Ace got up and was ready the following day to stand before the elders. From the alpha king and Ursla's words, he knew the elders and nobles were greedy men who cared more about enriching their pockets than following the wishes of the people they claimed to represent.

Since word had already spread about his arrival in Shelled, he knew the elders would be gathered together, waiting for him at the council court.

He arrived at the eighth hour and stepped into the council of elders in Shelled, the eastern region of the kingdom of Wahala. The twelve elders, consisting of twelve nobles and lords all born and raised in...