The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 775

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**Chapter 775**

Athena’s lips curled into a sly smile, her eyes sparkling with mischief as she leaned over the map sprawled across the table. “Let’s not call it intervention; rather, it’s assistance,” she declared, her tone light yet laced with determination.

With a swift motion, she picked up a pen and circled a vivid red dot that marked the upper reaches of the Wolf River. “Here lies the pasture of the Blackwind Tribe,” she explained, her voice steady. “Just last month, Northcold brazenly stole away with 300 of their cattle and sheep, leaving the patriarch’s youngest son gravely injured in the process.”

A moment of silence hung in the air as the weight of her words settled. “The Blackwind Tribe harbors the deepest animosity towards Northcold, making them the perfect starting point for our plans,” she continued, her confidence unwavering.

Athena paused briefly, her gaze drifting back to the map as she jotted down the word “warhorse” beside the red circle. “The Blackwind Tribe is rich in magnificent steeds, yet they are sorely lacking in iron ore needed for forging weapons. We could send envoys bearing ten carts of refined iron, without any mention of allegiance. We would simply express our willingness to assist them in reclaiming their stolen livestock.”

Xander, his brow furrowed in thought, studied the route she had circled. He tapped his finger lightly on the Wolf River altar, his voice tinged with concern. “But what about the other tribes? Even if the Blackwind Tribe agrees to our proposal, the remaining twelve tribes each have their own agendas and may not respond favorably.”

“They will,” Athena asserted, her smile unwavering. “Northcold has plundered countless cattle, sheep, and warhorses from the Thirteen Tribes year after year, and the resentment runs deep among them. Our support for the Blackwind Tribe will serve as a beacon, signaling to the others that the Grand Luminary Empire stands ready to back them.”

Her eyes gleamed with fervor as she continued, “If Northcold dares to strike during the alliance meeting, our Aegis Guards, hidden downstream along the Wolf River, will spring into action. This will not only demonstrate our strength but also earn us the goodwill of the Thirteen Tribes.”

She reached for the military talisman resting on the table, delicately placing it into Xander’s palm. “As for any internal conflicts among the tribes, we need not fret. Once they see that aligning with the Grand Luminary Empire is far more beneficial than enduring exploitation at the hands of Northcold, someone will inevitably rise to lead.”