Red and the Wolf
Night’s Angel
Chapter 10
A lot had happen in the time before we were to return to the village. Shia and Charles had been seeing each other a few days after the pack had started at school. Where they had a run in shortly after he had a harsh break up with the head cheerleader. Turns out she didn't have any trouble dealing with him after she threw him around a few times.
That answers why the football team back down and why no one else took their place. Seemed he was more worried about how I would have react to them dating. But she's happy with him so I can't take that away from her. So yeah, he and I talked it out. We've been planning on having a match just for fun after I get my head back together.
Grams was well enough to come home. She was not too happy with the fact they gave her a live-in nurse to help take care of her. Something about her had changed. She wasn't angry anymore, and seem want to share more with the pack. Her and Rachel seem to really hit it off. I don't know what happen to her but I don't think it was the meds they gave her.
Me, I was still a mess. I have too much on my mind and I have no idea where to begin to fix it. I found the old chest down in the basement next to some of the gear my grandfather kept from back when he was a park ranger. It wasn't locked or anything which I thought was just strange. I found a letter dating back to when this area was first settled. The writing was rough but readable.
“Dearest child, my life in this world has not been easy, and there are many wonders I still do not understand. But to you who reads this letter know my spirit is with you as both guild and guardian. I know not the number of years to pass before we return to our world, but I know you will find the peace I can not. All I ask of you my dearest child is take the heads of my spear back to the lands I once called home and let them feel its soil across their edge.
Once that is done you may do with them as you see fit. I will pray for you and your children to come. With all of my love, Suzanne Telro Redward.” under the letter was a blanket wrapped around a silk cover and under the soft untouched cloth were two blades each a foot long and polished to a mirror finish. I covered them back up and closed the chest.
I was breathing hard. They were the same as from my dream. “Great,” I said to myself “what's next a prefect match in DNA tests?” I left the chest were it was for the time being. “Great, proof, what proof can I show them that she won't fight about” I asked myself. “Rex, my dear stop worrying so much, you'll put yourself in a grave faster then your grandfather did” Grams said.
“fat lot of good that's going to do me” I said. Whack! “Mind yourself Rex, if those silly stories your great grandfather use to say were true, you would know how things worked” she chided still pointing the wood spoon she smack me upside the head with. “Just like God those seven mothers will give you what you need.”
Stories? “Stories,” I asked “what stories?” “Oh, that silly old book your great grandfather had,” she answered “it's in his roll-top.” She pointed at the old desk. I went and checked. Sure enough there was an old leather bound book dating back to the same time. I flipped through pages. It was great but would it be enough. It's not like I'm going to find a Telro story blanket. That would seem too much like a weak plot point in a cheesy kid's movie.
“Well take it with you,” Grams said flipping her hand “I'm not going to use the damn thing.” I took the book with me when I went to bed and read some of the stories till I fell a sleep. That night was the most peaceful sleep I had in sometime. My dream was a good one but something was missing. But what was it?
The rest of the school year flew by and we were packing once again. This time we weren't going to be gone for a few days. It was going to be till some time after the end of the Alpha's first hunt. I didn't feel ready for it. But everyone kept telling me I was going to out do them all. This though I wasn't going to feel too out of place.
Shia asked Charles to join us. His mother was happy with the idea. I had packed the spear heads and the book with my gear. I looked through the chest one last time to make sure there was nothing else. I was just going to make my case with what I had. Once we were all packed and ready to go we started down the path.
I was going to say good bye to Grams but she said to only say when I wasn't going to come back. And so off we went. The trip was a lot smoother this time around. Thou I felt like my stomach was still in knots. We didn't wait long after we reached the human camp when we ran into Charles and his mother Dr. Richwell.
Both had joined us for the hike to the Telro village. It was a small but warm welcome. Sensto was the one to meet us this time. And her first worlds to us were “I welcome the two men who have stolen my grandchildrens' hearts, to my home.” Shia looked to her grandmother wide eyed. “I could tell from the look in your eyes” she answered.
Niuche greet us with a low growl. I had us walked past her and went right for the camp grounds. “Where are we going,” he asked “don't we have to like go meet with someone or something?” “If there was a need for it, Elder Sensto would have told us, but first we got to go set up our tent” I said. “Tent” he asked “just one?”
“Yeah, one pack, one tent” I said. “True” Bruce added. “It's a lot nicer then it sounds” Shia added curling her arms around Charles'. By time we got to the camp ground Charles had asked so many questions that he was repeating himself. “Wow you sound just like one of your old lackies” I said. He shot me a glare but started laughing. “Yeah I guess I do, it's a lot to take in, more so the fact your one of the one's running this place” he said rubbing the back of his head.
“Alpha Rex” one of the wolves we past that was digging some of the tent pits jumped up to talk to us. I stopped and turned. The wolf came right up to us and stopped right next to Charles before saluting me and rising back to his feet. “Alpha Rex, there is a tent for your pack,” he said “it was set up not too long ago over by the river, Alpha Fivfo said to take you too it.”
I nodded and returned the salute. The wolf looked at Charles and back to me. “He was chosen by one of my pack” I answered and nodded to the little wolfess clinging to his arm. The wolf nodded and lead us to the tent. “Charles, I'll meet up with you later I have to go find one of the elders,” Dr. Richwell said “listen to Rex till then.”
