Chapter9 - Gathering

510 A.R. September 5, Silverfang Gathering, Midday

The forest stood tall and surrounded a large area highlighted by a large hill housing a mansion.

The mansion towered with mystique and had several towers that reminded me of a castle. A stone stairway led from the top of the hill down to the gathering grounds where long rows of tables had been placed.

The gathering was livid with activity and many of the attending wolves were as big as father.

It made me feel surrounded by giants as I listened to the murmur of discussions, laughter, and the rather rowdy games of wrestling and posturing that some were engaged in.

The very earth itself seemed seep the scent of our kind and I could see a thick blend of pawprints as I looked down. The scents only grew stronger as the wind shifted in our direction and brought a thick cloud of scents that ranged from the sweeter hint of females to the sharp tinge of mature males.

Some of them didn't look like wolves though, nor did they smell like it, they were huskies, malamutes and hunting breeds I didn't recognize. Perhaps most perplexing was the occasional feline.

Something touched my tail without warning and I snapped back in an instant, Peter glanced at me with a teasing grin as he let go of my tail.

"Nervous?" Peter asked as he stepped up beside me.

"Nervous, of what?" I asked.

Peter leaned in by my ear and whispered, "Don't you know? The pups of every new gathering gets to hunt, so we'd better catch a big one and show off."

I made a slight grin, "Something big?"

Peter made a hungry smile, "Deer, are your teeth up for it?"

I opened my muzzle and felt the big canines, "What do you think?"

Peter opened his own muzzle and prodded at one of the canines, it wiggled a little as if it was loose.

"Oh," I whispered.

"Yeah, just my luck right? We get to hunt and I'm loosing my teeth," Peter said in dismay.

"Sorry," I whispered.

"It's all right, but one of you will have to make the kill, are you up for it?"

I nodded and looked out at the crowd, "I think so, father has taught me the basics. So what are the non-wolves doing here?"

Peter turned his and looked at the crowd, "It's the spirit that counts, not the type. As long as they've got the drive and pack instinct they're welcome here."

"I'm impressed," I answered.

"Oh, what for?" Peter asked.

"Sometimes we hybrids seem so divided. It's good to see that it's not taken too serious."

Peter nodded, "Everyone doesn't agree though, dad told me about clans that could be as bigoted as humans."

"Mm. I take it everyone else is at the mansion?" I asked.

Peter nodded, "Mom might be a bear but she's a vegetarian for the most part, what about your mom?"

"Mom is a cat so she should be at the mansion as well, I don't think she'd appreciate seeing me half buried in a deer carcass."

"You make it sound so disgusting," Peter said with a slight frown.

I chuckled and nodded, "Yeah, it does sound rather disgusting. It's rather strange how the instincts shift it around when you're swallowed up by it."

The murmur from the crowd changed and began to die down as an entourage of wolves descended from the mansion.

In the forefront was a female wolf clad in robes marked with the sigil of the clan, a howling wolf with the outline of a silver moon behind it. Her eyes were stark yellow like most others and her fur was white with light streaks of gray.

"Who's that?" I whispered as I leaned closer to Peter.

"Dunno. Not the clan mother at least."

"How can you tell?" I asked.

"The clan mother is old, old enough that you can see she's old."

"And... how old is that? 200?"

"More like 300 according to dad."

"I only thought newer generations of hybrids were predicted to get that old?"

Peter shrugged, "Maybe she got lucky?"

I nodded and noticed that the entourage was approaching us, "They're coming this way."

John and Allen joined us while I looked around and noticed two other groups forming. All of them seemed young and I figured they new packs like us.

"Good morning everyone, how are you liking your stay so far?" The female wolf asked with a voice loud enough that everyone could hear.

Peter stepped up and spoke, "Loving it!"

The other groups joined in and voiced their approval while the female smiled and nodded.

"Glad to hear it, I'm Laura Wolfthal, great-granddaughter to clan mother Lilia Wolfthal. I've been assigned to look after this year's gathering and to send the new packs of the year on the traditional hunt."

There were a few murmurs and I glanced around to notice that we had become the focus of the entire gathering.

"The traditional hunt is as follows, one stag for each pack has been placed in the forest, their antlers have been marked with red bindings. Find your mark, kill it, and return with it. Beware though, they may be old and far past their prime but their antlers are sharp and their kick is harsh."

My heart began to pound with instincts and a tingle of worry and excitement as the reality of the hunt caught me by surprise.

What if we couldn't track it? What if we couldn't kill it? What if someone got hurt?

"Do you understand?" Laura asked.

Peter was eager as usual, "Yes!"

Laura pointed to the west, south, and east, "Follow the cardinal directions and you will find the scent belonging to your prey."

Everyone nodded while Laura reached into her robe and fetched what looked like a small gun.

