Night's Angel

Chapter 7

The lodge was simple as you would think. Tall enough to fit anyone. Part of the roof was open with a leather canvas to keep out the rain. But it was alone. There were no fires or groups of people around it. A first thought the Alpha gave order to back off but no that wasn't the case. Even in the low light this place was almost untouched even it's own people.

I was standing just outside the open doorway I could hear the chatter of six wolves. Sounded more like bingo night at the parish then wise old wolves. I was worrying myself about just walking in or if should knock. I was alone the other were told to stay behind. The elders only wanted to speak with me. I took a deep breath and did the only thing that made scenes. I knocked.

They didn't seem to notice and were still talking. I looked around to see if there was something I had to do or some trick to pull off. But I didn't see anything. So I tried again and carefully took a step inside. The first one to spot me had sold gray fur and was the smallest of the six. He had the friendliest look on his face and really big eyes.

Something about him reminded me of Bruce. He tilted his head looking me over. He turned to his bag and withdrew a small clay bottle and held it up to me. I nodded slowly and reached for it. I took a step back after I had taken it and nodded again. The one he was talking to seemed lost in a dream but fully aware of what was going on around her.

She had light tan fur and a deep gaze. She smiled after I thoughtlessly looked her in the eyes. She turned back to the gray wolf and continued talking like I wasn't even there. Next to her was the blind red gray wolf I met at the gate. And he was just sitting there turning his head catch every sound. On the other side of the room was a snowy fur wolf sitting much the same as the listener. But she a more thoughtful gaze.

She studied me for a moment before noting something and went back to what she was doing before I entered. The two on ether side of her were a different matter. The one weaving a blanket, I think looked to be setting a story or at least a picture of some kind. He had tri color fur, of white, gray and orange.

The last one looked past me. She had almost black fur, and I almost missed her eyes because of how dark they were. I had no idea who she was but I had the feeling she was the one I had to watch out for. I quietly dropped to a knee and brought my arm across me chest and waited till I was addressed. “If you think I will believe that this mole rat is Telro returned then the world has fallen apart” the dark wolf said keenly noting my size and build.

“Telro was an outsider as well, Niuche” the weaver spoke never once looking away from his work. “And what say you Sensto” the dark wolf said to the that tan wolf. “His taller then I thought he would be, but he has a great age past his youth” the tan wolf answered “I see no darkness from his path only light.”

“From what I heard he has show great skill for his age, even to go as far to say he might stay a chance against your son, should he choose to make the challenge” the gray wolf said before being asked. “I was there Brumi” the red gray wolf added “I saw the flames of his soul.” “If you knew what a flame looked like then you would know you are wrong in saying so, Winar” the dark wolf spoke again.

“Even your mate had agreed with what Brumi has said, Niuche” the red gray wolf shot back. The dark wolf growled back at him. “If you ask me, thou none have, I say we cut the hearsay and have the pup speak for himself” the snow wolf said. “I agree with Semduo” the weaver answered “but to my understanding his words and deeds don't match at times.”

“Treru, stay to your stories, leave fate to those who look to the path ahead” the dark wolf spat. “I would if my stories didn't say otherwise” he answered. “And what unspoken truths have been awaken” the gray wolf asked before the dark wolf could stop them. “The Telro packed” he answered and unrolled a blanket like the one Ed was working on.

“The packed made when Telro left these lands” he said. The square he showed had four marking on it. The seven red stones of the lunar eclipse. Four white stones shaping a doorway. The third was a Alpha medallion half panted red. And the last one was hard to make out from where I was. “Fine, we will hear him answer for himself” the dark wolf said turning her head back to me.

“Human, are you Telro” she asked. I looked up at her and answered “No, and I won't say I am.” her eyebrow twisted questioning my answer. “If you are not Telro then how is it that you can speak our language as clear as your own” she asked. “With all respect I was hoping you could tell me” I answered. The red gray wolf laughed to himself.

“As I understand it, the spirits have their reasons for their aid,” he added “and it is not my place to answer for them, but they do answer this, if he is not Telro then he is being guided by Telro.” “I see a fork in his path but is odd, one path is of light, the other is of blood” the tan wolf said “but his place in the clan is clear, he choice is the fate of us all.”

I shook my head. “I still say you are all fools to believe he is Telro, reborn or aid” the dark wolf said “but it is agreed that his role is for the clan.” “I have one question for him before he returns to his pack and joins his new people for the Calling” the snow wolf said “ if blood and fate were not part of the matter what do you have to give to the Clan?”

I thought about it and answered before I could finish thinking about it “I have nothing but myself, because I have nothing other then that to give.” “Niuche, don't drag this matter out any longer,” the weaver cut in “we all know you are the only one who upset this night with your own ill will about him and his pack.”

“You know nothing of my will, ill or otherwise” the dark wolf answered “and I will not have disrespect me in front of an outsider.” “You are the only one to see this alpha as an outsider, much the same as you do your own son's pup” the weaver said “you would have outcasted her mother had it been your place to do so.”

“Alpha Rex, you may return to your pack,” the gray wolf spoke up “you need not see us bicker, go enjoy yourself and don't worry on these matters tonight.” I nodded and stood up, I saluted them as an alpha and added “Thank you for speaking with me.” I left quickly not wanting to pick a fight, but just being there seemed to do just that.

From where I came in I had returned. Looking around I had hoped one of them would have been waiting, mostly because I didn't know my way around. But the one waiting for me made me uneasy. Alpha Max stood there waiting, he seemed to be worried till I reached the torch light. “It's good you're safe” he said.

I didn't know what to say or if I should say anything. “What the elders have said to you was for you alone” he answered “what you share with others is only what you have taken from this meeting.” “I'm guessing you knew what they want you to tell the Clan about me” I asked. He nodded. “But all things in their time” he added “Come there are many who wish to hear your stories and and we must still hold the Calling.

