Chapter 5
brONZE
Walking to the training area, I have arranged to meet Chief Warrior Dixon and see how the female training is coming along. I have an idea to try out, and I also have a surprise for one of the females that needs a bit of an edge, as her skills are not warrior based.
As I approach Dixon, he sees me and begins blowing on one hand, as if it was cold. “What are you doing?”
“I’m just warming my hand so I can do this…” He turns his hand palm up and then slaps himself on his forehead. “I believe I have the patience of a saint when it comes to training, but it must be on vacation every time it comes to the females. There is improvement, but by the Goddess, it’s negligible. I don’t know whether it’s me or them, but something isn’t clicking.”
“Perhaps I can be of assistance,” I say with a smug look on my face.
Dixon squints at me suspiciously. “Give it your best shot.”
“Ember,” I call out and one of the females jumps to attention as though she’s been shot. “Come here, please, Ember.”
Walking towards me, she looks terrified. Giving her my warmest smile, she stumbles as though I just snarled at her. Dixon bursts out laughing and tells me I look like I’m going to bite her head off and eat it.
“Ember, there’s nothing to worry about, I have a gift to help with your warrior training.” Still looking terrified, she flinches as I hold open a large carryall with my hands. Reaching in slowly, as though there’s a bear trap or something inside, she finds the gift, slowly takes it out and then squeals with delight.
“For me? Truly, Alpha Heir Bronze?” She looks as excited as Titan with a rabbit.
“All yours. I hope it helps.”
Looking at Dixon, she can’t hold her excitement back. “Chief Warrior Dixon! Look what I’ve got! Isn’t it fantastic? It even has my name on it! I love it. I am so gonna do better now!”
“May the Goddess help us all,” Dixon looks at me and shakes his head as Ember rushes back to the training area.
“Okay ladies, who’s first?” Standing there swirling her baseball bat like she’s about to hit a home run, all the females look at the bat, then to me and back to Ember. “Well, come on. You were keen when I couldn’t fight back. Let’s see what you’re made of now!”
Still shaking his head, Dixon punches my shoulder. “See what you’ve done now? You’ve created a monster. She’ll have someone's head off by the end of training. You mark my words.”
“I think you’ll have to do one-on-one training with Ember. I think she’ll surprise you with her confidence now, though.”
Turning towards me, Ember shouts, “Thank you, Alpha Heir Bronze. I won’t let you down if I have to use this in anger. It’s awesome.”
“Ember, your training is over for today. I’ll arrange a training program just for you, and we’ll work on your technique.” Dixon watches her skip away and as she does so, swirling her bat, she sticks her tongue out at the rest of the class.
“I have another surprise for you,” I tell Dixon and laugh as he groans out loud. “If you think that was good, wait till you see this one. I’ve excelled, even if I say so myself.”
“Please, please, please, stop helping me. I don’t think I can take much more of your help ,” Dixon watches me for any clues as to what I am about to inflict on him.
“Adaline! You’re up!”
Watching Adaline retrieve another of my carryalls, Dixon is positively sweating gallons. I watch as his anxiety grows while Adaline walks up to the first female who takes something from the bag, and going around the class until they are all holding a small rucksack with a fluffy toy puppy sticking out of each one.
Adaline puts her rucksack on and instructs the class to do the same. Forming them into a circle, she explains the rules of the next exercise.
“You all have a pup. Your primary objective is to protect that pup at all costs. Your secondary objective is to get your opponent's pup away from them. Attached to each pup, there are two pieces of paper, one red and one green. The red one is a penalty for losing your pup, the green one is a reward for the one who steals it. To begin with, this will be a one-on-one exercise. Remember this. If it comes to war with the rogues, the toy pup you are carrying now could be a real pup in the future. Chief Warrior Dixon, would you call out two names, please?”
“Sofia and Eve, step forward. On my word you will commence… GO!”
Eve shoots forward and looks as though she has taken Sofia by surprise, but at the last moment, Sofia drops low and sweeps Eve’s feet from beneath her. As Eve falls to the ground, Sofia plucks the pup from Eve’s pack. Sofia stands there with a look of complete surprise on her face. Eve looks up from the ground and, seeing her pup in Sofia’s hand, she rolls onto her back and slaps the ground in anger.
Holding her hand out to Eve, Sofia helps her up. Looking at the green paper, she carefully opens it and reads the reward out loud. “One day of my choice, free from any pack duties this week.” Sofia squeals a yes, fists the air and the class cheer for her.