She then raised it to the air and spoke up, "Ready, steady, GO!"

Laura pulled the trigger and a loud bang could be heard. Peter turned around in an instant and started running, I followed with my heart pounding as John and Allen joined my side.

510 A.R. September 5, Forest, Evening

The sun was setting but the scent marks were getting stronger and there were fresh tracks in the moss.

I didn't feel like myself any longer and the doubts and worries of my mind had since long been relegated to the back of my mind. It concerned me on some level but the urge to keep going overwhelmed it as I panted and continued through the old forest.

My ears swiveled as I glanced around and updated the map inside my mind with the position of the others.

The ground dropped without warning and I hit the mossy surface on all four, my hands sank into the mud but a mere moment later I was up and running once more.

It felt like a strange kind of high fueled by hunger, instinct, and the sheer joy of the hunt as the wind brushed against me.

My mind tingled with thoughts of the deer, the scent, the warmth, the taste of its blood and flesh, it made my claws tingle while my jaws longed for the chance to satiate the hunger.

I glanced over and caught sight of Peter, his eyes were focused and the fur across his body rustled with every step. We didn't look like people or hybrids, we were wolves on the hunt.

I felt like an animal, and I liked it.

The scent on the wind grew fresh and warm which meant that the buck was near. The pack slowed down, we dropped on all four, and started panting as we tried to pinpoint the direction.

"Here," Peter said with a ragged breath as he scrambled towards a small mound.

We crouched and began follow when a sudden instinct yelled out inside my head.

"The wind!" I managed to sputter between breaths.

Peter froze and his ears twitched as he glanced back, "Right."

We stopped and raised our noses as we measured the wind, it was coming in our direction and that meant our scent was hidden. Peter kept moving and I hastened my approach to join his side.

We glanced over the small mound and then stared into the depths of the forest.

"There, by the boulders in the distance," Peter wheezed as he pointed and gasped for air.

"We should rest... we can't catch up to it if it runs," I wheezed.

Saliva dripped from Peter's muzzle, "But... but..."

John spoke up, "We rest... I'm exhausted."

Peter frowned and made a reluctant nod, "All right."

510 A.R. September 5, Forest, Night

The high I had felt in the hunt only grew stronger as we approached the sleeping spot of the buck.

It had lain down in shelter of a few big boulders that hid it even from the slight glow of the moon.

I approached from the right, Peter from the left, Allen from the center, and John approached from above the boulders.

My blood boiled and the excitement made my fingers twitch, my focus however was like as a sharp knife as I approached in silence with each paw seeking footing as if navigating a minefield.

I could hear the breath of the buck, it had big antlers with markings that fluttered in the light wind of the night. The buck noticed our scent and stood up in an instant as it made a loud snort.

Three ferocious snarls joined in chorus as I pulled my lips back and allowed my instincts free rein.

The buck stomped the ground and rustled its head.

I stepped closer and held out my arms in a threatening manner.

The snarls turned to steady dark growls while John loomed over the boulders and made his presence known by releasing a menacing snarl.

The buck kicked the boulder in a fit as it turned in circles looking for escape.

Peter lunged forward with a snapping growl and swiped at the air, the buck backed off towards me and I let my chest rumble as I hopped forward.

The buck kicked at the air and lunged back while Allen hopped forward as we continued to agitate it.

John hopped down to a lower boulder and swiped at the air, the buck began to froth at the mouth as it spun and kicked in panic.

Peter lunged forward and snapped hold of its horns. The neck of the beast turned and it bucked with enough force to drag Peter across the ground while John lunged down from above.

I moved in and Allen did the same as John landed with a thud on the ground.

Allen joined Peter and grabbed hold of the antlers while John was blocked from acting as the buck kept kicking at the air in desperation.

My own role became clear and I was acting on instinct as I lunged forward and opened my muzzle wide. I jumped, my hands gripped its neck and my canines brushed by its hide and snagged over its neck.

Any restraint in my mind let go as I felt myself bite down far harder than I ever had before. My teeth sank in and blood flowed out as muscle and flesh tore until I felt bone.

The buck hopped and thrashed with enough force to make me loose footing for a moment. It didn't matter though as my body and mind knew what was to be done.

My jaws and neck worked hard and I could feel every crack reverberate throughout my head as the vertebrae of the big beast began to break.

An urge similar to shaking one's body when wet came over me. I embraced it and flung my own weight to the side before shifting as my neck and upper body moved like a snapping whip.

The thrashing motion made my teeth grind down and snap vertebrae like twigs, blood spurted out and the big beast shuddered as it toppled over.

I felt myself slam into the ground but I kept up the pressure and kept thrashing as I worked my way through the neck of the beast.