We walked as equals to an open field with fires burning to light up the night. There many wolves were dancing and singing. But everything got quiet when they saw me. Many backed away fearful of me. Many of they dropped where they were as I past. None of them looked up. It was unsettling. I sighed. “Something wrong, Alpha Rex” the wolf asked.

“Yeah, you could say that” I answered. He looked to his people. “This is not respect, this is fear” I said. He agreed. But we both knew there was nothing we could say to change their minds. We met up with my pack sitting by a small table filled with food but none of them touched it. They all stood saluted us and returned to there feet.

Something I had them get use to so I didn't feel I was talking down to them. Others watching saw how my pack was acting around me. Some risk moving to get closer. But no one else seemed to make a sound. “I was under the idea this was a party” I said as load as I could, I had to do something “is this how you would welcome Telro, fearful and on your knees.”

The Clan Alpha caught the idea and ran with it. “IF YOU ALL BELIEVE HE IS TELRO AND HAS RETURNED TO US, THEN GET OFF YOU KNEES AND SHOW HIM WHAT HAS BECOME OF HIS PEOPLE” he yelled. Seconds later the countless number wolves stood up and music picked back up and people started dancing again.

I was pulled back to where my pack was sitting. “They are about to begin the Calling, remain standing till you see the other alphas take their seats” Rachel said standing next to me. I stood in the middle my pack stood to ether side of me based on rank. We watched as more then a dozen males ran around the fire in front of us. They were all dress ready for war. I could see a number of young wolves running around and playing.

“Can you howl” Ed asked. “I can try” I answered. I saw a handful for hunter set spears like markers around the fire. Once the last marker was in place all the males stop and spaced themselves at each of the markers. “Hunters, warriors, home keepers and pups” the Alpha said as everyone became quiet.

“Upon this night we welcome new bonds into our clan and prays that these bonds will bring new life with them. And upon this night we welcome a new bond to our clan, a bond that not only brings new life but a new pray that our reach to the heavens welcomes us to new worlds.” the Alpha stood proud of his people and his home.

“As many have heard that Telro returns, but we will not honor him as if he were a god, we shall honor him as one of our own. But this sign does not mean we stop moving, it means we keep moving know those that came before us will guide us till it is our time. SO, LET US CALL OUT TO THE HEAVENS SO THEY KNOW THEY ARE WELCOME INTO OUR HOME” he said before dipping his head and howled into the night.

Soon enough each alpha then pack joined. I'm sure I got some off putting looks for what came out of my mouth. But I think I did a fair enough job for a human. After a moment the packs all sat with the alpha still standing. The clan alpha stepped back and sat down with his pack of hunters. Once he was seated the other all sat as the males began to march around the fire.

They stomped their feet and stopped at each spear before howling. They did one full lap around the fire before the same number of females joined skipping around the males as they began their march again. Again one full lap before they started to pair off. When a pair was made they took the spear and stepped closer to the fire as the uncoupled group continued till the last pair was together.

I saw Rachel out of the corner of my eye. She was looking down, I could see her wipe her eyes. I took her hand and squeezed it in mine. She looked at my hand and the smile she gave hurt me as much as it did to see her cry. I had no idea how much she was hurting, and still didn't know why. The couples raised their spears give their oaths and breaking the spears.

“I am only a half of your spear, and without you I will never be whole” I heard Rachel say without looking up “and to you I give half of my own spear so together we will always be whole.” I had turned my head to face her. “You will be a bride” I whispered to her. I could tell she didn't want to look up at me but she made herself do so anyway.

“You can't promise me something like that” she said. “I can if it means I have to do it myself” I said and pulled her hand up kissing the back of it. I smiled watching the skin of her ears go flush and fold back shyly. God she is so cute. She was still uneasy but she did seem to feel better. By time I looked back at the couples and the fire they had all left.

But it did seem we had put on a small show of our own. Even Alpha Max was watching us with the same hurt filled smile. He broke rank over the night leaving the mass of wolves to their own means. I don't know what I did but everyone was looking at me again. “I hope you have some good stories on hand” she said.

“You leave and I'm following” I answered. The crowd around me hushed as a few tried to hide a giggle or two. The food was amazing by the way. But even then I was wore out it had been a long day. So I told two stories and Rachel saw the state I was in and took me up on my bet. She got up to leave and I followed like I said I would.

The rest of the pack cut the crowd off by picking up on some story telling about the human world. “My people are open to many things but still, you want someone to catch us” she asked me once we were away from everyone else. “No, and catch us doing what I'm going to bed” I answered “nothing against you, but it's been a long day for me.”

“It's been a long day for all of us” she said taking my hand and pulling me closer, teasing for a kiss. I leaned in a bit to met her request. ONLY to have her half foot long tongue drag across my face. “Sleep sounds good, and it is a bit cold so you'll have to stay very close to me if you want to stay warm. I blinked to see her smiling with the tip of her tongue sticking out.

I breathed heavy out my nose. “I swear there are times I think you're a brat” I said pointing at her playfully. “But you love me anyway” she answered “by the way, how did learn to speak our language with such ease?” “You know, I have no idea, the elders think spirits or something are helping me with it” I said waving my hand about as we started walking to the camp site they set up “it all sounds the same to me.”

“Winar, has a saying about that” she said pointing out a group of hand made tents. “Ok I'll bite, what does he say about it” I asked and pointed between them as to which ones were for us. “this one is for our pack, don't worry there more room in there then it looks” she said pointing it out to me. I had to bit my lip to keep from making a pun.

The tent stood about four feet tall with a good seven or eight feet across, made of animal hides. The edges looked they covered over with dirt and rocks. “The storms haven't set in yet so most of us will sleep under the stars” she added pulling the front cover up to let us in “watch your step.” I looked down just in time to catch my footing. The floor of the tent was another three or four feet down with some spots lined with more hides.

