Chapter 2: Brink of war
Raven walked into the conference room and took his seat at the head of a large table. The top was made of the purest marble, the chairs made of obsidian. Sitting in the middle of the table was the crest of the vampires, a large raven holding barbed wire. The occupants of the other chairs ranged from elves to demons. Raven folded is hands together and peered silently at the rest, trying to get into their heads and figure out what they were thinking. A few he could read but some kept their minds closed to his intrusions and he did not force himself. He respected others privacy for the most part and if they did not want him in their heads he would stay out. Everyone present knew of what he could do and some came prepared. The dominate thought on those he could read was war.
Raven nods at the group and leans back, "She is attacking again." He said lowering his eyes to the table.
"She is, already destroyed the Tree Elves. They are scattered throughout the realms. Not a lot escaped when it collapsed." A golden haired woman said tears welling up in her eyes.
"What is it that you are proposing than? War with them? Think of the collateral damage that may be caused. Plus will the people be behind it? The last war we were in lasted 1,000 years. A lot of them are still haunted by that and do not want to see that come back." He said with a stern look on his face remembering the war.
"We are well aware of that. However we cannot let her run across the realms destroying everything. It must be dealt with, remember the destruction she caused here when she left?" Another spoke up, this time a male with short brown hair, a demon no doubt.
Raven looked out the window remembering the flames and chaos she caused. His previous mate committed high treason but escaped before she could be dealt with. However in her escape she managed to destroy half the city and brought a lot of followers with her. No doubt she had been recruiting more for her conquest. She craved war and power. Once she was removed of the power she held she went insane. "I cannot promise anything. I will speak with the council of vampires and get their opinions and make my own. I will let you know within a week." He said as he stood. "We will not let her walk over us anymore however. One way or the other she will be dealt with."
He bowed and exited the room heading to find his son Loki. He found him in the war room going over things like always. Loki lived for the fight yet was able to contain himself. He occupied himself during peace by planning defenses and possible offensive strategies. He was pale with black hair to his shoulders like his father. His eyes where black as the night around them. His body was like a rock, not someone you wanted on your bad side. He could handle more than himself in hand to hand combat. By his side was Victoria, the High General of the Royal Guard. Together they talked about ways to improve security around the palace and ways to improve efficiency when travelling. They noticed Raven walk into the room and stood at attention.
"At ease you two, Victoria, double up patrols and I want everyone who enters the realm to be screened. Loki, you may be getting the combat you have wanted. Susima is on the move again. Destroyed the Tree Elves and may be heading to another realm or even ours. I want you to get a team together of the most skilled and trained men you can find and go to Black Heaven."
They both bowed, Victoria changing into her bird form, one of a Raven, and took flight into the black sky. Loki nodded at walked out of the room and swiftly walked to the barracks. Raven walked to the balcony overlooking the palace grounds and stared off into the distance. Looks like war is around the corner. The council would be summoned the next day and the matter would be discussed. He had a feeling that no matter what they would be involved if it came to war.