SWNOVELS Chapter Chapter Nine
As Crono drove along a road shrouded in an aura that seemed to have stopped time, the distant houses revealed a dilapidated state, and people's routine of drawing water from ancient wells persisted. The scene disconcerted him, plunging him into a feeling of sadness.
Arriving at the majestic manor of Pyrrhus, Crono was escorted by grotesque wolves along a corridor inlaid with gold on the sides. An imposing door opened before him, and as he stepped through it, he found himself face to face with a wolf in his fifties. The wolf's features were similar to those of his father-in-law.
Pyrrhus, with a smile plastered on his face, sat majestically in an imposing armchair in front of his desk. He knew from his informants that the Highlands lacked warriors to face the destructive creatures, his confidence reflected in his expression. He was sure that Crono would accept the conditions he intended to offer to fight the Orcs.
"Alpha Crono, please have a seat. It's a pleasure to see you on my land. Now, tell me, what brings you here?"
"Alpha Pyrrhus, as I have already made clear to you through the peace treaties I have sent you, it is imperative that we join forces to eradicate the scourge ravaging the lands of the wolves." He replied earnestly as he sat down. "Alpha Crono, I know that these creatures that have appeared seek only to take over the mountainous lands of their flocks.
"If my region suffers the damage of the orcs, this land will eventually be affected too," he added shrewdly, emphasizing the interconnectedness of the threats.
"I understand your proposal, Alpha Crono, but I have one condition: I must accept your peace treaty and provide you with wolves to confront these Orcs." Pyrrhus commented, maintaining a cold stare and narrowing his eyes. "Tell me what you have in mind so we can sign the peace treaty. Crono clenched his jaw, aware of Pyrrhus's treacherous nature, but also needing to trust his wolves.
"Alpha Crono, I hear you recently married a wolf I love in my region. Rumors suggest that your relationship with my beautiful niece Freya is not a romantic one, that your union was at the request of my brother, who thinks you would make a good leader of the northern region, and that you don't want Freya as a mate, so I'm going to do you a favor by eliminating her from your midst. My condition for accepting the treaty is that Alpha Crono rejects your companion and abandons her as part of our alliance."
Cronus frowned, unable to conceive that Pyrrhus was willing to negotiate peace in exchange for his wife. Caught in the crossfire, Cronus realized that refusing the offer would trigger a war, but accepting it would weaken his region by abandoning his Luna. Faced with this crossroads, he had no choice but to seek what was best for his region.
"I came here to ask for a truce, not to abandon my Moon," Crono declared firmly.
"My niece is the offering I desire to ensure harmony between our regions. Don't worry, I'll wait until you divorce and refuse her, I promise to treat her with the respect she deserves, a Moon my people will adore because she bears my blood. The sooner the divorce is settled, the sooner you'll have my wolf-warriors at your disposal," replied Pyrrhus with icy confidence.
"This condition is unacceptable. I won't hand over my companion. She's not up for discussion. Moon Freya will remain in my pack," condemned Crono, firm in his decision.
"Since Chief Crono is unwilling to accept my condition, we will continue to be in conflict. When I invade your lands and your people perish, you will remember that you could have prevented all this," Pyrrhus said coldly. Crono stood up abruptly, clasped his hands together and said in a firm voice.
"I came here with the conviction that your interest was to drive the orcs from the lands of the wolves. However, I see that your intentions were to take my moon from me. But let me be clear to you, Pyrrhus: the Freya moon is mine, and my region will never be yours."
"Crono, I can't believe you're willing to die for a she-wolf who obviously hates you. Now, explain to your people that you didn't make the best decision for them. Then, don't blame me for being a tyrant," he laughed, "Since you've decided that we're going to continue the conflict and you don't want to accept my condition, I think this meeting can be considered over.
Pyrrhus was convinced that he would soon have the she-wolf he had wanted since he was a teenager, and that he would soon control all the wolf lands. Patiently, he would wait for the right moment to launch his attack and achieve his main goal: to have his Luna, the one his people would adore and who would be the spitting image of his beloved Flavia.
"Pyrrhus, you don't seem to be aware of what you're saying. You accuse me of not making the best decision for a she-wolf, when you're the one rejecting a peace treaty on a whim. Since there's nothing more to discuss, I'll withdraw. And if you try to invade my territory, you'll know who the real Alpha Crono is. You know I've eliminated the former chief of this region, and if you dare challenge my packs, I'll do the same to you," he declared confidently, turning his back on Pyrrhus who was leaving the scene in a palpable rage.
Crono spent the whole night in silence and reflection. He couldn't understand Pyrrhus' obsession with Freya. He now had two battles to win.
Arriving exhausted at the herd, Crono noticed the unusual presence of more men than usual at the manor entrance. Worried, he quickly dismounted and asked.
"What's going on here? Why are they guarding the entrance?
"Lune Freya was attacked by the wolf Eris, Lady Damara entrusted us with the responsibility of her safety," replied one of the wolves.
"How's my wife?" he asked again, concern evident on his face.
"He's fine, he's safe. His mother, Damara Moon, can give you details of what happened. She witnessed what happened.
Crono entered the mansion and strode up the stairs. He reached Freya's bedroom, opened the door carefully and approached the bed where she was sleeping. Noticing a few scratches on her face, he approached and sat down on the bed, gently caressing her right cheek. At that moment, he felt his heart racing. Freya looked like an angel, very different from the beast he was used to seeing. Tiredness overcame him and he fell asleep next to his wife, who was resting like a bear in the dead of winter.