Rachel started a small fire in a pan set in the middle of the tent. I open the vent I spotted just above it. It warmed up pretty quick. “You guys really got this camping thing down” I said finding my things and my sleeping bag just sitting in the corner. “Right, you never got to do those things before” she said unpacking some of her things.

“Yeah, but I still love those walks me and my dad would take real late at night when we stayed over a Grams' house.” I said and sat down. “I wounder what it would be like for us if you hadn't lost your parents” she asked. “I know I would feel better not having blood on my hands” I answered. “You haven't kill anyone” she corrected.

“Not yet, but knowing someone is going to be killed just to pay a debt that isn't even there” I said “I'd say that is murder, and is worst then an accented and miss understanding.” “Would you stand against the Elders and the Alpha, to spare a one life” she asked. “Yes” I answered before I even thought about it “because it's the right thing to do.” She looked away. “I'd would be doing it alone” I added “I would never ask you guys to turn on your own people, no matter what is said about me, I'm the outsider, aside you guys and this stupid debt, I have no ties to the Telro.”

“Would still stand against them if you knew the blood debt is the only thing keeping the peace between our worlds” she asked “one life for peace, I'd say that is fare.” I sighed, she had a point. I didn't like it. “Yeah, it's not like the real Telro is going to pop up and go “not going to happen.” and that fixes everything” I added.

“It would be that simple” she answered “but we both know that can't happen.” “Path of light my foot” I said pulling out one of my notebooks. “What” she asked. “It's something one of the Elders said” I answered. She looked up at me tilting her head. “Elder Sensto, I think that's her name, the tan wolf that looks like she's not all there, said she saw me at a cross road with one path being of light and the other blood, and the path I take leads to the fate of the clan” I said.

“And Alvin's grandfather said even if I'm not Telro, I seem to be working for him” I added. Her brow cocked with a curious look. “They all had something to say on the matter” I said “and it seemed only one of them didn't like me.” “Niuche” she answered “the washer, she is judgmental, and clams to only be seeing to the good of the clan.”

“I can tell, sucks your own grandmother hates you” I said. “Well one of them does, the other is Sensto, and has no hatred for anyone” she said tying a small clam shell around her neck. “Do you have her gift as well, I mean there's a lot to connect here so forgive me if I start jumping all over the place” I asked. “No, everything about me comes from my father” she said “and it's no matter, what does matter is if you are meant to stand against them you won't be alone even if is just me.”

“Stand against them is not what see” Shia said sliding into the tent “more like them standing against you.” I shook my head. “No, I have seen a mighty force that stands behind you and is the same force that guides you down your path” she added “and it is this force they fear.” she made short work of stripping off her gear and her top.

To be honest, the light brown female wolf had largest bust out of the three females in our pack, but oddly enough you can't tell from the way she dresses. Then again they all wear a wrap much like a bra, Shia's just happens to wear one that's like three pounds. She was bouncing around the tent getting ready for bed. And yes I do mean bouncing.

“But yes, Sensto is right when she said you have to make a choice, and that choice will change the clan” she said before balling herself up under a blanket. “Well that answers a lot” I said and unrolled my sleeping bag. “It's not like we could even ask Telro anything” Rachel said releasing her wrap. “I could try but even then any of them could answer” Alvin the little red wolf said dropping in with Jessie right behind him.

“Well, if I am working for the guy I'm sure he'd be close by to make sure I don't screw up” I said laying out on my sleeping bag. Alvin looked like he wanted to say something but seem to think better of think. He and Jessie got ready for bed and cuddle together off to the side. Ed and Bruce jumped in soon after.

Bruce sat down by the opening of the tend wrapping a blanket over himself and was out before any of us could say anything to the big gray wolf. Ed sat down next the the only light in the tent and went to work on his story blanket. “I'm going to be up for a bit so I'll watch the fire” he said waving us off to bed.

“Then we will leave you to it” Rachel said smiling at me. I opened the sleeping bag and got in and held it up for her to join me. She slid in next to me then I zipped up the side. She cuddled up to me and said “you need to get closer if you want to stay warm.” I pulled her closer, she had her back to me and I could feel her tail beat against my leg. “If you're going to hold me like that then move your hand high up so you can hold my heart as well” she said.

Chapter 8

The morning mist was thick and heavy I could tasted the blood in the air. The thick fog wasn't helping any. I could barely make out the female wolf that was standing just a few feet away. She was holding a double ended spear. I stayed still, thinking the fog was hiding me her line of sight. I could almost make out the bodies that lay at her feet.

The fight look to be one sided or at least from what I could tell it had been. She had been out numbered but both of them looked like they didn't last long. The fog thinned a bit and I could make out the wolf I saw. It was the same one I met in the spring. But it was only the shape and form, her eyes had a blood lust that I could feel.

She was ready to kill the next thing that moved. Slowly I looked around after hearing something behind me. The wolf did the same. Behind us was a small cave just big enough for a kid. Then we saw him poke his head out. I don't think I will ever forget the look on his face. The look of horror on his face at seeing the two dead wolves broke him.

The wolf behind me looked at him then down at her weapon. “This is wrong” I heard her say. I could feel her blood lust wash away in a flood of pain and guilt. “What have I done” she said dropping to her knees. I looked back at the young wolf pup. His face twist in pain and rage as he pulled himself from the opening drawing a small knife from his belt.

He didn't waste time and closed the gap between them. He didn't care if she was stronger or faster. He wanted blood for what she did. But watching him stand over her tears racing down his face screaming “WHY?” The warrior slowing looked up at him her voice broken as she spoke “I don't know but you have every right to end me.”

