"So advisor," Connor said to Arthur as he watched the Ritter representative faded into the night. "How about you advise me as to what you are doing?" He raised an eyebrow at Arthur.

They'd entertained the Skinwalkers first. Arthur and Aaron had done a perfect good cop, bad cop routine. Aaron offered every assurance that was in his power if the Skinwalkers relented and sent a delegation, to stand with the Leidulf's they'd keep them safe. He'd hinted at new deals with the Leidulf's directly, ones that would help the Skinwalkers.

Meanwhile Arthur reminded them over and over of the help the Leidulf's had already given, cajoled and challenged them. "You don't want to be oppressed by the others? Now is your chance. Stand with us."

It had done little good. The man was adamant that the elder wanted nothing to do with this council. He was favourably impressed with both Aaron's and Connor's behavior over the spring. But he hadn't forgotten that they had showed up uninvited and didn't see how fighting a blood feud on their land could be considered helping the Skinwalkers.

Connor had spoken to Tyee on the phone several times. He knew the Skinwalkers was experience much the same division that the Leidulf's were and along much the same lines. Tyee himself and Moth were both ready to say damn the elder and come on their own to show their support for Connor personally. He hadn't asked them, and he hadn't told his advisor either. He figured he'd keep that ace in the hole for when he really needed it.

The skinwalker had left after making a promise to "relay all that has been said" to his elder, but no promise that they would be at the council or that they would support the Leidulf's stance against the Sons of Garm.

Arthur had cussed a blue streak when he left. "I was really hoping they'd come around," Aaron had said, shaking his head.

When the Ritter representative arrived, the roles had been reversed and Arthur had been nothing but smiles, nods and hand shakes.

"We totally agree with you guys," the man said at the outset. "We'd love to be in your camp. It's just, you don't know the neutral lands, man. It's rough. And this new alliance, it's stronger than you think."

"Alliance?" Aaron had prompted.

"Yeah, the Sons of Garm already have the Fleischers in their pocket. Heck, they are like peas in a pod, those two. And the Grimmweir have been close allies for generations. The Nagelman, they may not be so close, but they have far more in common with the Fleischers than they do you guys. I have no idea how the Jaeger's will go, but even without them, they've got nearly half the wolves in the Midwest on their side already."

"The Skollsens stand with us," Aaron countered. "The Skinwalkers, likely are out altogether. Or if forced, on our side."

The Ritter snorted. "Skinwalkers. Think they count for much?"

Connor growled. "Don't underestimate them. I've seen them in action. If push comes to shove."

"Yeah, well until push comes to shove, it's all about power and prestige. Skinwalkers are low man on that totem pole."

"Above the Ritters," Aaron challenged, "unless you can claim territory. That could happen, you know. Somewhere south of us." It was a huge offer and Connor could see the man was tempted.

He met Aaron's gaze evenly. "Been made a similar offer, actually," he admitted. "Near our old territory."

While Aaron was cajoling and pushing, Arthur was all platitudes. "You got to do what's right for your tribe, we understand. If we were in your position... land near your old territory. Maybe a chance to track down some lost kin, I'd be tempted."

In the end Arthur had sent them on with those platitudes, all but giving them the Leidulf's blessing to join the other side. Connor gave him a hard look.

Arthur met the gaze evenly. "Whatever way they go, they are an uncertain ally at best. When push comes to shove, as they say, they won't be much help."

Connor thought he was underestimating them, but held his tongue.

"They like us, like what we're offering. But they gain far more from Fleischers. That's a fact. If we had them on our side, we'd have to watch them like a hawk for betrayal. But the same goes for the Fleischers. If we are going to have an uncertain ally in this game, let it be on their side. Let them fret and fear that the Ritters will come over to us, rather than the other way around. Now I think that was the last interview for the day, and morning comes quickly at my age. If you are done with my advice?"

Connor nodded and watched him go.

"I can't say I like the man," Aaron commented. "But I think the elder is right. We need him."

Connor thought about it. What if the Ritters showed up in support of Fenrir and then changed sides? Arthur was right, it would be devastating for his claim of supremacy. "Yeah, we do."