Jake Wilder and his Unknown Inheritance

Chapter 8

The problem with staging a riot was that it took forever. There were so many things to plan and think about that after a few days Jake lost all his hot blood. All day, every day, they would sit around the table and make plans and everyday there were news of more clans changing their allegiance and coming on Jake's side. Then, after so many days that were starting to blend, Jake had a thought, why even fight? Why put everyone in danger and risk their death? Maybe his parents were used to death as part of their past, but Jake couldn't imagine mortally injuring even his parent's killer. They deserved punishment and they will receive it. If he would kill the Leader, his son would be vengeful and wanting Jake's death. How was that any better?

Seeing how large numbers declared Jake as the rightful ruler, why not make a stand? All the clans should gather together and ask the Leader to surrender, to have his powers taken and he should live the rest of his life in prison with all those that follow him. He just couldn't bring himself to order people to kill each other.

'Jake, they will attack us! Even if we don't want to fight, they will fight. I understand what you are saying, but this is only because you were raised in the human world. In our Society that is why we train, to learn how to fight and protect our Clans. Killing is only a part of the job' said June one day.

'Then how am I any different than he is? I want to avoid fighting and I want to forgive anyone who comes back to our side. Those who don't want me, will have the same faith as the Leader, their powers taken and prisoners for the rest of their lives.'

'But Jake! Can't you see? This will leave room for plotting and even if it will take them 100 years, they will never stop. How can you leave a faith like this to your son or daughter? They will never be safe!'

'And killing their loved ones is better? It will only bring more hate! It is a circle that will never be broken! I am not killing anyone and I won't let anyone do it in my name. I might as well go back home and never remember this place.'

'Jake, you don't mean that! You are being spoiled! This is war!'

'No, mom. You are making it war! Yes, they are the ones who started this, but we don't have to keep fighting! Don't you see? You are right to be full of hatred, but do you really want everyone else to feel the same loss you felt when they killed your family? We can change the future, it doesn't have to be the same. I am thinking of a different approach, I want to reveal our location. Have protection around us of course and we will receive everyone who wants to be on our side. They will sign their names in this Peace Offering and they will be spared. Think about this please, because I will not order people to kill for me. This is my way.'

For the rest of the day Jake went into his room and stayed there. A million thoughts raced through his mind and he kept seeing again and again the moment when they saved June. The long table and the people sitting at it. He saw each of their faces, the confident Leader and his spoiled son, his fearful wife and the upset elders. There was one person he couldn't quite recall and that was the future wife of his cousin. He knew she was there at the table, but there was no feeling coming from her. Was she doing that on purpose? If Jake hadn't seen her, he might have thought the chair was empty. He could feel everything and was connected with all that meant this Society. From the wind and the sky, to the birds and animals, to people, so why he couldn't feel anything from her? He didn't even remember if she was blonde or brunette, skinny or fat, she was like a shadow in his memories. Maybe he was just imagining things. After all, he was quite busy at the time. What if this was her power? What if her clan could do that? Confuse your mind and suppress their feelings. If he wasn't sure she was there he might have thought she wasn't really there. It was a dangerous power, to be able to change everyone's perspective of you. To influence their thoughts and make them see you how you want it. Jake wandered if anyone else was aware of this, or was he the only one. He wandered if she would agree to be on his side. An arranged marriage meant that the families decided everything. So, it was possible she was just following her family's wishes. He didn't think anyone could like his cousin anyway. When Jake was at the table he could feel his personality. He was spoiled and believed everything was by right his. There was no love or duty, there was only pride and vanity. How could Jake, being born only half 'royal', dare to oppose him and his father? But he didn't seem strong at all. Maybe he inherited his mother's weakness. With all these thoughts Jake slowly drifted to sleep, but it was a restless night. He woke up at dawn and couldn't go back to sleep.