After the little motherly “I'll be back soon” thing we reached the tent. Dr. Richwell took off and left us to tend to ourselves. “Um,” Charles asked “how are we setting up, you know the sleeping arrangements?” “Just pick a spot and there you go,” I answered “oh, and watch your step.” As we got into the tent and started setting up, the chatter picked up
“Man it's been years since the last time I've been camping with my dad” Charles said “he would love it here.” I looked away. The detached look on my face remind him, what I never had. I wasn't mad just indifferent. “Just remember, you got no phone or internet till we get back to Earth” I add. I was unpacking all but a few things just to dig out my second bag.
“Dude, what do you got in there” Charles asked reaching for the bag. “Something you don't need to play with,” I said grabbing his arm “unless you want to get hurt.” the others have never known me to say anything like that before and all back up. Charles was pulled away as I picked up the pack and threw on my back.
“It's a family matter,” I said “sorry if I scared anyone.” They didn't say anything. “Anyway, I think we are wanted by the elders,” I added “I think we should get going.” I stepped outside and waited. I could hear some light crashing from unsettle nerves. And soon enough they had all join me as we started walking again.
“Ok so where are we going this time” Charles asked half running to keep up. “Just have to talked to the Elders and the Alpha” I answered. It wasn't hard to find Alpha Max directing wolves everywhere. We all stopped the pack all dropped to a knee as we all saluted. He returned the salute. “Alpha Rex,” he said “what news do you bring from the human world?”
I quickly filled him in on most of the events that took place after we had returned to Earth. And even telling him about Shia and Charles' relationship. “Well,” he added “seems you have done much.” “My grandmother also sends her regards,” I added “and there is one last matter that must be a dressed.”
His warm smile turned cold. “And what matter is that” he asked. The wolves around us had stopped and looked at us. “I need Telro's staff” I answered “it was asked of me to do something but I need the staff.” The wolves went dead quiet. “Even if you ask it of me,” he answered “I do not have such a weapon.
Niuche had been watching and spoke up. “And what would the outsider need with our treasure” she said as wolves parted for her to pass. “To restore it's blades” I answered “to return Telro to her homeland.” Her dark eyes narrowed at me. “What happen to this Telro can do her own dirty work” she asked.
“Thoughtless words spoken out of anger” I answered. I pulled the letter I found and read it for them. The dark old wolf smiled. “Show me the blades” she said. “Mother, please wait for the others” Alpha Max asked. “We have been here” Semduo said as the snowy wolf joined us. The others showed themselves from where they were standing.
“The huma doctor has told us you are blood to us, Rex the red” Niuche added. I took the pack off my back. I pulled out the book first. “Telro's life in my world is in this book,” I said and handed it to the dark wolf. She took the book. “I know this hind,” she answered “this is the proof that you are a true child of Telro and thus, I welcome you home.”
The old wolf bowed to me. I returned the bow. “This doesn't change what you think of me” I said. “Not a bit,” she answered “Yet.” My eyes narrowed questioning her remark. “Now you must earn you rank as Alpha,” she added “You will be taking the trail with the others.” everyone including myself was shocked by what she said.
“Raiglow, retrieve the the roll from the lodge” the dark wolf ordered. Rachel took off in no time as others made room as clean mats were laid out in the open. “This a family matter” Charles asked. “Charles be quiet,” his mother said “we're lucky they haven't kicked us out yet.” I set my pack down and pulled out the bundled up blanket.
“Telro was mother to our clan” Sansto answered “and so to this day is still seen as such.” I knelt down carefully setting the blanket in front on me. I didn't move until Rachel returned. With her was a rolled up hind. “With in this roll are the staffs used by some of are greatest warriors,” the dark wolf said as she had Rachel unroll and lay out the number of polls.
Before she finished I spotted the one I had seen with Telro herself. I picked it up and came back to the blanket. “What do you think you are doing” Niuche asked as I broke off the small round stones. “Filling her request and making her weapon whole” I answered unrolling the blanket. The sun light flashed and glowed off the edges of the spear heads.
I took each head and set it in place and used the same small stones to drive the pins into place and close them off. The Elders watched as the long forgot weapon was restored and ready for battle. I stood up weapon in hand. I drove one of the edges into the ground in front of me before turning it over and doing so with the other.
“I have done all that has been asked of me” I said loud and clear. “Yes, Rex the Red you have” Alpha Max answered “Till the time of the trial, you may rest and ready yourself as you see fit.” I pulled the spear from the ground. It took me a minute before I choose to keep it. “You wish to take Telro's weapon from us” Niuche asked.
“Telro gave it to me,” I answered “and I choose to use it to protect the clan, my pack and my family.” There no more questions and we were free to carry on. As we left to … well I kinda forgot what we did the rest of the day. But I know I spent a good week learning how to use the damn thing. Spent the next week getting good with it.
Six days before the day of the long sun, six of us left with Alpha Max and his hunting pack. With me were the other five hopefuls for an Alpha rank. All we were told was to follow them. We had to leave any gear we had with our packs. We had to pick one weapon to use. The others all pick the weapon they know the best. Me. I picked a simple knife.
You can say whatever you want about it but I had a feeling this trial was not just a team building hunt. First night we stopped to make camp, the other hopefuls were talking about what they thought the trial was going to be. One thought it was going to be a race. Another, a fight. Their ideas made scents.
