Unfortunately, if the multi-hued femme spoke her title, the King did not hear it--for another she-wolf was joining the conference. Kershov recognized Azula, mother of two and perhaps the toughest maternal figure he had met in a long time. Claw-gauges in the earth and atmospheres of sweat and toil littered throughout Abendrot's walls betrayed the sparring sessions she'd held for her offspring, showing Kershov that the strong fae had kept herself--as well as Corde and Felan--busy during her stay. Her apologetic bearing won a forgiving flick of the banner from the Alpha; the fact that's she'd shown up at all was commendable, given how on-edge she'd been after shepherding her pups into the territory. "No need to worry, Azula. We welcome your input on our current discussion."

If only Azula were the last to walk in with shame weighing her down. Kershov easily noticed the pallid form of another young brute slinking in on Azula's heels--this one wearing a scent similar to Amias. Brothers. Ker raised a brow as the teenage brute joined the circle, heat emanating from his silhouette and breath slightly labored with exertion. When the lad's wary emerald gaze rose to the tundra outlaw's own pitiless glare, Kershov merely tilted his head, thinking. What had he been doing previous to the Alpha's call? Training himself? Odd how Verity's children had kept themselves active and yet out of sight . . . "You are excused," Ker stated dismissively. He would have time to interview both sons later.

Halina had been smoothly ingratiating herself with Scarlet and the others--sly thing that she was--and now her voice drew Kershov's attention back. "Recruitment and force . . . seems reasonable enough. We go out to win wolves, and take them anyway if they fail to comply." A half-humorous, half-deadly serious smile completed the half-grin that forever stretched the white beast's visage. Truthfully, Kershov enjoyed the notion of grabbing young minds from other packs to foster in his care. Trading pawns between packs had always appealed to him, because it meant building a rapport while growing the number of available fighters. And if one side should take advantage of the situation, it would only lead to mutually assured destruction--each pack would have a piece of the other's secrets.

Enigma hailed her own intelligent plans as well. "Given that nasty incident with Bright Moon, I must agree with you, Beta. No one should be able to open their mouths if all we're doing is sweeping the free lands. Perhaps a systematic approach, sending small teams to different areas to scout for potential? One to approach the target, one to add any necessary strength, and one to ah . . . clean things up?" Kershov saw no sin in dragging worthy wolves into his kingdom and forcing them to see what a great pack they'd joined--although the King now had enough clarity to realize that not every wolf could be detained. There might be some that resisted harder than others . . . and those would have to be silenced, before they were able to spread any nasty rumors and alert other packs.

The Alpha would allow his subjects to decide what "clean things up" meant.

"I do worry that most loners will lack in the advanced healing skills our pack requires." Here Kershov glanced at Halina, a fresh wave of anger for Draven blazing in his chest at her current pathetic state. "Kahlan of Saw Tooth has been kind enough to bring Halina back from the edge of death, when one filthy cur thought to destroy her. His name is Draven, but you may refer to him as the army's punching bag. If Abendrot is to form an alliance with any pack, it should be Saw Tooth, given that they already know what to expect from us and harbor some of the most experienced healers in the forest."