From what I could tell he wasn't even seven, but he grabbed the fur of her head and her face up so she was looking at him when he finished her. Something in him changed when he looked into her eyes. I could almost hear his thoughts, “this can't be the monster, but she is.” he held his blade to her throat. The only thing running through my mind was if he kills her then he won't be any better then she was.

I thought to say something but he dropped the knife, dropping to his knees in front of her, his hands tightly holding her shoulders. “Just give them back” was all I could make out between his heavy sobs. She had a mixed look on her face. She seemed happy that he was better then she was, but sad that he didn't take his vengeance on her.

“Give them back, give them back, I'll be alone without them” he said trying to shake her. “I can't, I took them from you and I can never give them back” she said “what I did is unforgivable and you have every right to cruse me for all time.” “I can't, I know have to but I just can't” he said “I'm not strong enough.”

she looked up past him and it felt like she was looking right at me. Then in a soft and quiet voice she said “I will give you the strength to do what must be done.” he looked up at her blinking. “I will teach you, I will train you, I will make you strong enough to take your vengeance, I will give you then tools to find justest” she said looking back to him. He was still crying but the idea of not being alone made him feel better.

Time seem to speed up as I watched them set up and burn the bodies honoring them as proud warriors and fed the land the dust to give back to the earth. Time continued to move for them as I watched the young pup grow. Before long other lost and abandon pups joined them. The huntress raised them training them to hunt, fish, cook fight, build.

The years flew by before everything slowed down. The once young and scared pup stood tall as a proud hunter, and alpha. His friends close by as their teacher stood apart from them. “You have become strong enough” she said “you have a strong pack to stand with you, it is now we must finish we began.”

The hunter shook his head. “No, I know now it wasn't my strength keeping me from revenge, I lacked the will” he answered “over the years I have lost my hate, you have given me more then what I lost.” she turned her head as if she had been smacked. “I must still pay for my deeds” she said. “Then be my mate and replace the lives lost, be mother of my children in place of the mother and father you stole” he answered.

The hunter close the gap between them this time holding her close. “I lost my hate for you because I grew to love you” he whispered to her. Her eyes widen as her mouth fall agape. Her eyes seem to turn to me again. This time I tried to speak up. “You were always better then me, even now you would bed the female who murdered your family” she chide.

“Yes, I would share my bed with you, murder or not, you have always been there for me” the hunter said. “I have no right to your bed or your home and may the mothers cruse me for having a place in your heart” she said “and thus I have no place here.” “It will kill me to end you” he said releasing her and backing away.

She sighed taking a step back. “I can not stay, you know this” she said. “I don't know why you think you have to die,” he said “and you, yourself even said don't kill needlessly.” “this is not a matter of it being needless,” she retorted “this is a matter of justest and vengeance.” “I don't care about justest or vengeance,” he said his tone raising “I care about you.”

“You are being a foolish pup” she spat. “Then let me be a fool” he spat back “I will not let what I feel go wayside for your honor.” “You of all people know I have no honor” she said shying away from him “just end this childish game.” “I will when you stop acting like a child” he answered. “Please don't force my hand” she asked.

“This is your clan as well, what am I to tell them when you don't return” he asked. “The truth” she answered. The hunter shook his head turning about. The two were quiet. “I would have Time draw your last breath before I ever turn my weapon on you” he said after a long pause. “Your love is a cruel joke” she answered “you would be cruel to see me happy.”

“Alpha” one of the wolves spoke up “there is a way.” the hunter turned to the wolf. “It comes from a dream” the wolf continued “a dream of the seven mothers all blood red, and an Alpha from another world.” “how could should a wild dream be the answer” the hunter retorted. “The answer my dream holds is one she has seen herself” the wolf answered.

The hunter looked between the two. “You have seen the unworldly alpha, and it is because of him, you mothered our alpha into who he has become,” the wolf spoke. She was take by the words. “He watches over you as one day you will watch over him. He is of your blood and his people will test it” the wolf went on.

“Even if I have seen your unworldly alpha, it may be a sign of doom” she said. “Yes it will be by his hand that our word will change” the wolf answered. “How much of this is true” the hunter asked. “I can not hear such a voice worldly or otherwise but I can hear the beat of a heart known and unknown to this world” another wolf answered.

“Then that will be what sets us both to rest” the hunter said turning back to her. He drew his knife. He pulled his medallion off. “Then make this pack with me” he said taking her hand. He put the medallion in her hand and set the edge of his knife next to it. She was quiet. “You will return to me and our clan when this other world alpha enters the village on the night of the long moons when the sisters bleed” he said “when he is found to share the same blood as you then he will bring your past from his world and set us both free.”

The knife cut into her skin coating the medallion with blood. He held her close once more before he left. His pack followed leaving her alone. She fell to her knees crying. “You loved him as much as he loved you” I said. She picked up her staff the same one I saw before. She collected her things and began her journey.

Almost a day later we stopped at the spot where the gate to the human world would be in seven hundred years. “Mothers given me a sign so I know I am on the right path” she said. Just as she spoke a bolt of lightning stroke the rock face next to her. When we looked it wasn't danged at all. Like it past through it.

“The gates have always been open” I said to my self. “I understand, my path is not in this world” she said checking her things then leaping into the rock face. I blinked and found myself back in the human world with the wolf on the ground puking much the same as I did. She fell over and passed out. Some time later a man found her sleeping soundly.

He was dressed as an early settler. But even with a flint lock in hand he didn't seem the type to use it. “Ma'am, ma'am are you hurt” he asked. “Just my heart” she answered as she woke. Time began to speed up again as their eyes met. I watch as they fell in love had kids and it continued on. Then it stopped with me standing by a streetlight.