I could tell I wasn't welcome. Mostly because they didn't want to be waiting on a human. And they felt cheated by my blood line. The Alpha's pack was indifferent on the matter. The hopefuls spent too much time boasting about which of them was the best. They did little to no talking about their packs or share ideas on leadership.
“So what does the great Alpha Rex the Red think of seeing real alphas” asked the brown and gray wolf who was laying close to the fire. I was still working on a few things and was getting ready to take the first watch. “Why ask the human anything, his blood is nothing but water to us” the white and black wolf added.
“We were all cheated by him,” the female gray wolf said “he has all odds in his favor.” “True, gifted by the Mothers and the Elders and the Alpha and Telro” one of the other females add, her black and red fur mixing in the fire light. “He's only here for his whole glory,” the tricolored wolf said “just like the rest of us.”
“I'll take the first watch,” I said “and I'm not here for me, the Elders, the Alpha, Telro, the Mothers or even God. I'm doing this for my pack, because without them I wouldn't be here.” I moved to sit just outside the warmth of the fire and it's light and sat alone in the dark. From the hillside of our little camp I could see the fires that lit up the village.
Over the next day or so the other hopefuls cut down on their boasting. It seemed they didn't know their own packs very well. And more so unwilling to ask. It was the third night when one of them finally did ask. “Rex, Why does your pack call you Alpha” the red and black female asked getting a little too close for my liking.
“Because my first encounter with them I took down Raiglow,” I said adding “then she marked me as her mate.” The wolf backed away bit. “That still says little about why” she added “even if Raiglow has marked you, she won't live...” I cut her off by putting my knife to her throat. “That matter is none of your business” I answered “and I won't let you speak ill of her again or of any of my pack. Understood.”
She backed away adding “you're foolish to think you have the power to spare her life.” I didn't answer her but withdrew my blade. The others left the matter alone and didn't speak to me the rest of the night. I ended up feeling restless after that. I still couldn't stomach the fact that she was going to die no matter what I did.
Dawn came and Alpha Max stood before us. “Young Alphas,” he said “today begins your trial. Your skills, hearts and very souls will be tested.” he looked each of us over. “to lead a pack you must know a pack.” his pack stood behind him. “Till this trial is over, you are now a pack” he said “you must work together, you must know your place with in this pack.”
I sighed. I knew they weren't going to work with me. The others looked to each other the thought they were in charge clear as day. I kept my eyes on the Alpha. “You will have till the setting of the long sun to return to the village” he said “but this will be no small task. For till the end you will be hunted.”
They all looked to the Alpha with shock and disbelief. “So which of you feels they will best serve as Alpha for this task” he asked. I staid quiet as the others shouted their right to lead. “Rex the Red, why do you not make a calm for Alpha” he asked me. I smiled. “I have two packs at my command, you think I want to be in charge of these idiots” I answered.
The other hopefuls all turned and looked at me. They got quiet real fast after that. The large tricolored wolf laughed. “If you had to choose,” he asked me. “I wouldn't pick any of us” I answered “too many egos and one unwilling.” I could feel the burning daggers being thrown by their eyes. “Then I will leave it to this pack as a whole who should lead,” he said “but know this, once one of you steps out of this camp the hunt begins.”
The nine wolves and their Alpha all left the camp leaving us to fight it out. “See I told you,” the gray female said “he has cheated us.” I sat down at the fire and started cooking enough for each of us. They started arguing over who should lead. “I say we fight it out and last one standing leads” the black and white wolf said.
“That would do us more harm than good” I said handing them each two fish and some bread. “Oh, and why not human” the same wolf asked between bites and spitting out bones. “say we all fight it out, last one standing wins,” I answered “now you have a pack of hurt wolves not up for running for three or four days with a larger pack hunting them down.”
I continued cooking as a I spoke. “We're out numbered, we each have just one weapon, to their full gear, they know this area better then we do.” I set some of the cooked fish and meat aside to cool. “You say we should give up” the tricolored one asked. “No, just we not fight amongst ourselves” I answered.
“Well then, human,” the black and red wolf asked “how would you get us back to the village?” “If you are willing to listen” I said “I'll tell you about my life before meeting my pack.” They all sat around the fire watch as I continued to cook and start packing the cooled food away. I told them about how I had to out run the football team and the number of fights I was in where I was out numbered.
As soon as I had three days wroth of food for each of us and had myself ready to go I stood looking at the ring the Alpha pack had made around the camp and the path we had taken to get here. The five other hopefuls stood next to me. “What's your plan,” one of them asked “Alpha?”
chapter 11
It wasn't the best plan. But if it works. We had been running for over an hour, the Alpha pack knew right where we were. And it looked like they were ready to pin us down. We were trapped out in the open on a rolling hill. The drop off on the next hill side was our best bet. But getting there was the hard part.
The two scouts from the Alpha pack were closing in, they were attacking which ever they could to throw us off or slow us down. I took two of the little pouches I made and fell to the back of the group. I made myself a target for the scouts. And they closed in on me. I threw one of the pouches that they blocked and blew into a small cloud of black dust.
A second later they both stopped and started sneezing. I took off and caught up with the pack again. “that should buy us a few minutes” I said. “what did you do” one of them asked. “powered black pepper,” I answered “throw some in a dog's face back on earth, they'll stop chasing you for a day or two.” That was a scared look if I ever saw one.
