Chapter 93: The Calm Before The Storm
Oust lowered his head, expecting this conversation, but not from the bull of all beasts. The tiger took a steadying breath in and spoke his thoughts on the matter.
"My father would raise the most powerful army our country had even seen. He would focus on the strongest among us and rule accordingly to eradicate the weaker among us... His rule would be one where the strongest rise above the weak... Prince Tyfin would rule the opposite of that, I’m certain... I do not wish to stand against my father because I know that death awaits any who dare to... But I pray our Prince will reclaim his throne, as is his right." Captain Rix snorted once before he retorted, not exactly satisfied with that answer.
"THIS IS WAR, TIGER. THERE IS NO ROOM LEFT FOR PLAYING BOTH SIDES. WHICH SIDE OF THE LINE WILL YOU STAND ON? PRAYERS WITHOUT ACTION TO BACK THEM AMOUNT TO NOTHING." It was Sir Corper who further expanded on that statement.
"I have to agree with your captain here, young one. Choosing to remain passive because you fear retaliation from either side is a fool’s choice. I can tell you about the dangers of taking no action until it is too late... Tell me, cub, would your father give a second thought to discarding you among the weak?"
Oust lowered his head, knowing his teacher and his captain were both correct. The beast exhaled silently before he spoke in a serious voice.
"My father should not be allowed to seize the crown... I can’t hope to stop him, but I will do what I can for our prince in the meantime... My loyalty to the rightful king has not wavered." Captain Rix gave a gruff grunt before he turned to stare down the bear for a bit, seemingly deep in thought. Sir Corper gave the bovine a moment before he finally spoke to the bull.
"Don’t hold your tongue for my sake, Captain. Say what you want to." The bull furrowed his brow before he responded.
"I NEVER HOLD MY TONGUE. SIR CORPER THE COLLAPSER, AS A PRIOR GENERAL TO BEAST KING ALOCER, PRINCE TYFIN TONITRUS HAS REQUESTED YOUR PRESENCE AS WELL. WE HAVE TROUBLE KNOCKING AT OUR DOOR ONCE MORE, AND WE NEED ALL THE MUSCLE WE CAN GET."
The older bear never looked away, studying the bull carefully as he pondered the request. The beast gave his answer shortly.
"I will hear what your prince has to say, but I promise nothing. I do not serve the crown anymore. I am bound by no king. My only obligation is to the student I chose to take on." The bull huffed once more, replying immediately.