Eve reads hers to herself and then to the class. “Report to Lois, the housekeeper, for one day of toilet cleaning duties.” The class give a chorus of ‘Oh’s’, ‘Ah’s’ and ‘Yuk’s’.
Dixon looks at me with a frown. “Where did you come up with that idea? I’ve never seen them so animated and engaged in the class before.”
“I’ve just gone through all the personnel files and Adaline’s school reports show she is extremely competitive and also states that she has high protective instincts. I called her to my office and explained that we needed to improve the female training, and within minutes she came up with this. The pups are something the females will identify with, and having both a reward and a consequence gives motivation. It took us less than an hour to get it together, and we had it perfected. It progresses into two-on-one, three-on-one, two-on-two scenarios, etc. Oh, and I created an assistant trainer’s position too. Adaline’s additional duties. You can thank me later.”
Strolling away with the biggest sense of satisfaction I’ve felt in a long time, I decide it's time for lunch. Walking into the canteen area, I’m looking forward to a nice, quiet lunch. Loading a plate with a variety of meats, a touch of salad and some crusty bread and butter, I grab a couple of bottles of water and then find a table where I can watch the room. The pack interacts well, and it’s good to sit on the sidelines sometimes and take it all in. Not quite a cafe on the roadside, but the next best thing.
There’s a calm, relaxed feeling to the lunchtime crowd. Not the boisterous laughter that sometimes echoes around the packhouse at this time of day. It helps to see the different sides of the pack mentality, so I can get a feel of how things are in general. I have to visit Spirit Walker pack with my father this week, so knowing the pack has no issues will make the trip more enjoyable. No one wants to travel when there is trouble on the horizon.
Having enjoyed my meal, I remain a while longer and drink my bottled water. Just as I’m thinking of taking my plate away, I notice a chilly silence come over the room. Looking around, I see Savannah has entered and is walking to the serving area. Now, I say walking but I suppose sashay would describe it better, but it’s not in a good way. It’s so exaggerated that it doesn’t look normal. I’m not the only one that thinks so either, as there are several comments directed at her relating to her need for the toilet , or that it looks like she’s too late , maybe should have worn a diaper . The room is quickly filling with laughter and it’s all at Savannah’s expense.
Reaching the serving area, Savannah takes a handful of smashed potato and throws it at the nearest table. Before she sees where it lands, she grabs more and throws a second handful in the same direction.
“Ha! Not laughing so much now, are you?” She screeches at the room in general. The room is totally silent with all eyes on the person wearing the smashed potato. Cook Ash stands up and wipes the mash from her face, neck and hair. Looking from Savannah, then to me, she quietly speaks. “Alpha Heir Bronze. Her ass is mine and I’ll still bake you the cookies.” Launching herself at Savannah, she just misses as Savannah bolts for the kitchen, with Ash in hot pursuit. There’s a scream and the sounds of pans crashing, so it sounds as though her escape was unsuccessful. Trusting that Ash won’t actually kill her, I leave Savannah to her fate and head back to the Alpha office.
No sooner does my ass hit the chair than the phone rings. Answering, I’m surprised when I’m greeted by Shadow Warrior Xavier.
“Alpha Heir Bronze, just the person I was hoping to speak to. How are you?”
“I’m very well, thank you. And yourself?” I probably sound a little wary, as I’m not sure why a Shadow Warrior would want to speak to me about anything.
“I’m good. Thank you for asking. I was hoping we could discuss one of your pack members, if you have time?”
“I’m sure I can always make time for one of our most esteemed Shadow Warriors. Wouldn’t you rather speak to my father, though?”
“Our discussion will, I feel, be relevant to some future event after your father has relinquished the reins to yourself, so I don’t believe I’m being disrespectful by coming directly to the future alpha. This may also save some repeat conversations going forward.” His voice appears calm, and I don’t detect any kind of deceit.
“Very well. Though I should point out that I may still discuss this with my father at some point,” I want it clearly understood that I will keep nothing from my father.
“I would expect nothing less. You’ve recently gained a new pack member, a young female by the name of Hannah, if I’m not mistaken.”
“Yes, that’s correct. She came from the Northern Parklands, as I recall. She was picked up by one of our warrior patrols at the border.”
“It’s come to our attention through our communication network that her brother has had a resurgence of interest in his sister’s whereabouts. I thought I should pass this on to yourself should he decide to pay your pack lands a visit, and try to persuade her to return with him.”
