The Devil's Cursed Witch

435  Fight Between Clans

A strange tension blanketed the Kingdom of Agartha for the next several days. While time passed by normally for the general populace, many of those in the know nervously awaited news from the witch territory. Morpheus' situation was a controversy much talked between neighbors, even as far as a topic among passing strangers. However, this tranquility only existed for the rest of the kingdom. Within the territory of the shapeshifters, the citizens were engulfed in a maelstrom of anger, blame and fear.

Despite the orders of the King and the kingdom council, the members of the Divine Fox Clan continued to be targeted not only by the feathered races, but also the young warriors who idolize Commander Morpheus. It came to a point that other beast clans who were allies with the Divine Fox Clans began to also receive discrimination.

The current Lord of the Foxes, Divine Fox Ailwin, privately sought out Divine Eagle Agraleus, the Chief of the Shapeshifters, regarding this escalating disorder.

"If His Majesty has to meddle in, I am afraid many beast clans would have to pay the price of blood," Agraleus commented, looking at the sky from the cliff of the mountain between the two clans.

The shapeshifter territory was unlike the vast Forest of the Elves. It only spanned tens of mountains and a handful of cities. The city of Redcrest where the feathered races lived was in one of those gigantic mountains, while the city of Dylan where the furred races like the Divine Foxes lived was precisely at the valley right next to it. Ailwin agreed, "If the Black Dragon shows up, then that means not only did we fail to control our people, but also the casualties are beyond what our kind can afford. I hope we do not reach that point."

"Hmm, His Majesty has sent out an order, and we also increased the patrols between our cities. The problem is that the warriors we sent often start the fight or worsen it, instead of preventing trouble in the first place."

"Why don't we get someone who is powerful to oversee and take command? We should send a request to Deputy Commander Logan."

"He is already swamped with protecting the borders," Agraleus replied.

"Then what? Do you recommend someone else? Your clan is the most aggressive of all the offenders, and even if we imprison them, they do not repent their actions."

The eagle's face hardened. "Are you blaming me for being unable to control my own people, Lord Ailwin?"

"I don't mean that way, Chief Agraleus." At this point, the fox beastman could only let out a frustrated sigh. Exhaustion could be clearly seen on his face. "I understand the reason for this aggression from your clan warriors. I wish to assure you that the Divine Fox Clan is ashamed for what our clan members did. But for the mistake of a single immature girl, do the warriors of the feathered races wish to punish an entire clan of innocent people? And it is not like I can prevent my people from fighting back. With our safety threatened and our food supplies destroyed, how can we quietly accept this without fighting?"

The reason why Ailwin came in a rush to meet Agraleus was precisely because the supply of food in the city was in danger. Because of the continuous fighting, merchants were frightened away from Dylan City. The foxes were also unable to leave their houses to gather food in the forest in fear of being attacked.

Agraleus could also only sigh at Ailwin's dilemma. Beastmen were beings ruled by instincts and emotions; though he did try to reason with them multiple times, he alone could not manage them all when even some elders privately approve of the fighting.

Ailwin tapped his fingers on the table. "If not the Deputy Commander, then I can only think of one suitable candidate."

"Who?"

"Your grandnephew,  Lady Myra's son. His superior bloodline is enough to suppress all the feathered races, and given his relationship with the Commander, no warrior would dare go against his words. If no one attacks us, then there won't be retaliation from my kind."

"That child is not yet fit to hold responsibilities. The shock he received from Morpheus' situation was the greatest. Aside from his meals, he never leaves Morpheus' house."

"And you will allow him to wallow in sadness? Won't it be better to give him something to distract himself? When Commander Morpheus wakes up and learns his nephew is taking an active role in your clan, he will be a proud uncle."

The Chief of the Shapeshifters was moved by his suggestion.

"I will have to talk to Lord Aureus."

With their meeting concluded, Agraleus stretched out his gray wings and went towards the tree where Morpheus's house was located. He found the young golden eagle standing at the deck outside the nest abode, lost in his thoughts.

Aureus was looking in the direction of the distant mountains bordering Agartha. Beyond those snowy peaks, in the other part of the continent, lay his real home, the Kingdom of Megaris. 'I wonder how Dray and Seren are doing. It's been a month since I left the capital. I missed Seren's coming-of-age ceremony. With Dray around her, I am sure she is safe and she doesn't need me…' As he gazed at the clouds idly moving in the clear blue sky, he felt like he could see that veil-covered face, those beautiful purple eyes smiling at him. 'I am sorry, Seren, but I don't think I will return by your side anytime soon. I…I broke my promise to protect you. I should have returned during this critical time of your life, but things turned out this way. I have to make a choice, and I did not choose you. 'I am sorry for choosing family over you. I have to stay here. Someone important to me almost died because of me, and I want him to wake up knowing he is no longer alone. I hope, no, I believe that he will be saved, and till then, I don't wish to leave him. I want to remain and let him know that family is waiting for him, and he needs to return whatever it takes. 'I can only hope you are doing fine. I hope you and Dray are happy together…'

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A/N- If you are reading the 3rd novel of series "The Devil's Betrothed", then cast all your votes to the third novel, instead of this one. Regular updates from Jan2024