Aile shouted, "Two of them are coming now." Following the warning, another fish jumped, after it was out of the water and lunged towards him, one leapt towards it to use the same method as before. However, as soon as he jumped, a second fish jumped to intercept him.

One was prepared and used a fighting technique to move his body and foot closer to the first fish and change his trajectory.

Crunch

He avoided the second one. He quickly used the sparse rocks to reach the other side.

Aile looked at the three scouts from Xue's side and said, "Do not worry, I will tell you the timing for the beasts attacks you will be safe. Just follow the same method as my scout."

The scouts were all scared, the beasts that just jumped for One had extremely poisonous spikes on their backs. If the scouts missed their footing or grazed their hand by them, it would mean paralysis, as they fall to the river and get eaten or drown.

A paralyzed person on such a torrent of water would be almost impossible to save. The scouts were thinking, 'What do you take us for? We have to run on slippery rocks while dodging poisonous-carnivorous fish and listen to your warnings at the same time, dividing our focus into three. What are our chances of survival?'

Almost everyone else was stunned, they were surprised at One's quick and calculative movements. They were more baffled by Aile, how was he able to predict the exact moments of the leaping fishes. Everyone had their face pointed towards Aile.

They realized that the person in front of them was not ordinary. They were scared for his retaliation on their previous comments and happy at the same time that they did not act too presumptuous in front of him. They also admired Xue for not ignoring him.

Ellie and Violet were even more surprised by Aile's ability. They knew that he was a smart leader from the previous trip. However, his current performance dazzled them. They were standing more proudly behind him.

One of the scouts turned to Xue and said, "Xue, sir here can predict when the beasts will come out of the water and attack us, I believe him when he says the wolf queen is giving birth. There is no need for you to doubt sir anymore. I am sure everyone here believes him now too." He walked towards Aile to show his support. He had thought he figured Aile out, seeing the women surround him. He bad-mouthed Xue's decisions and fawned over Aile blatantly. While telling Aile that their leader was a beauty and he can take her for her mistake.

He was prompting people to make Aile the new leader. So that he could be the vice-leader something that Xue would never give to him.

Such a disregard for Xue and putting her under the bus surprised Aile. The people he had hired were not cowardly and worst to find such a traitor astonished Aile. These are the types of people that will break the unity of the group. Especially when they show their true colours in such a critical junction.

Aile was enraged under his face cover and said in a calm tone, "What you said is the truth. I have decided to no longer follow this incompetent leader, anyone that wants to leave with me come and we will go back. I do not want to die fighting the losing battle with the 100 wolves."

With Aile's word, Ellie and Violet were disturbed. Two knew where this conversation was going and got ready. Hazel too had a premonition and stopped herself from interfering.

Another of the scouts and one more from Xue's rank joined Aile after his claim. However, the rest of the people stood in solidarity behind Xue.

"Is there no one else?"

No one made a move, and they stood behind Xue.

Aile was happy that at least the majority of people in his rank did not betray their leader.

Aile then looked at the three people that betrayed the group. Two being a sneaky character arrived behind the three of them and placed three needles on their neck. With that, all three of them became paralyzed.

Aile took out his blade, and before anyone knew what happened, he swang it six times.

Swish

Swish

...

The hands and masks of the three traitors fell on the ground.

Thud

Thud

Thud

...