I spotted Alpha Max and Rachel standing at the corner. The Alpha was talking with someone and didn't see his daughter walk into the street. Then I saw my dad's old car coming down the road. By time he saw her, it was too late and he tried to go around her and lost control. It came to a stop right where I was standing. The Alpha saw what happen and rush to the car. Mom died on impact. And Dad was just barely holding on. I don't think he even think he saw the wolf next to him.

His last words were “Is she ok?” he died before he got an answer. I bolted up waking Rachel. I couldn't help but start crying. “Rex are you ok” Rachel asked sitting up. She held me till I could pull myself together. “It was just a dream” I finally said drying my eyes. “Come back to bed” she said “I'm here for you.”

I woke up an hour or so later as the other began to stir. I felt heavy and I was having a hard time moving. My body hurt. I sat up looking around. The others all seem to be fine, all six looked well rested and ready for a new day. Rachel's smile faded as she looked at me. “what's wrong” she asked. “I don't know” I answered trying to get up.

I fell back feeling sharp pain across my body. Ed came over and took at look at me. I had bruises from my fight last night. They were big and red, some were starting to darken. I felt like my head was spinning. Ed picked up the clay bottle one of the elders gave and hand it to me. “I think this should help” he said and got his field kit.

“He looks feverish,” Bruce said as he dressed for the day “we should take him to my father.” “Agreed” Rachel said helping me to my feet. It wasn't long before everyone was ready and walking across the village. They stayed close to me never once any of my pack being more then an arm's reach from me.

We reached a well sized hut close to the caves. Inside we were met by three of the elders and Doctor Richwell. “Good morning Alpha Rex” she said. “Morning Doc, what are you doing here” I asked. “I asked her to come before we left their camp a day ago” Elder Winar said. “I also came because I found something unusual with the blood sample I took when you got here” she added.

“She can care for you better then I can but it is kind of her to teach me” the tiny wolf said clearing a place for me to sit. “You said something about my blood” I asked. “Yes, as you know genetic testing shown that hybrids are possible between the two races, but the traits have an odd effect” she said.

“Like what” I asked. “Well to put simply,” she said “the offspring take after the father side, unless one of the parents is also a hybrid, then the offspring will take after the pure parent due to the offset of the hybrid.” Ed and I got what she was saying. She turned to the rest of the pack and said. “if a human and a wolf had a child the child would have the father's race, but if the child had a child with ether race that child would take after the other parent.”

they all nodded. “Ok, what does that have to do with me” I asked. “Well, I have to do some more tests but, do you know your blood type” she asked pulling out a folder. I shook my head. “Well with the blood test the Telro has let us take, we found a difference in the blood types but are pretty much the same” she added handing me the folder.

“Your blood type is CB positive” she finished “and C-type blood is only found in wolves.” “He is of your blood and his people will test it” a voice in the back of my head said. “That is why I am here” the weaver said blanket in hand. He unrolled the blanket onto the table next to me. It opened up to the place I had seen last night.

Winar had been translating for Richwell and I had almost forgot he was there. Till he started chuckling to himself. I looked up at him to see what was so funny. “Forgive me, it has been a long time stints the last time I spoke this much” he said “it feels good to be of use again.” “Winar, you have always been useful” Treru added picking up a knife.

His hand was shaking as he set the tip next to the medallion. “That's your history, what do you think your doing” I said and thoughtlessly grabbed his wrist. “It is not well known that you have our blood and your people must test yours to that of Telro” he answered without a fight. Everyone was in shocked by what they saw. An elder about to cut into their history, and rudely stopping him.

“You don't have to do it that way” I said “I'm sorry” he sighed taking a step back “No, you are right, your people might be able to remove what they need without the medallion. “Hey, Doc, think you can test seven hundred year old blood” I asked. “If the cells are in tact I shouldn't have a problem” she answered opening the case she had.

Moments later the doctor was working to remove some of the blood from the coin without removing it. “There we go, if the cells are still in tack I should be able to test it against your blood and find out how a human has marker from a wolf” she said when she was finished. The Elders nodded. “You are welcome to stay here till Alpha Rex and his pack return to your world” Winar said and confirmed with the other, who agreed.

“Thank you but no, I have to get back to the lab and check these findings” she answered “it may change a bit of our history as well as your own.” she left shortly there after giving me a quick check up. “Well nothing that can't heal on its own was damaged and I feel looser now that I started moving around” I said as we left the hut.

“Alpha, do yo even care about what they were saying” Ed asked. “Yeah, she has to double check my blood again in case she screwed up the first test” I answered. “And what if she her tests are correct” Rachel asked. “Then I guess our pups will take after their mother” I said trying not to think about it. This whole thing was making my head hurt more then it already had been.

“Alpha, if her test are correct, then people with think you're Telro” Shia said. I wasn't sure where we were going but Alvin was taking us somewhere. “Alpha” Bruce asked looking to see if anyone could hear other then us “are you sure you are alright, I mean not to be rude but you woke up in tears this morning.”

“It was a dream I don't even remember it” I said, lying about the flashes I've been seeing all day. After a minute I spoke up before they could me anymore questions “So where are we going anyway?” “I thought we could just go fishing,” Alvin answered “I mean you're not well enough to go on a hunt and there's not much to do around the village.”

“No one will mind us doing something light for a day or two” Jessie added, “if you want we can all break up into pairs to cover more ground?” she pulled Alvin closer to her, and he didn't seem to mind, I think he was grinning. “With school and everything, I've gotten way behind on some things,” Ed said. “I might see about finding some herbs” Bruce added.

“I'll find something to do, I mean I'm still trying to find my waking dream” Shia said “I don't know if I can anymore.” “Waking dream, you mean like waking up in a dream then waking up again” I asked. “No the waking dream, it's the state of mind that let's my grandmother see between worlds” Shia answered “I've only done it once and I can't seem to find it again.”