We didn't stop till we got to the drop off. It wasn't going to kill us unless we landed the wrong way. And the other side was close enough we could jump it. “We can make it” one yelled ready to jump. “NO, it's a trap” I yelled, and threw a small rock past him. It bounce off a tree and right into a small mound of leafs the he would have land on.
The mound dropped away into a deep hole in the ground. “Down is our best bet” I said pointed at the small river below. “That will take a day longer to get around” the tricolored wolf said. “Maybe but we don't have the time debate” I said. It wasn't easy working our way down without just jumping but we did it.
I looked up and down the river. “Are we fish now trying to swim up stream” the brown and gray wolf asked. “Nope, we're going that way” I said pointing back up the small cliff. “But you said” he asked. “that going down was our best bet,” I said “now they think we're going up the river and we will for now, till the trackers pick up were the scouts can't.”
They all nodded before we started running up the river. We ran till the tree line gave us enough cover to keep anyone from jumping us. “This way” I said pointed at the lowest ledge I could find. Before we started climbing I filled one of my pouches with some mud. “Do you have a plan at all” the black and white wolf asked before scaling the cliff. “Nope and that's the point” I answered and started climbing after them.
They knew well enough to take point and only move once we were all safe. “How is not having a plan the point to your plan” the gray wolf asked keeping her voice low. “Simple, I'm using their plan to get us back,” I answered looking on ahead “think about it, their plan is not to kill us and they want us to make back.”
“Are you saying they're leading us” the black and red wolf asked. “Some what their, goal is to make us fail, turn on each other and lose” I said. The path ahead looked clear. But it seem too easy. “So, if it looks too easy it's a trap” the gray and brown wolf added “then we stay out of the clearing and take the long way.” “I'll scout ahead,” the black and red wolf said “rest here a moment.” “Don't mark your path” I said adding a small nod and a wink.
She smiled and took off. “We should set it off after we get around it,” the tricolored wolf said “let them think we fell for it.” “Good thinking” I answered “just need to know how.” “Leave that to me,” he added “their trapper was one of my teachers.” he slipped around the trees staying out of sight. With a flick of my wrist we moved on. We followed the red and black wolf's trail.
I hushed them till we had all regrouped and set the trap off. Once we set the trap off my first word was “run.” We took off through the thick woods and didn't slow down for almost an hour. We were still good to keep moving so we ate as we walked. “What's next” one of them asked. “Don't know,” I answered “in truth we were lucky to spot the traps we did. They didn't think we would get this far.”
Something didn't feel right. “Shh” I said and listened. They did too. Nods agree we were being watched. I looked one of them right in the eyes and nodded. I think he had the same idea. “All right let's move out” I said pretty loud. “No, I'm done following you and your human plans” the gray and brown wolf said getting right into my face.
One of the others heard some leafs move and a tree shake. It was working and the others played along demanding a fight. The gray and brown wolf grabbed the pouch of mud off my belt and threw it. The pouch caught the oncoming wolf in the face blinding him on the spot. “Don't think that will work again” I said.
“Agreed,” he said as we took off again. “Their still just playing with us” I said still running. “What makes you say that” the gray female asked. “They gave us almost four days to get back to the village,” I answered “their in no rush to finish this game, so their drawing it out and playing mind games with us. That's how their going to turn us against each other.”
“Then we already lost” the gray wolf added. “She's right” the brown and gray wolf said as we all came to a stop “they have more tools and experience then any of us.” “I thought I was ready,” the black and white wolf added “I thought I was good enough, and less then a day you saved us three times.” he wave his hand at me before dropping to the ground.
I looked around. We didn't have time for this. I can hear them closing in. They know it's almost over. “For the good of the pack” I said. “That does us no good Alpha Rex” the black and red wolf said “it's an idea for children to work together.” “There are seven members in my pack,” I said “that's seven hunters, seven warriors, seven friends.”
They all sat wait for the game to end. “It's one pack, one family,” I continued “How many scouts does your packs have, trackers, trappers, guards, medics, seconds? How many Alphas do your packs have?” “Why should that matter” the tricolored wolf asked. “For my pack we have seven” I answered. “Seven of what” the gray wolf asked.
“Of each,” I answered “I had to learn all of it, everything about the Telro, about hunting everything from my pack, and in doing so we each learned about what each of us does for the pack.” “That does us no good right now,” the gray and brown wolf added “We aren't like you.” “Look, being an alpha is not about bossing everyone else it's leading the group with the group” I said.
I shook my head as they all turned away. “Cowards, your mothers must ashamed of you” I said. Ears twitched. “Yeah, bunch of fucking cowards, just giving up,” I added. I turned my back on them. “Gave up on the first day of trial” I continued “I'm sure everyone back at the village would love to hear their best gave up.”
The black and white wolf turned around grabbed me by the throat lifted me up to his eye level. And given he was a good foot and a half taller. I gripped his arm with one hand to off set his force. “And what would the little human have us do, run, fight, make a trap that will fail” he asked “you even said we already lost.”
“You only lost when you don't have the will to fight” I answered starting to feel dizzy from the lack of air “we have a saying back on earth.” “Do you think I care what humans have to say” he spat. “It's not the size of the dog in the fight,” I said tightening my gripe on his wrist till I felt his hand loosen. I pulled free of his hand a dropped to me feet.
I spun around before I landed and pulled the bigger wolf with me. He went over my shoulder and flipped. Hitting the ground hard on his back I jumped on him gripping his windpipe. “It's the size of the fight in the dog.” I let go of him and got back to my feet. “WE'RE MOVING” I ordered “NOW!” they got up and started moving again but getting the fight back in them will be a lot harder.