“Why would he want to do this?” I ask myself. “Have you any thoughts on this?” We’re talking about a hell of a risk for someone to travel such distances, and cross borders to kidnap a sister that took such lengths to escape in the first place. She would not go back quietly, and for him to get caught would certainly bring death to his door.
Xavier surprises me when he says, “She ran because her brother was going to sell her into a mating, so he could gain power in the Northern Parklands. When she ran, she put him in a seriously bad position, he procured another bride and narrowly escaped an early grave. Instead of keeping his head down though, as any sane shifter would, he was caught bragging that his sister was far superior in every way to the new bride. This caused some consternation in the groom's quarter, and so he’s been given an ultimatum. Supply the original superior bride or meet the Goddess with his head under his arm, and not on his shoulders. He may already be on his way to your lands.”
I don’t waste my time asking how accurate this information is, as I know that a Shadow Warrior wouldn’t waste his time on uncorroborated intel. “I will speak to Dixon, my Chief Warrior, and have him make the border patrol warriors aware. I will also explain to Hannah that no matter what happens, the pack will not give her up.”
“Those were the actions that I thought you would take. I respect your decisions, Alpha Heir Bronze. I will keep you aware of any further information, and be assured that should you require our assistance, the Shadow Warriors will be happy to oblige.”
“Thank you for that, Xavier, and for the heads up on Hannah’s brother. I seem to recall he’s called Elijah, if my memory serves me.” Something else recently gleaned from the files I so diligently read.
“Correct. You obviously pay attention to your pack members and any issues they may have. I’m impressed. You don’t have a small pack, so to know such a level of detail is commendable.” I almost blurt out how I know, but decide it won’t hurt to be well thought of in such circles as the Shadow Warriors. “I’ll leave you for now then, Alpha Heir Bronze. I’m sure you have a lot you wish to put in place before your visit to Alpha Lyle at Spirit Walker pack with your father.”
Before I can ask how he knows about my impending visit, I hear a soft chuckle and the call ends. I shouldn’t be surprised that he knows. There are probably Shadow Warriors in the pack that I am unaware of. I’ll ask my father about that while we’re traveling to Spirit Walker Pack.
CHET
Knowing that the pack will be in excellent hands with my Luna, Sage, and Beta, Xavi, I still couldn’t help checking that Bronze had made sure everything was in place for our visit to Spirit Walker Pack. As we have six warriors accompanying us, he has audited the patrol rosters with Dixon to ensure there are no weak spots. Check . He has requested travel permission across Wolfsfoot lands, and arranged a stopover for us on the way to Alpha Lyle and on our return. Check . Alpha Lyle has agreed to the visit, its purpose and duration. Check . Communication protocols are in place in case of emergencies, either at the pack or on our journey. Check .
I haven’t spent this much time with my son in years, if ever. The traveling alone, with breaks, will account for two whole days. I don’t expect to see him much while he’s with Alpha Lyle, but it will be good for him to see how a much younger Alpha does things. Pack life has a lot of custom and tradition within its culture. However, that doesn’t stop change or evolution playing its part. It wouldn’t do if we all still lived in caves or in the woods.
Alternating between human and wolf, we are making good time. Shaman and Titan are getting hungry and they both share their fondness for rabbit. It won’t be long before we call a break and I know what that will entail for those two.
Titan has already discussed our food requirements, humans are not food focused enough. Shaman’s statement echoes through my mind.
‘Shaman, that does not surprise me. You should both be overweight with the amount of food you put away.’
We get to run more than most other pack leaders, so we burn off the calories. No chance we will get fat. Shaman snorts with some indignation.
‘What do you say, Titan? Do you get to run more than most?’ Waiting for his response, I’m taken aback when it arrives.
Running is all well and good, but need mate more than food. Wolf cannot live on rabbit alone.
Bronze bursts out laughing at the shocked look on my face. Through the mind-link, he states. ‘You shouldn’t be surprised, Father. We’re a product of you and Mother, after all. And don’t for one minute try to deny anything. I remember all the nights I heard you two at it, in both human and wolf form, some nights.’
Blushing furiously, I try to deflect the conversation from my sex life. ‘So… You guys like rabbits, huh?’
