"No quarter of the clan would attack the rest, surely," Vera answered.

"I would not question the loyalty of Harriet's alphas, but the lycans below them will range from devoted to hesitant." Darahil crossed his arms as he was wont to do while discussing serious matters, "What I would be more worried about is if it was a free-for-all. It may be possible, however difficult, to incite violence between our packs if we lieutenants cannot keep them united. Then it would be a fairer fight for Harriet's followers."

"Hmm..." Oswall's gravely voice followed with advice that was more pertinent to his experience, and was spoken with less characteristic patience. "If Harriet knows that we are trying to avoid bloodshed, she may use that as leverage against us. It would be the one that strikes first that will be at fault. We mustn't be the ones to do that or it could fracture loyalties throughout our own packs."

Vera looked between Oswall and Darahil. "Yes, but after the evidence is heard, there will be doubts within her own ranks as well, will there not?"

"Quite, but not enough to reduce the threat until negligible." Oswall turned his head and waved a hand, "Is would be a gamble to rely on the evidence to convince them all. If I were in her position I would see my only escape as sewing chaos within the clan enough to escape during the confusion." Oswall leaned forward and looked at Meesei intently, "If she truly believes herself innocent, I think the trial will be far less troublesome."

"I don't understand. Why would Harriet want to tear the clan apart?" Vera asked.

Darahil attempted an answer. "If it weren't for the champion, and Hircine's forewarning, she might be alpha by now. I suspect that there is more communication between the traitor and Vile's followers than the we bargained for. More ruses to pull, had the plan not been disrupted. Remember the last ambush against Vile's followers? It was lead by Harriet, and there were those who escaped. Knowing Vile, however, he would have twisted the outcome to cause the downfall of the clan in any case. If she tries to destroy us now, it will be because she has no other choice."