Chapter 19: DUTY OF THE ALPHA TO WATCH OVER THE LAND

People from the town who were summoned by Licia on a short notice were finally here. This was the first time they had ever been called to an Alpha's castle so they were nervous about what was going on. They were not alone in the vast meeting hall but there were also a lot of wrapped bundles piled in front of them. Town people were chattering to themselves, trying to figure out what the matter could be.

Just then, Licia walked into the room, holding a report in her hand. The loud chattering immediately toned down as soon as she made her presence inside the room. Since the day she visited the town yesterday, people have been talking about her and the new Alpha so they knew her as their new Luna.

Licia smiled and greeted them, "Thank you everyone for coming here on such a short notice. The forest roads must have been dangerous post the storm last night but you all made it. Thank you once again."

She then continued, "We have summoned you all today to distribute the goods that have been sent to us by the King for your welfare. It includes bread, blankets and other necessities."

"The men can help the guards take the supplies from here to the wagons for transport. Women can help the maids prepare for bread, please follow Polene to the kitchen. She will guide you through the work."

"There are many to feed so we will need a lot of bread…"

Licia looked at the people and asked, "Do you have any questions?"

"Actually, we do!" A voice sounded from the crowd, Licia lifted her head to see that it was the same old monk they met at the monastery yesterday. The old monk had his head bent down, the wound that the Alpha gave him last night was yet to heal but it was better than yesterday. The way he wasn't even daring to look directly into her eyes and used his tone carefully showed the terror that was left behind by Enrique on him.

Licia smiled and said, "Yes, what is it?"

The man bowed his head apologetically and said, "I do beg your pardon, my Luna. Please forgive me if I am crossing my line by asking this. It is so kind of you wanting to feed the hungry with the supplies from the castle but what is the Alpha expecting in return?"

"I am not quite following what you mean here, sir." Licia said, squinting her eyes.

The old monk gulped and dared to finally lift his eyes to look at her. Carefully, he made his point, "As you know very well we were plundered, we have no means of repaying you for these supplies. What I mean to say is…" He paused there briefly as he was trying to calculate his words and then continued, "Can you guarantee that the villagers will not be held hostage in the future in return for these supplies?"

Licia was silent for a while and this made the old monk tremble, he assumed that he had said something he shouldn't have said and now the Luna was angry at him.

The girl noticed this and sighed; she actually appreciated this man's bravery to come forth and state his concern involving the villagers. Despite what he said and acted like yesterday, he seemed to really care for the people in this town. He had witnessed her husband's wrath with his own eyes yet he gathered the courage to speak up for these people.

It was sad how he was a little hesitant, though. This showed the trauma her father had caused on these poor people. She remembered many people were executed or put in dungeons to starve if they ever brought any complaint forth to the King. This left behind a terror amongst people; even though he had been dead for years now, people are still afraid to speak their heart to the ruling clan even to this date.

This was the first and the most important thing that Licia wanted to change. She, the Alpha and even the King were here to serve them, how can they do it if they are not aware of the people's problem.

She started, "There is no need to worry about this."

"The Alpha is aware that he was unable to take proper care of this land because of the prolonged war. He also knows very well that you were attacked and suffered from pillaging."

"This is precisely why we have personally summoned you to the castle. It would have been much easier to distribute the supplies through the monastery… But I thought it would be better to show the Alpha's determination to all of you."

"Restoring every affected land and bringing our pack back to its old gleem and glory is the Alpha's priority. He is willing to work it out but as you know, it will take a little time to completely restore the pack."

She stopped there and smiled before continuing, "The Alpha shall decide what will happen from now on so, at the very least, do not worry about taking these supplies with you today. It is just a small arrangement the Alpha is doing for you in the time of crisis."

"It is the duty of the Alpha to watch over this land."

After hearing Licia's words the people were rest assured, they started to willingly come forward to help the castle workers. It was the first time some Alpha was doing this much for their pack right after taking the role.

It seemed that they could be trusted.

"The kitchen is that way!"

"I need more men to carry these supplies."

Alpha Enrique was standing upstairs, leaning against the wall and watching the commotion downstairs. He had been here for a while, since the time Licia was giving out her speech about how the Alpha is so determined about his pack. He was intrigued; since no one would believe that a Luna is capable of doing something good to the pack, she is using his title for it.