“You could try letting it find you” I said trying to be helpful. “And that's why you are a great Alpha” Rachel said patting my shoulder and leaving a little peck on my cheek “you know your pack so well.” “Not that well” I said “your still a puzzle to me.” “Well, if I wasn't you'd get bored pretty fast” she teased.

Alvin lead us to a small pond with a large tree I think it was this world version of an oak tree. But it gave the smooth rocks under it some shade and over all would make for a great swimming hole in the summer. We set up under the old tree. As we were setting up I started clearing a hand full of weeds from a spot near the water.

They all gave me weird looks as I cleared out four small holes in the rock, just big and deep enough to fit a fishing pole so it wouldn't be pulled away. “I never knew those where there” Alvin said. “These were cut into the rock by someone, you can see the tool marks” Ed pointed out. “Rex how did you know about them” Rachel asked.

I open and closed my mouth without an answer for them. “I don't know, I might have just thought something wasn't right about those weeds” I said, lying to them again. The truth was I had seen them. I saw them being made and used. Like I knew that there was marking cut into the tree close to the base and covered by moss.

But I couldn't tell them because I wasn't sure how or even why I knew these things. “Rex, your lying to us again” Rachel said calling me out. I didn't say anything. “You know something and don't want us to find out about it.” I just sat there, I didn't know what to say. I was scared ok, I didn't know what was going on and I didn't know what would happen if I told anyone.

“Rex, you can talk to us about anything, up till now you have put us first, and now it's time to put yourself first, if not for yourself there for us, if there is something wrong you need to tell us so we can help” Rachel said kneeling next to me “for the good of the pack.” I started crying. “I don't know what's going on” I said.

“I've been seeing things” I said “I saw her, I saw what happen, I saw how the clan began, and how the packed was made, I even saw Telro go to my world. I even saw how my parents died.” I was sobbing at that point. Rachel put her arms around and pulled closer. I just cried into her fur. “Grandmother” Shia said.

“Yes Shia” the wolf answered. “What are you doing here” Shia asked. “I followed you” Elder Sensto answered “She asked me to aid your Alpha with his visions.” “She” Shia asked. “Well they really” she answered “the ones who watch over him, they felt he was ready to know the truth of his role and what lead up to it.”

“Rex” Rachel said holding tighter “whatever choice you make I will obey it even after death.”

Chapter 9

Well here I am out in the middle of nowhere with out my pack and with the sand colored wolf sitting across from me. “I have questions that you are free to answer as you wish” she said as she mixed some herbs in a cup. “Ok, if you don't me asking some as well” I answered. “By all means” she said setting some water over a small fire she had me set up.

“You want to know why you are having these visions and why your role is a threat to our way of life” she asked before I could even think of a question. I nodded and let her continue. “In truth we fear you because of the weapons you, yourself bare” she said “but the visions are tools to aid you to the choice you must make.”

“Then what is that choice” I asked “because if this has to do with that stupid blood debt then you can call it off.” “That matter is small with what else must be done” she said her tone became ice as she spoke “yes, the blood debt is the fork in your path but you must understand that you can't make that choice now.”

I looked down and away. “Don't worry, young Alpha, she watches over as you have for her” the sand colored wolf said sparking another flash of my dream. I covered my face. It felt like my head was splitting apart. “Your fighting it” she said pulling my hands away. “You saw many things in your dream, and many of them you wish weren't true” she continued.

“But why me, I'm a nobody, I'm not some hero or god,” I said and meaninglessly throwing my arms about “I'm just stupid kid with out spoken dreams.” “Your father was a warrior was he not, as was his father and his father, his father before that” she asked. “My dad was a boxer, and Grandpa was a park ranger, I don't know about the others” I answered.

“I have heard of boxing from the hunters who have spoken with the humans, and a ranger is some kind of protector” she asked. “Yeah I guess” I said. “Then the answer is yes, you come from a long line of warriors, and your dream was to be just like your father” she said throwing the mix of herbs into the pot of water.

“I guess” I said “I don't know anymore.” “Why don't you know” she asked. “I guess I forgot where I was going,” I answered “with everything that's happen I lost sight of my dream.” the old wolf had a charm to her, light hearted and easy going. I mean really, in just a few minutes I was opening up to her, it took me a few weeks before I really let Rachel and the others even get close to me.

She reminded me lot of mom. “You said you wanted to follow in you father's footsteps” she asked “did you mean all of them?” “I guess” I answered. “You tend to guess far more then you should know” she said “then let me simplify the question, do you intend on following in his footsteps as a warrior or as a male. And yes there is a difference before you ask.”

“Yes and yes,” I answered “he was a great man and my hero.” “Then why did you have to guess” she asked. “Because I'm not good enough” I said and dropped my arms and looked down at my hands. “Who said you are not good enough to be your father's son” she asked. I thought about it. “Because, no matter how hard I try,” I said keeping my eyes low “everyone just turned away from me.”

“Do you feel the same when it comes to your pack” she asked. I thought about each member and how they treated me. Even from day one. I was respected. I was a friend. I was guide and protector. I got stronger because they pushed me to be better. “No, because of them, I felt like a person again, and I still don't know why she cries but because of her, I find I can't stop smiling.”

“Does her pain give you joy” she asked. “NO, I never want her to hurt, because she's important to me” I answered. “How important is she to you” she asked. “I love her.” “Are you ...” “YES.” the old wolf poured herself a cup of tea and watched me. I kept my eyes low and away, I was starting to get mad and I didn't know why. She was just asking me questions.

“Your upset, would you like some … tea I thinking they called it” she said pouring me a cup as well. “No, thank you” I said rubbing my eyes and face. “Niuche, may not show the same care for Raiglow as I do, but she is still part of the clan and that is something that closed minded old female forgets” she added “so yes, many of my questions are to learn about male who has stolen one of my grandchildren heart.”

