Chapter 62
62
Velda’s POV
O
+8 Pearls
I snorted and looked straight at Lance. “Alpha Lance, you all know how she’s fought those battles.”
I knelt on one knee. “I request to lead the Ironthorn Army into–battle. If Alpha Lance insists on Adelaide being in charge, then I challenge her. I brought the Ironthorn to the southern border; I can’t stand by and watch them follow a she–wolf who doesn’t know the first thing about war and die for nothing.”
The generals around us erupted in condemnation.
“How dare you speak like that? If she’s not capable, the Ironthorn Army wouldn’t follow her.”
“Don’t talk about dying for nothing before the battle’s even fought. That’s absurd.”
“You say she doesn’t know war, but how did she win before?”
“Alpha Lance has already placed the Ironthorn Army under Gamma Adelaide’s command. Adelaide’s already training the wolf warriors.”
“Velda, you’re being too arrogant. Compared to Gamma Adelaide, you might not even measure up.”
I tuned them out, keeping my gaze locked on Lance. ” Alpha Lance, didn’t you say anyone can challenge? I challenge Adelaide. If she loses, the Ironthorn Army is mine to command.”
Lance nodded slowly. “I grant you the right to challenge Adelaide. If she loses, you’ll lead the Ironthorn Army. If you lose, fifty lashes with a wolfsbane whip for defying my orders and uttering those cursed words.”
“And I’ll strip you of all your achievements on the southern border. Should we win, your name won’t be on the reward list,” he added.
I immediately retorted, “That’s not fair. If she loses, she faces no punishment, yet I’m to be flogged and stripped of everything. Alpha Lance, you’re clearly biased.”
Lance said coldly, “If she loses, she loses the command of the Ironthorn Army. Isn’t that punishment enough? Moreover, I was the one who placed her in command. Removing her abruptly would cost her the trust of the wolf warriors. Isn’t that a severe consequence?”
I argued anxiously, “But you said those who resist can challenge her.”
Lance raised an eyebrow. “True, but you’re not just challenging her–you’re trying to seize the Ironthorn Army from her. Your challenge is driven by ambition. Naturally, failure should come with a cost. Otherwise, everyone would question me, and how would we fight this war?”
Eyeing Adelaide’s slight figure, I figured she’d be no match for me.
3:32PM
62
Abbot frowned in opposition. “This was already decided. Are we really going to have these challenges? This isn’t a sparring ring; it’s a battlefield. Such actions don’t foster unity.”
+8 Pearls
I took his objection as fear for Adelaide’s potential loss, which only bolstered my confidence.
I sneered, “Those with true ability can shoulder greater responsibility. What’s wrong with using a challenge to determine who’s stronger? Are you worried she’ll lose? If you’re concerned about saving face, why not just hand the Ironthorn Army over to me now?”
Abbot snorted coldly. “Don’t flatter yourself. Just because you led the relief troops here doesn’t make them your subordinates. I was trying to save you from embarrassment by stopping this challenge. Since you won’t heed good intentions, suit yourself.”
“No more talk,” I said, rising to my feet. “The Ironthorn Army won’t be in Adelaide’s hands unless she beats me. I’m leaving now.”
Once outside the tent, I didn’t care what they thought.
But I overheard Abbot immediately asking Lance, “You’ve already given the Ironthorn Army to Gamma Adelaide. Why allow Velda’s challenge? The troops are already gossiping that she’s unfit for her Gamma rank. If she loses…”
Lance simply replied, “Gamma Adelaide won’t lose. Let the discontented see who’s truly undeserving.”
He also said he’d accommodate those eager to make fools of themselves—a remark clearly aimed at me. But I didn’t care.
That afternoon, Alpha Lance informed everyone of my challenge to Adelaide for control of the Ironthorn Army, even outlining the consequences of victory and defeat.
When Ulrik heard, he immediately objected. “Adelaide’s combat skills are formidable. I’ve seen her in action. You can’t beat her. Don’t let
anger cloud your judgment.”
I stood firm, resolute. “I’m not acting rashly. This isn’t just about battlefield command. If I can win the allegiance of those 15,000 Ironthorn soldiers, think about what it means. After establishing our merit at the Bloodscar Border, neither the Royal Council nor Lycan Erasmus have assigned us new roles. Once we reclaim the southern border, what’s next for us? ”
But Ulrik shook his head. “Even after reclaiming the southern border, the Ironthorn Army will eventually return to Lance’s control. How could it end up under yours? If you lose, you’ll lose all your merits and face flogging…”
“Lose to her?” I sneered. “Not just her, but even Abbot and his group don’t register on my radar. Except for Lance and you, I won’t be bested by anyone. We both saw how she fought against
Ellen.”
Ulrik grabbed my arm, his face etched with worry. “Anything can happen. If you lose , you’ll have nothing left. Do you want to spend the rest of your days managing wolf packs ? ”
བ་་་.
3:32 PM
62
But deep down, I knew–I would not lose.