CHAPTER 23: SOLUTIONS (THE DUSK CLAVE)

HALLWAY, NEXERIA TOWN HALL, CENTER NEXERIA, NEXERIA

“That was just fake news reported by some hotshot hackers. Not a confirmation of the existence of this Circle or whatever it was they said. We can’t just go half-cocked into this situation without more information.” Xandrick says with his arms crossed, full of conviction. Looking down at the young vampyre.

“This is the best evidence I’ve had during my whole time trying to get this task force. This might have not been the Circle’s doing, but this had to be someone trying to out the Circle or Saurcle. We have to use this opportunity to find them and bring them to justice. If they have been messing with the city under our noses, we can’t let that go on any longer.” Valien replies, staring fierecly back into Xandrick’s eyes. Valien’s efforts have been shot down month after month, after receiving evidence of the Circle from his great-uncle and the others. His key problem is he can’t bring forth the evidence he received from the Deathborne because The Dusk Clave cannot be seen working with a vigilante group in the city.

“We don’t have the extra resources to send a task-force on a wild goose chase. I don’t know if this Circle exists or not, but the damage the Deathborne has done to the city has cost a considerable amount of money.” Xandrick responds to Valien. Xandrick turns away from him and stares out the window, looking over the city. The city he’s been trying to protect the best he can, but with people pestering him at work, defiant groups messing with it, and just the complete chaos of everything, it has been taxing on Xandrick’s soul.

“What if I could get the Deathborne to be the task-force? It’s no secret that my great-uncle is a member of it and that most of The Dusk Clave doesn’t like that he comes around to visit. It will save us money, and they could make up for the damages they have done.” Valien asks, his voice holds strong as he taps his foot.

“Now you’re giving solutions to your problems instead of just whining. I like this idea a lot. Have your great-uncle and the others of the Deathborne meet here ASAP. We will work out the details then.” Xandrick says with a positive tone in his voice.

“Thanks, Xandrick, we will save this city together.” Valien replies happily.

“That has always been our goal, Valien. I hope we can make our vision work.” Xandrick responds.

MEETING ROOM, NEXERIA TOWN HALL, CENTER NEXERIA, NEXERIA

Berbiros sits down next to Jeannette, Astorana, and Nirahn. His wolfwalker ears, which can pick up sounds from long distance pick up on the conversation of the other two members.

“The two of them are still at it. I feel sorry that Valien has to deal with Xandrick’s stubbornness. He doesn’t feel like himself; ever since he returned from that trip, it’s like he’s another person. It doesn’t smell right to me.”

“Trust me, you don’t know the half of it. I’m married to him and that is not who I fell in love with.” Jeannette looks over at the doorway, making sure no one else is coming by.

“We just have to bide our time right now; see how things develop and then we can confront him with it. I have already set things in motion; we can call it The Plan and see if it is really him.”

“I hope The Plan works soon. Because the times we live in are sickening me. We have The Saurcle or Circle roaming around, possibly a spy in the Dusk Clave, The Deathborne causing collateral damage, and whatever in Nozama’s name Gride’s doing too. It makes my gillaran blood boil that we can’t do anything proactive.” Nirahn responds, clenching his fist and gritting his sharp teeth.

“Calm yourself, Nirahn. We can’t have you smashing anything more in righteous fury. The budget is tight enough as it is. Trust in The Plan, Jeannette set up. We all got to The Dusk Clave because of our wisdom; we’ll see it through to the end.”

“Faith is all I have right now. It’s why I want to get that Task Force out there, because I can’t go out all gilly-nilly and fight all these evils myself.” The gillaran clave member replies, his fist clenched tightly.

“I feel that way too, Nirahn. I’m with the Dusk Clave to make a difference the same way my parents did. However, I feel like I’m not doing enough to live up to their legacy just sitting behind a table.” The wolfwalker looks down somberly.

The zombie woman crosses her arms and gives them a smile.

“Berbiros, I’ve been around your mothers and you're doing a fine job. Their battles were more with weapons, while your battles are with words. There are multiple fronts to this fight; it will not be easy. Steel yourself, and we will be the victors.”