I looked away. “You have not ask anything of me, don't you have questions of your own” she asked. I thought about it and there was really only two questions I could think of. But I didn't know how to ask. “Then till you have a question to ask,” she said setting a cup in front of me “tell me about your dream, as much of it as you can recall.”

I started listing off what I could remember till I got to the end and stopped. I sighed hoping she wouldn't ask about the rest. “Do you believe what they said about you and your role” she asked. “No” I said. “Too my understanding, you have already fulfilled most of the packed made ages ago” she said “what more do you need?”

“I don't need anything” I said “really, what am I suppose to do if I am what all of you think I am.” she smiled. “I'm not a leader, I'm no hero, I mean I have Alphas dropping to their knees just because I walk by, full grown wolves who can rip me apart like I was nothing, treating me like some kind of god,” I said “I'm just lucky no one has died because of me.”

“why should that matter to you” she asked “would you have them treat you the same as the people of the world you came from?” “Being seen as a person and being seen as a god are two different things” I said shaking my head. “Well is a god not a person” she asked. “I don't know” I answered “why do you want my to accept all of this?”

“What do you mean” she asked sipping her tea. “The debt, this god role, these visions, commanding two packs, keeping the peace between two worlds, all of it” I said. “I was asking if you were asking me or us,” she said setting her cup aside “then the answer is both only ask of you to do what you feel is right for the clan and yourself, it is true you happen to come at an uneasy time, but such matters need a sign of hope that their choices matter and having one with a new way of life for us may ease the fear that we all carry, you are not seen as a god, but a sign from the human god and the great mothers that peace can be made.”

I covered my face rubbing my eyes with my fingers. “But the answers you seek lie with those you have lost,” she said “they will give to you what you need far better then I can.” She dismissed me to return to my pack and asked me not to worry about anything just yet. When it started to get late we head back to the village.

Part of me didn't want to go back because I couldn't handle anymore. But it seemed someone started tell them to tone it down a bit. Yeah a few over did it, and I still had countless numbers stop to greet me as we headed for the camp ground. The plan was to head back to my world the day after tomorrow.

But reaching our tent we met the last person I wanted to run into. Niuche sat right in front of the opening of the tent. “What dark forces have you been using on my clan” the dark colored wolf barked. I didn't say anything, she was looking for a fight, with everyone watching. “He has done nothing wrong” Rachel answered before I could stop her.

“You have no right to speak to me, you are at fault for all of this mess” the old wolf barked. Rachel took a sharp step back covering her mouth. “I hold fault with you, and how you treated her as a child” I answered. “You have no say in this matter outsider” she barked again. “I have every right in this matter,” I said “because if you had been there for or her mother she would have gone to my world as a child, and the accident that kill my parents wouldn't have happen.”

the old wolf's face twisted. “You may have fooled the others but I see through your lies,” she spat “and I will not let you undo all I have worked for.” “I'm not trying to do anything,” I answered “you hateful old bitch.” Her face twisted with rage. “Oh, and one more thing,” I continued “she can't pay that debt with her life alone, because it would be one life for one life, and she owes me two.”

the wolves around us were watching to see who's will would give out first. “How dare you speak to me like that,” she growled “I will not have you speak down to me like that.” “I'm giving the same respect you have shown me” I answered “and my pack.” “GET OUT OF MY VILLAGE” she yelled jumping to her feet.

I walked past her into the tent and got my things together. I stepped out to see her growling over me. “Your great great grandfather would be pissed with the way you've become” I said a foot away from her face. I felt sharp pain across my cheek as her hand and claws pulled across my face. I pulled the Alpha's medallion off and dropped it at her feet, and said “fine, tell Telro, she can do her own dirty work, I'm done” I said and walked off.

I got as far as the gate way of the village that I first cross last night. When I got there, a good number of wolves had blocked the path. I stopped, seeing the number still growing. I shook my head and asked myself “now what?” I stood thinking about how to get out this mess when someone grabbed my shoulder and spun me around.

They had both of my arms and were in my face before I could think. “HOW DO YOU KNOW ABOUT TELRO” the old wolf yelled. I pushed her off. “Because she has been standing over me this own time, yeah I know the truth, she murdered his parents when he was a kid, and she gave him the chance to kill her but he didn't” I said.

“He grew to love her as much as she had come to love him and in the end she ran away to my world. “LIES” she barked. “Then prove you clam,” Alpha Max said “you have until the day of the long sun to bring proof that Telro had gone to the human world.” the tall wolf stood between his mother and myself.

“Proof to me you are the child of Telro,” he said grabbing my arm and forcing the medallion into my hand “put this matter to rest once and for all.” “Why should I, I'm just an outsider,” I said backing away “Nothing I say or do will change will change that.” “This is your task, Alpha Rex, do not dishonor your father's name by turning your back on us” he said grabbing and picking me up by the front of my coat.

I looked him right in the eye. I didn't see the same rage that he was showing everyone else. I saw a pain in his eyes, the same pain he felt when he watched my father died. The same look he had last night. “Even if I do, I am still nothing more then an outsider to you all” I said. He set me down on my feet as he spoke “No, bring the proof will make you one of us fully, please Alpha Rex, return Telro to us so she may rest with us once more.”

I sighed sharply and nodded. Without another word I turned to leave. This time no one stopped me. I head out into the darkness, alone. Once I couldn't see the lights of the camp fires I broke out into a run. “Maybe it's better this way” I thought “they wouldn't have to see me run like a coward.” Running I slipped on a patch of wet grass twisting my foot and hitting the ground hard.

I slid to a stop, I felt too dazed to move. I must of hit my head on a rock or something because I was out in no time flat. “So now that you know the truth what will you do” I heard a woman's voice ask as I came to. I could hear a fire going. I felt a sharp pain in my leg and the smell of something rotting flooded my noise.