The beast stopped moving and my intellect began to flow back as I eased my jaw. My thoughts wandered to the others and my eyes glanced up to get a view of them.

Peter was staring down at the beast while holding his chest. Allen had his own muzzle locked around the throat of the beast and had torn out a portion.

John was biting down on the side of the beast but had stopped to glance around.

I tried to release my muzzle but my teeth found some resistance, I moved my head sideways and pulled as I dislodged myself from its neck.

"You okay?" I asked as I looked over at Peter.

Peter removed his hand and revealed a red gash, "One of the antlers got me, it's not deep. No worry."

Allen chewed on the piece he had torn loose and then swallowed before glancing around.

"We did it," I whispered.

John spoke up next, "Do you think they'll mind if we have a bite? I'm hungry."

I looked over at Peter, "What do you say Peter? A little, just enough to satiate the hunger without making us sleepy... we need to be back in the morning."

Peter nodded as he kept staring at the deer, "Sounds... good."

Allen grinned and resumed eating while I looked down at the split neck and exposed bone.

510 A.R. September 6, Silverfang Gathering, Morning

We pushed through the forest and saw the large mansion set on the hill.

Most were still asleep and they were clumped together in what looked like large piles of fur from a distance. The few who were up and running turned and shifted their attention to us as we approached.

I glanced down at myself and the big head of the buck which I was carrying by the antlers. A sheepish smile formed on muzzle as I figured I might have chewed a tad too hard since the head had loosened and fallen off halfway through the forest.

Everyone stopped and I glanced to the left as I caught sight of another pack that had already returned and were in the process of devouring their prey.

"Second place, acceptable I guess," Peter muttered.

Movement caught my eye as I looked toward the mansion and saw a group of five wolves rushing our way. My tail began to sway as I recognized father at the front of it.

I held up the head with pride while the others dropped the rest of the body with a thud.

The others rushed past me while father approached me with a grand smile as he pointed at the head.

"I bit too hard," I said with a feral grin.

Father ruffled the fur on my head and looked at the severed head, "Sure did, cracked the neck right off."

"How's mom doing?" I asked.

"Enjoying herself at the mansion. Did you have fun? Tell me about it?" Father asked in excitement.

I put the head aside and began to retell the story, I was nearly finished when I noticed Laura approaching. The white female wolf looked the buck over and made an approving nod.

"Good work everyone, did anyone get hurt?" Laura asked.

"No," Peter answered.

Laura focused on Peter, "What about your shoulder?"

Peter glanced down at the flesh wound near his shoulder, "It's nothing."

"It's something young wolf and there's no shame in telling the truth, to do otherwise endangers the pack. Understand?" Laura said with an authoritative tone.

Everyone paused in surprise and Peter's ears folded back, "Understood."

"Eat your fill everyone, the others will handle the remains. And you Peter, you'll visit the med-tent later to get that looked at, understand?"

Peter frowned a little but nodded, "Understood ma'am."

Laura walked over to my father and leaned in by his ear, she whispered something before walking off with her tail and robe shifting in the wind.

I stepped over to father and whispered, "What was that about?"

Father looked over at me and made a slight smile, "A lesson, she might be a bit abrasive but take her message to heart. Okay?"

"I meant, what did she whisper to you?" I asked.

Father just smirked, "You'll see tonight, hungry?"

"Starving," I said.

Father glanced over at the buck and licked his lips, "Well, get at it then, I'd like some of the leftovers."

I glanced back at the buck, "We'd be more than willing to share dad."

Father's smile widened while he glanced over at the other adults. They seemed to latch onto the idea with joy as their tails started wagging while they looked over at their respective sons as if asking for permission.

Everyone nodded and I could see their smiles turn to ones of hunger.

510 A.R. September 6, Silverfang Gathering, Evening

I raised my head to the stream of water and felt my fur grow heavier by the second. The warm water felt nice and it helped rinse out the sticky blood, the scents became a little weird though as the entire area began to smell of wet dog.

"So is this it?" Peter asked out loud.

I glanced over at him while John answered, "Yeah, we spent these two days hunting and sleeping, we've hardly spoken to the others."

"Everyone seemed rather pleased though, I guess we passed the test," I said.

Allen spoke up, "It seems a bit cruel that they keep testing us, what if we had failed?"

"Better luck next time?" I asked.

Peter nodded, "Hopefully, I'd like to think that our clan is understanding but I haven't seen enough yet to judge it."

"Benefit of the doubt?" I asked.

John spoke up, "I want to think so, if not... well... we'll just have to change things."

I glanced over at John and smiled, "I agree, I want to be able to say that I'm part of a clan that I'm proud of."

Peter raised his voice, "Are you serious?"

I glanced back at Peter, "Yeah, why not?"

Peter stared at the wall and seemed to ponder it, "Having vision is fine, but you have to be realistic."