“If you know we're going to lose then why fight it” one of them asked. “It's not about winning or losing,” I said “it's to show we will do what it takes, out powered, out numbered, out classed in every way. But we still have to make it work.” “Easy for the Son of Telro to say” one of them added. “Yeah it is, given I have a bigger role to fill” I spat “you say it like I can just snap my fingers and make the whole world a better place, it doesn't work like that.”
“You're saying they are making the trail harder because you are here” another asked. “Maybe, I don't know” I answered “all I know is we still have three days and we might be closer then we think.” I still had a feeling something wasn't right. “So,” I asked breaking the tension “anybody feel like telling more about themselves?”
“How is that going to help us” the back and red wolf asked. “It's too quiet” I answered. I looked up at the sky and saw the red glow of the sunset across the sky. “We'll stop up head and set up camp” I added. “This seems like a bad idea” the gray wolf said “there is no way we could find what need without splitting up.”
“We do it on the move,” I answered “everyone grab sticks to use for firewood.” after a bit of doing we found a night's wroth of firewood and some open ground to camp on. We set up a small cover for the fire and a makeshift tent. “Alright everyone try and get some rest,” I said “we're running at dawn.”
It was an uneasy night for all of us. I had a hard time sleeping. I don't know what got into me. I was never that aggressive before. I could just chuck it up to stress and leave it at that. But that didn't feel right. Hell it may just be one of those pointless plot points in some stories where the hero gets some weird power from waking something inside. My case having wolf's blood.
But no matter I'm not going to let it get the better of me. I had to keep a clear head to get through this. So I sat there resting my body but focused on the pass day. I looked out into the night. I could see some of the light from the village. In a dead run, without stopping for anything we could make it in about a day.
“Rex” I head a voice say. It was male's voice. “Rex.” I opened my eyes and looked around. I was still by the camp fire but the others were gone, it was still dark. But around the fire they were there. “Dad, Mom?” I asked seeing them cuddled up close to the fire. “Hey, Champ” he said. “Hey sweetie” mom answered.
Across from them were two wolves. I knew them somehow but not from where. “Greets son of Telro” the male wolf said “you don't look well.” “That's because he has no clue what's going on here or why he's seeing dead people again” dad answered. The wolf nodded. I looked between them. “Then we shall keep this meeting short” the wolf answered.
“What” I asked. “You must take the path of blood to find peace” he answered. “You want me to go to war” I asked. “Rex, listen” Dad spoke “the choice you have to make is not what you think it is.” I looked at him. “The path of light is to follow blindly” mom added. “The path of blood will wash the sins from both sides” the female wolf added.
“The four lives are here before you,” the male wolf continued “now you must be the one to set them free.” “The debt has been paid.” Dad added. “Both of you must ask for the trail of blood” a fifth voice said “and wash these sins away.” I knew the voice all to well. It was the first Alpha. “Only then will you bridge our two worlds together” he added.
I nodded, I had the answer I needed. “I understand, thank you” I said “I will make things right again.” “Take care Rex” Mom said. “We don't want you see you again anytime soon” Dad added “if you know what I mean.” “I'll try not to get myself killed” I said with a smile. I closed my eyes and sighed. I blinked my eyes open feeling a bright light on them.
The fire had died out and the sun was rising. I looked around were the fire had been. All six of us had been there. We had been sitting around the fire and had all fell asleep. The others also started to wake up. They all had the same dazed look. Once we could all clear our heads they turned to me. “Alpha,” the black and white wolf said “we were out of line with the way we were acting, and we're sorry.” The rest all nodded in agreement. “We are ready to follow you now” they all answered.
We backtracked for about a mile or so before we raced a new path back to the village. It wouldn't take the Alpha's pack long to start tracking us again. But we had almost no run ins with the pack or any traps they could set. The ones we did run across disabled and continued on. By midday we stopped to rest.
We kept ourselves on key. We worked out a plain. We all agreed if we cover enough ground today, the Alpha's pack wasn't going to let us get any closer without a fight. If we ran till night fall and rest up we could get to the village by middle day tomorrow and still be able to fight them off. After a quick lunch we were on the move again.
A few near misses aside we made through the day. Some ways off we could see the fire burning in the village. Like the night before we set up where we could and got to sleep quickly, changing out the watch as we went. Dawn came as did our last push. Unsure, unready, and untested, we made our break for it.
Last patch of open ground before we could be safe in the village. Three miles to go. And all hell broke loose. We were being attacked from all sides. But no sign of the Alpha. The others didn't seem to hold their own against them. But the Alpha's pack didn't seem to go anywhere near me. That was pissing me off.
I tackled one as hard as I could before she could knock out the black and white wolf. We hit the ground and rolled before I could get to my feet and knock her into one of the other from her pack. The red and black wolf recovered from her attacker that just got hit by one of his own. She tripped him up and knocked him onto the female I threw at him. They both were down. Two down eight to go.
One of the bigger wolves came down on me next. He got hold of me and threw me out of the way. He cut me off from the others but didn't even try to fight me. Just keeping me isolated from the others. Between Bruce and Charles, I knew how to deal with blockers, and this was the same thing. I rushed him as hard as I could and locked my arms around him. Using everything I learn, I pick him up and slammed him into the ground.
