"What happened?" Valerie demanded as she ran up to the others. She'd been back at the camp but apparently the chaos at the main council had ran through the entire camp. "I heard someone broke the peace."

"Yes and no," Aaron replied, his lips a tight line. "Fenrir's made it clear that if the Skinwalker's don't intend to stay and discuss a treaty, they are not here under his peace."

"What does that mean?"

"It means they have to stay?" Erica ventured.

"No, it means he won't move against them," Connor said. "But he's basically given the Fleischers the green light once they leave. They'll follow, try to ambush you on the way home."

"We knew it was a possibility," Moth growled. "We'll take a few of them. And god forbid what the elder will do when he finds out."

"No!" Erica squeaked. "They have dozens of packs here. You'll be outnumbered."

"You'll stay the night at least," Aaron said. "You'll be safe enough. If they want to try something, they'll have to deal with all three of our packs."

"Four," the Skollsen representative from the edge of their group. He and Aaron exchanged a nod and a smile.

"Good to know, good to know," Aaron said. To Moth he added. "Maybe we can find a way to sneak you out, get you well on the road before they know your gone. You can outrun them." Moth nodded.

"Where's Arthur," Connor asked, craning his neck around.

The majority of the camp was still gathered around the council area, thrown by the sudden end to the day's council. The Fleischers and a few Negelman and others were gathered in a group. Their group, the Leidulfs, the Skinwalkers and the Skollsens were opposite them. The rest hung back in small groups watching the drama.

Arthur was in the center, striding confidently forward. The Fleischer group split and Koby Fleischer stepped out to greet him.

"Arthur," he said.

Arthur slapped him, hard. "I want my daughter."

"What?" Koby spluttered, holding his jaw.

"That's how it works, right?" Arthur replied. "My daughter, she's your slave. I want her back."

"Fuck you," Koby countered. "I ain't given her to nobody."

"Then it's a challenge. Tomorrow. Noon."

Koby glared at him and then nodded slowly.

Arthur turned away and walked calmly back towards their camp.

"What was that about?" Connor demanded as he hurried to catch up to the older man.

Arthur turned and looked at them. "I assume you are working on some plan to get the Skinwalkers out of camp."

"Yeah," Connor said, still pointing back at the council area, "but..."

"Koby is their top hunter," Arthur said. "And tomorrow, he'll be right here. Now I think I should rest up. I have a big fight to prepare for." Arthur turned and kept walking.

Connor just stared at his retreating back, torn between concern and amazement at Arthur's brilliance.