Finally reaching Wolfsfoot, after nine hours of running and breaks, I’m ready for a good rest and a hearty meal. Being greeted by Alpha Gabe and Luna Tati was very formal. I wasn’t expecting it. They explained later that they haven’t had many occasions to throw out the red carpet, and thought it would be good for the pack to be involved in some traditional practices. They certainly seemed to lap it up.
I would have been happy to spend more time at Wolfsfoot with Alpha Gabe and Luna Tati, but they have a busy schedule. I was informed by Alpha Lyle he also has a busy schedule and not having his Luna yet was adding to his duties. So, early the next morning, we were on our way again.
During our talks, it became apparent how hard it was for Bronze to have to wait for Taria. Titan might be desperate for Maya so they could start having pups, but Bronze was also desperate for his companion, and the bond that came with her. I’d forgotten what life was like without my Sage.
Sixteen hours after leaving Wolfsfoot and we arrive at the Spirit Walker pack house. We were met at the border by a group of warriors and escorted the last six hours. There was none of the fanfare that we’d had at Wolfsfoot, but as we journeyed those last hours we saw and felt the impact that the no-man’s-land rogues were having. Everyone looked tired and run-down. Being on alert constantly was taking a terrible toll on the pack.
We were taken to the Alpha’s office and Lyle was busy debriefing a patrol that had come back from their border. Although not attacked, they had been shadowed and taunted by rogues the whole time. Lyle thanked them, dismissed them, and told them to get food and plenty of rest.
“We can’t keep this up. My warriors are doing an amazing job, but they can’t keep this up. Being kept on high alert every minute of every patrol isn’t sustainable, no matter how well trained or determined they are,” Lyle slaps his desk in frustration. “The Council won’t allow me to go on the offensive for fear of escalating the problem. If we allow this to carry on, the rogues will be able to walk through the border, and take the pack lands at any time they see fit. I may have to defy the Council, but if I do, they will certainly recall their warriors and that will leave us even more exposed.”
“Surely, a couple of forays into no-man’s-land and kill the rogues that are taunting will disrupt them enough to back off?” Bronze’s suggestion makes perfect sense and I have to agree.
“I’ve told the Council this, but all they seem to want right now is a diplomatic solution.” Lyle looks as though he’s at his wit’s end with the council.
“What exactly have they said to you? What are the specifics of their orders?” Bronze looks across at me and states, “Father, can you take our warriors and get them fed and rested, please? I have a feeling we are going to need them in the morning. I want to discuss something with Alpha Lyle. It may be best if you weren’t present.”
“Son, I think I already know where you’re going with this. You’re a product of me, don’t forget.” Laughing as I walk to the door, I give them both a head nod and search out our warriors.
The next morning we are gathered just out of sight of the Spirit Walker border patrol. Myself, Bronze and the six warriors watch as the patrol follow their usual routine. Seeing four rogues approach from the forest and begin dashing to the border, then stopping at the last second before crossing, we see how this causes the patrol warriors to tense. There is no wonder that they are all so run down.
Letting them get ahead, Bronze sends four of the warriors over the border to slip behind the rogues. As the rogues run towards the border a second time, the four Eclipse warriors make their own charge, forcing the rogues across the Spirit Walker border. Once they are across myself, Bronze and the two remaining Eclipse warriors fall on them and they are dead in moments. We spend the day following this simple yet effective plan, and four of Lyle’s patrols have a far less stressful day.
Back at the packhouse, we brief Alpha Lyle on our day with his border patrols, and explain that we were attacked on four different occasions. Reporting to Councilman Flint, he asked us to be present so that we could best describe our day. Although the councilman was surprised that the rogues would change their tactics, I pointed out how the propaganda would look if the rogues had managed to take out an Alpha and his heir in one fell swoop.
I also suggested that perhaps Alpha Lyle needed to show a little more aggression going forward, to make the rogues think twice before trying something again. Following a short adjournment, Flint spoke to the rest of the council regarding these developments, and it was agreed that any rogue wishing to test the border patrols in the future would be fair game.
I didn’t doubt for one minute that Flint believed any of my fabrication, but he was probably relieved that he could at least give Alpha Lyle some necessary leeway.
The next day, Bronze accompanied Alpha Lyle on his rounds and after a meal and brief rest, we headed back home. The stop off at Wolfsfoot was much more informal, and we gained a female for the return journey when one of my warriors discovered his fated mate. Luna Tati was ecstatic, Alpha Gabe a little more reserved and Poor Bronze, although happy for the couple, was even more determined to have his day with Taria.