He was still moving but seem to dazed to care. “Rex go” one of them yell. “We'll hold them off” another yelled. I shook my head and rush another. The brown and gray wolf stopped me and said “Alpha go on without us, we need only one of us to makes it.” “To hell with that” I answered “we all go or none of us.” we did what we could to push them back and regroup.
That's when he showed up. He rushed us with no regard to the others of his pack. He was knocking us around like we were nothing. I knew he was holding back with the easy of how he was toying with us. Till it came to me. It was hard and fast I had almost no time to react and took the full force of his kick with my chest.
I was knocked back and hit the ground hard. With the wind knocked out of me I could do little to help them. I forced myself back to my feet. I caught the gray wolf before she could hit the ground. “Get out of here,” I said “I'll catch up.” I got her back on her feet and push her to run. I rushed to help the others again. With each the same line.
Before I could thou, the gray wolf grabbed my arm. “Alpha, if only one of us makes it needs to be you” she said and threw me the other way. The black and white wolf landed close by and looked up. “GO” he yelled getting back to his feet. The two rushed back into the fight. I rushed back in only to have one of my pack throw me back out.
“We already lost,” the brown and gray wolf said “but you can still make it.” “No one gets left behind” I said. “And we are trying to buy you time” he added “you're no coward for listening to your pack, Alpha Rex.” My fist clenched as I turn to run. He turned back to the fight just in time to stop two of the wolves from jumping me.
I ran. I ran, feeling like a coward for it. I felt weak. I knew we failed, and it was because of me. I slowed down when I found myself running past small stone mounds. At one end of each mound was a banner of some kind. Like headstones. I slowed to a walk and payed my respects. I stopped when I reached a wall covered in markings.
Names and dates from what I knew how to read. Warriors were burned after death. Friend and enemy alike were given the same respect. I saw a group of names write in both languages. Some of my family was given a place here. Even my parents. I knelt down and crossed my arm over my chest. “To those you died as warriors,” I said to no one. “I pay my respects to you.”
“You made back to the the village” I heard Alpha Max's voice from behind me. “No, sir,” I answered “I failed my pack, and in so doing failed you as well.” “But you made it” he answered “that should count for something.” I stood up and turned to face him. I kept my eyes low. He gave a low call. The rest of his pack joined us along with the other hopefuls.
“Rex, you made it back to the village back because your pack chose to stay and fight just so you could make it” he said “And that counts, it counts because had you stayed and fought with them, then you all would have lost.” The other hopefuls were released. “This test was not about being a strong alpha, it was about being strong member of a pack.”
The others all stood around me. “It has always been about the good of pack” he finished. Without a word we dropped to a knee with an arm crossed. We were each given our medallions back. “As Alphas you must always do what is needed for the pack,” Alpha Max added “even if it goes against all that you believe, for your life is no longer your own, it belongs to your pack.”
He paused. “Raise, stand and be recognized as Alphas of the Telro” he finish. We stood and saluted. The wolves of the Alpha's pack returned the salute by dropping to a knee. We were now Alphas, protectors of the clan and it's people. It was an honor I feel I did not earn. Later on Alpha Max told me I earned because that kick I took should have killed me on the spot.
Goes to show, over doing it sometimes is the only way to make a point. And it still hurt for a few days after the fact.
Chapter 12
Death in the village was not taken lightly. My pack was asked to take part in the rite of one of the villagers that had past. He wasn't a warrior so he wasn't going to be burned. No, they had another rite of passing for that. It is calling the “Filling”. Where the stomach is filled with stones and meat. After death of course.
This was done for the same reason humans would do some of the same, fear of the dead returning. The burning of a warrior was to free their fighting spirit. The filling was to send the dead off with a feeling of fulfillment. Yeah it does sound a bit silly. But I can respect it. That's what I love about the Telro. No one is over looked.
After the final stones were laid over the body a torch was driven into the heart and lit. freeing the spirit through the flames. Once it goes out it won't be re-lit. Jumping topics here. I was still getting use to the fact, not the idea but the fact, I had command of six packs aside my own. I still wasn't sure what it meant but it was what it was.
Speaking of packs. I did some digging on the trail of blood. The only thing I could find out about was it was a rite of debt. Mostly to see who owed who. And the only one who could enact this rite was the Washer. Talking to Rachel about it, we ended up getting into a fight. She walked away and I just stood there like an ass.
“How far will you go to protect her” Alpha Max asked me “would you steel her back to the human world?” “It would kill her to do that to her,” I answered “but I would put her before the needs of the clan.” Being Alphas, it was rare to be alone, and to have a chance to just talk to someone without rank being the bigger matter, was almost unheard of.
“It's harder knowing there is little you can do,” he said “and even then with nothing that can be done.” It was getting late and the sky was dark. We were just walking a trail for no reason and just talking. It reminded me of the few times Dad and I would do the same. “Has Raiglow told you about her mother” he asked.
“Only bits that she knew,” I answered “her illness, her choosing you, and how she died.” “She is so much like her mother” he said. He rubbed the back of his neck with a sad smile. “It is true” he said. I looked up at him. “She didn't have the strength to mark any male,” he said “she would fall when children run into her as they play.”
I looked down at the ground. “She was a warrior, she fought every day just to live” he continued. I could tell it was not something he talked about very much. “That's why I did what I did. She had told me, she wanted a strong father for her child.” He chuckled. “My mother was demanding I choose a mate that she approved of. Sela had her mother's gift. She knew she would died if she ever had a child.”