I opened my eyes to see the back of someone sit in front of the fire I heard. I went to lift my head when she spoke again turning her head “lay still, fate saw fit to keep you here before foolishness mislead you from your path.” I saw her long muzzle of her profile and knew it was her again. “And three words could have kept this all from happening” I said rolling to my back.

The wolf turned away. “Telro” I said checking my face and found a mix of moss, mud and something that I don't even want to think about. The wolf didn't answer. “You said the next time we meet I was to call you by name” I said. She didn't answer. “I have just one question for you” I said and sat up. Her hear turned just bit to let me no she was listening.

“Why” I asked. “That is a load question” she said “and one I don't have an answer for.” “Why did you spare his life” I asked. “Because I had become the same as monster who took my family from me,” she answered “that's when I saw you standing over us. The mothers had given me a sign. I remember clear as day, a warrior powerful but gentle, a wolf of another world stood before me, as if to tell me what to do.” She paused looking back at me. “In away, I molded him after you.”

She turned back to the fire as she continued “but I carried my guilt and it hurt more the closer we became. After a night of foolishness we shared a bed that night, I had never let any male touch me till that night. The next morning I woke and the shame I felt over shadowed any joy I had felt. That's when I called him out to finish it.”

I wasn't sure what to say so I just looked down at my feet. “Go ahead and say it” she added “call me a coward for running away.” “You weren't the only one who saw me” I said. “I don't know what she saw” Telro said. “Why question it,” I said “I mean think about it, she said she saw me, you were shown the gate by something that could have killed you. And now the story is almost reversed.”

“There is a way to save her” the wolf spoke “the blades of my spear, bring they back to this world and make my weapon whole.” “I take it dishonor won't do the trick” I asked. “No, they would just see it as washing blood from the clan,” she answered “but even then the choice in the end is still only yours to make. Get some rest, you have a long walk head of you.”

“One last question,” I asked “if you could go back and change it, would you?” “No,” she answered shaking her and smiled “that day the mothers shown me the gate, I knew they had forgiven me, and God the father welcomed me by sending me an angel as my husband.” I kept my word and laid back down and close my eyes.

She started singing softly and I felt myself drift off to sleep. It was still dark when I woke up. I woke up feeling like I was being grabbed and turned over and over. “You're asking me how he set all this up” I heard Ed say before I could open my eyes “the fire was set as a signal, the cave was cover in away that we could find it, and based on the way his ankle looks all of it was done after the fact.”

“There's that smell again” I heard Rachel say to herself. I sat up and held my head. “You know I have a really bad headache,” I said “and second, what are you guys doing here?” “WE could ask the same to you” Rachel said “you had us worried sick about you.” “What are you talking about,” I asked “I was just heading to the gate.” “Yeah, we got there yesterday and none of the humans had seen you” Rachel said “that's when we got scared.”

“Yesterday? No I had only left a few hours at most” I said getting to my feet before falling flat on my face. I had moved my foot the wrong way and sharp pain shot up my leg knocking over. “I should knock your head off for making me worry like that” Rachel said helping me then hugging me “I'm just glad your safe.”

“At this point,” I said hugging her back “I'm sure what's going on anymore. But we should get going.” With that we made way to the camp just a ways off from the gate. Once we got there I found out far off I had gone. Some how I got two miles away from the camp on the other side of the river. And found out that Alpha Max ripped his mother a new one.

I was quiet till we got to the camp. I had more questions again. I got cleaned up and checked out. Seems I was lucky someone found me, given the case. The care I was given worked well enough the claw marks on my cheek were almost healed and my ankle wasn't too bad. I didn't talk about what happen. But Rachel seemed to know something was up.

Shia on the other hand had been wanting to ask me something but was afraid to say anything. With some help we got through the gate and back to Grams' house. We had just got settled in after Rachel ringed me out for being stupid. When the the door bell rang. I had just happen to be the closest one to the door so I answered it.

Shia had popped up out of nowhere to get to the door. But I had gotten there first. That's when I found out why she was acting so weird. The person on the other side of the door was the last person I'd think to see here. It was Charles. “Oh, um, hey Rex” he said a bit shocked to see me “um can we talk?” “You're not here to talk to me” I said waving it off and opening the door more “Shia, your boyfriend's here.”

Her ears folded back as she darted pass me. They hugged and she seemed to berried her head into his chest. “I missed you” they both said. “Break her heart, I'm breaking legs” I said and closed the door. I limped my way into the living room, I caught myself from falling over after another missed step, but took down a wall of bills I forgot to clear away.

As I was picking up he mess I came across an envelope with m name on it. In side was a disc. I put it on and sat down to watch it. Getting pass the menu the video started. It was my dad. “Hey Rex” he said “if your watching this means … well we both know why your watching this.” he looked uneasy about what he was trying to say.

“I don't know how long it's been since this was made but I want you to know I still love you” he went on, trying to find the right words. “Look Rex,” he said “you should know I'm not good at giving heartfelt stories or anything, but I want you to be happy, I want you to find your own way of life, you don't have to be a boxer like me. I want you to be your own man, live the way you want to live.”

I was laughing even with my eyes tearing up. “Mothers help me” he said rubbing his brow. My head shot up. “I never got the chance to tell you the family story,” he said “the legend of the Redward wolf.” he told the story he knew and told me when he was first told the story and where. The old chest in the basement, held the family treasure and secret.

“I use to think it was just one of those stories not really a lie just not the truth” he went on “but the news was talking about meeting aliens and they were wolves. So maybe the story was true, maybe you'll know the full story.” I was filled with a mix of emotions. “Well, I guess this is Good bye Champ,” he said trying not to cry himself “Take care of yourself and remember Respect, loyalty, and honor.” the video cut out.

I was left there thinking. This was still too much. But I still had time and long away to go.