He looked away. “She gave me the only thing she could in this world and fate now sees to take that from me as well” he said. “You're blood to the First Alpha” I asked “the one Telro knew?” “Yes” he answered. “Then my debt to her has already been paid” I said “Telro took the lives of his parents.” he looked at me. “He couldn't kill her. But in stead sent her to my world. There she had a family leading to where we are today” I continued.
“The elders never told anyone the truth because they weren't ready,” I said. He shook his head. “Sir, may I ask you one question,” I asked “and this has always been bugging me after I found out the whole story.” His brow twisted in confusion but nodded. “Why, as a hunter, warrior and a father did you bring your own daughter to an alien world” I asked.
He thought about the question. As he thought we had circled back to the village. His line of thinking was broken by shouting coming from a small crowd. One of the voices shouting was speaking English, and was a tone I knew all to well. We both took off. We both started barking orders to the crowd and getting people out of the way.
Grams was sitting in a wheelchair yelling at Niuche, who was shouting back at her. When she saw me she cut herself off and said “Hello Rex, how are you liking this place.” before turning back to the old wolf and started shouting again. I held my head with both hands and sighed. At lest she didn't have the shotgun this time.
It took some time to get both of them to stop fighting. “Do you just not care,” Grams continued “she is your own granddaughter, yeah I hated your kind for the death of my son, and his wife, but I was never told full story. And when I was told a sweet little girl who didn't know was the cause, I hated myself for hating her to begin with.”
“That is not the point” Niuche retorted “she was the cause of their death, do you not see the need for justice.” “That's not justice,” Grams answered “that's clearing away loose ends, you crazy old bitch.” as I understand Grams did have one trump card to play and that was her age. She is the older of the two by a few years.
Rachel founds thanks to the shouting match. “In all my years, it never hurt as much as when I had to see that boy fall apart at the age six.” Grams continued “And I will never forget the day that sweet angel of a girl came in his life. I will never forget that smile, you want to take that away from him?” Niuche tried to answer “that doesn't matter...” “To HELL, it doesn't matter” Grams cut her off “you say he is one of you, then how he feels does matter, do you even take your own son's feelings into account, and he runs this place doesn't he?”
This went on for another hour, with the hard headed washer, being knocked off her high horse by a little old human in a wheelchair. The old wolf had no choice but to give in. “Even if you ask, our ways are set and there is nothing I can do” Niuche said. And then I got to finally have my say. I took Rachel's hand with both of mine.
“Give us the trail of blood” I asked “let the mothers decide our fate.” “Would you seal both of your fates” Niuche asked. I looked Rachel in the eye. “You said you would stand with me no matter what” I said to her. I felt her hand press to my cheek. “For you I would overthrow the sun” she answered.
With in minutes the trail began. Rachel and I sat next each other before a small fire. Niuche sat across from us. In front of her was a large bowl of water, a stone, a knife and two bandages. The old wolf was deep in pray. She picked up the knife and held it with the blade out to us. Together we gripped the edges of the blade with the palms of our hands.
It hurt when the blade was ripped from our grasp. Niuche hand us the bandages. We fixed each others'. After an hour we were give a new bandage each as the old dark wolf took the used ones and laid them in the clear water. “Leave me,” she said “as the mothers bestow there answer.” We left the old wolf alone. It would be some time before we had an answer, but we would accept the outcome.
The night air was cold, but with the few bits of armor and clothes I had on and my pack and friends close by I couldn't feel any better. The call was given as we began to run. The race around the fire was not about speed. It was a reenactment of the hunter and the seven sisters. We started slowing down when they started setting the spears.
The slower ones were stopped and stood next to a spear. Once we were all placed next to a spear, Alpha Max spoke up. “Hunters, warriors, home keepers and pups,” he said before adding “and friends. Upon this night we welcome new bonds into our clan, not just from our home but from the world beyond the gates. And with that new prays that these bonds will bring not only new life but a new understanding of ourselves and our world.”
He seemed humble as he spoke, an unspoken sense of peace about him. “All of our hardships and loses will not be in vane, as we continue on and stand tall. So tonight, let us call out to the heavens, the past and to worlds unknown, and welcome them into our homes and hearts.” The old wolf dipped his head howled to the night sky, with all seven mystic mothers shining down upon us.
In turn we all joined in. with that we began the slow march around the fire. At each spear we stopped and called out into the night. One full lap around the fire we heard them. The brides came giggling and dancing. I stayed focused on the march, my nerves ready to give out. They passed us all, each will best wishes for all of us.
Soon couples began to pair up and break off. Soon I was the last as I felt her hand touch my shoulder. We stopped at the last spear and turned to face each other. Her ocean blue eyes smiled as them mine. Her dark fur glowed with the light of the flames. Together we took the spear lifted it up between us and broke it.
“I am only a half of your spear, and without you I will never be whole” we said together “and to you I give half of my own spear so together we will always be whole.” we cast the broken spear into the fire and kissed. We followed the others off, as we went to spent the rest of the night alone. “Grams said she wants us to have a church wedding when we get back” Raiglow said as we left the warmth of the fire. “I think she had already planned it out for us” I said.
Nine years have past and I was now a father, a son and two daughters. Thomas Maxin Telro Redward, Sela Wendy Telro Redward, and Beth Niuche Telro Redward. Together with their mother we were returning to earth so they could spent time with their great grandmothers. All three looked like their mother with thick red fur jetting down their backs.
The path from the gate to the house was cleaned up and had a few lights here and there. But was mostly untouched. Along the short mile to the house we saw wolves coming and going. “You know, I don't think I can ever get use to being called an Elder” Raiglow said after the fifth wolf to pass us greeting us by rank.
I just laughed. “I'm still not use to being call Alpha” I answered. “Daddy will I become an Alpha” Sela asked being two years away from her choice. “Only if that is what you want to be,” I answered messing with her head “you have no idea how many doors are open to you right now.” “Dad, Dad, Dad” Thomas called pointing ahead of us “IT'S GRANDPA.”
The old tricolored wolf smiled “Welcome home” he said leaning on his crutch. “Hello Father,” Raiglow said “I'm glad to see you walking again.” “Alpha Max” I said with a nod. “I'm not an alpha anymore,” he answered “not after I took that spill and broke my hip.” “Still you never lost your rank” I said joking with him.
“I left the Clan in better hands” he said. “I still question you on that” I answered. He barked a rich laugh. “The doctor says I'm well enough to use it again, I'll just never hunt again or fight for that matter” he said. He joined us for the walk back to the house. “How's life been here on earth for you” I asked the old wolf.
“It hasn't been easy,” he answered “there is just so much going on.” “Yeah, you just kinda end just over looking a lot of it.” I said. The kids took off ahead of us as we got closer. “How are the others” he asked. “It's been rough on them” I answered “Alvin even after nine years, he isn't use to being an Elder.”
“The lost of Elder Winar was hard on many,” the old wolf added “it was hard to believe, he was still so young and energetic.” “Yeah, I remember when I first met him,” I added “he spoke English a little to well.” Shia and Charles' kids came running up to us with parents in tow. The twins both a year younger then our eldest, dropped to their knee and crossed their chests.
The two looked like their father but had their mother's coloring. “Alpha Rex, Elder Raiglow, Alpha Maxin” Shia said. “We're equals now, Shia” I said. “I know,” she answered her smile big and bright “doesn't mean I won't stop showing you two the respect you deserve, plus May and August still have to learn the use of titles.” Charles rolled his eyes and squeezed his wife to his side and said “she has got more talkative from when we first met.”
“I also threw you through a table and two chair when we first met” she added. “Well we're heading back to the village so the kids can spend so time with their grandmother and great grandmother” Charles said picking his son and daughter up off the ground. They giggled and kicked playfully.
They continued on, as did we. “Sensto and my aunt well and have be teaching seers from other clans” Raiglow said as we continued. We found Ed and Bruce heading up the camp ground and help with the construction of dorms for wolves visiting Earth. Both were mated but were happily dating. I think their mates were same way, but I don't judge. But it made a lot of scents after they told us. And I don't feel as weird when Ed stares at my ass.
Ed and his mate had a daughter, and Bruce and his had a son. Bruce's Father Elder Brumi died three years ago, but he died peacefully in his sleep. Elder Treru was still at the village teach his great granddaughter how to weave and sow. We had stopped to say hey to Ed and Bruce. But they were busy, but they did wave to us.
A little ways out From the old family house and met up with Semduo, Alvin, Jessie and their five kids. Jessie was pregnant with the sixth one. And yeah all five of them took after Alvin and couldn't sit still, unless they were asleep. Lets hope none of they start sleepwalking. They were heading off to the lake to let the kids going swimming.
I thought about and put Raiglow closer. “Think we should go for another” I asked holding her by the hip. “What, right now with my father watching” she said. The old wolf rolled his eyes and said “kids.” “Later when it's just you and me,” I said “ you know we could go down by the lake and ...” She covered my mouth with her hand. Her soft fur felt good against my skin.
“We can talk about this later” she said, her ears folded back as she tried to hide her smile. We could hear Grams and Niuche bickering as always. As we saw our kids play in the front yard. The two were on the porch playing a cards. There were a few crews of workers both human a wolf trying to fix up the old place.
“You cheat” Niuche said as we walked up. “I did no such thing, you are just bad at go fish” Grams said. “No I good at fishing” Niuche answer. Grams just shook her head. “The game we were playing is called go fish” she added. “And you cheat” Niuche continued. “Your wining like an old bitch again” Grams said.
“That's raciest” Niuche chided. The two sat there a moment before they both busted out laughing. “Hi Grams,” I called “Niuche.” They both smiled and wave to us. “When you give me more great grand babies” Niuche asked. English is still hard for the old wolf, but she can hold her own. “I'm working on it,” I said “we just need some time to our selves.”
The old wolf threw her hand in the air. “This your do” Niuche said to Grams. “Damn right he is,” Grams said “now I will show you how to play one more time, Sela, Thomas, Beth, get over here and play some cards with us.” The kids ran up to the porch and joined in. “You too” she said pointing to Max. he shrugged and limped his way to and open chair and joined in.
You know, even to this day I still think back and wonder about how different things would be if just the smallest thing had change. I can't believe how lucky I am. I know not everyone gets the fairy tale ending. The whole happily ever after. But the world is full of stories. Some good, some bad. In time my children will share their stories and so on.
Just like everyone else. We all have a story to tell. So what ever your story is I hope some day I get to hear it but till then. I wish you the best of luck and may the mothers and God bless you all.
The End.
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