"We should always strive to do better," I said.

Peter glanced over and met my eyes, "Yeah, we should."

A warm sensation filled me as my instincts hummed with approval. We had hunted, feasted, and we were reveling in a pack mentality that kept forging our bonds simply by being near each other.

"Hey, Vilkas?" Peter asked.

I met Peter's eyes, "What?"

"You keep zoning out at times, what are you thinking about?" Peter asked.

"Do you ever think about how much we're changing? We just spent the last few days hunting clad only in our fur, we took down a beast three times our size, ripped its head off, dragged it here, and then feasted on it."

Everyone became silent and looked at each other.

Allen was the first to speak up, "Yeah, I think about it a lot."

I looked over at Allen, his fur had regained its white hue even as it clung to him like a wet drape.

"And?" I asked.

Allen stared at the wall, "I get scared sometimes, that I'll wake up one day and be another person. It hasn't happened though, not yet at least."

Peter spoke up with a light snarl, "And it'll never happen! We let these changes into our heart, we make it part of who we are, it doesn't force itself on us nor do we get possessed like in lousy movies. I felt the instincts during the hunt, I could have resisted them, but I didn't. Because 'I' wanted it."

I glanced over at Peter with a light smile, "Sounds like you've been thinking about this as well?"

Peter blinked and sighed, "Of course I have, doesn't everyone? But I refuse to believe that someone, or something could be capable of something as evil as you're insinuating. I'm a wolf because I chose to be one, and I'm loving it."

"So do I," I said.

John joined in, "Agreed."

I glanced over at Allen, "What do you think Allen?"

Allen glanced up at us and then began to smile, "Yeah, I do love it, and the pack... it feels good."

Peter began to chuckle, "Wonderful, now can we stop with the sentimentality?"

I inched closer to Peter and stuck my tongue out, "Why? Are you about to start crying Peter?"

Peter glanced over with a mischievous grin, "We'll see who cries out later."

John sighed, "Will the two of you get a room?"

Peter glanced over at John as he addressed me, "Vilkas, do you think we should help these two get a few chicks?"

"How do you suppose we do that?" I asked.

Peter smirked, "Guys like us are the best kind of wingman you can ask for. What do you say John? Allen?"

John raised his brow, "Are you serious?"

Peter nodded, "Why not? Besides, I think it'll be fun."

John shook his head, "I... I'm not going to comment on that."

The sound of footsteps made us all glance back, moments later father walked into the shower room and threw a whole bundle of towels on one of the benches.

"Finish up, you're all going to see clan mother before the night's over," Father said.

I looked at father in surprise, "The clan mother, why?"

"She wants to have a talk with every new pup in the clan of course," Father said.

"... Oh, OK. Something we should keep in mind?" I asked.

"Be respectful and speak the honest truth. That's all," Father said.

"All right," I said.

510 A.R. September 6, Silverfang Gathering, Night

I found myself staring into the depths of the campfire, it warmed my fur and it looked beautiful as it crackled and sent embers flying through the air. Most of the others had fallen asleep and the moon stood high in the sky, I however felt awake and spry considering I'd slept through most of the day.

I burped and felt my stomach working as it shifted around, it was a bit unnerving but it also gave me a rather content and satiated sensation.

"Vilkas?" A female voice said from behind.

I glanced back and found myself looking at Laura who was still clothed in her fine robe.

"Oh, hi Laura," I said.

Laura made a slight smile, "The others have seen Lilia, it's your turn now."

I stood up and glanced down at myself and the simple shorts I wore.

"Is this all right?" I asked.

"Lilia won't mind, come on," Laura said as she turned around and motioned for me to join her.

I followed and joined her side, "I have a few questions if you don't mind?"

"Go ahead Vilkas," Laura said.

"You'll have to excuse me if I'm rude, but you're important around here, right?"

Laura's smile widened, "I guess so, Lilia has been tutoring me as her protege. We'll see if the clan approves of me when the time comes to elect a new clan mother."

"There's a lot I don't understand about these things. Does the clan mother and father... rule?"

Laura shook her head, "The role of the clan mother, and father, is to guide and recommend. They advise and the clan follows if it is deemed reasonable."

"That sounds like a rather loose hierarchy," I said.

"That's because it isn't a hierarchy, the clan is a loose gathering of families and packs which aim to support and care for each other. Someone needs to be at the top though, gather information, summarize it, analyze it, and distribute."

"Oh."

Laura looked me in the eyes, "Understand this, the real powers in our nation is the opinion of the people. The opinion of the people is in turn influenced by..."

"The SI, and the various clan leaders?" I asked.

"Correct," Laura said with a nod.

"So you do hold power, just not in the traditional sense?"

"That's one way to interpret it," Laura answered.

"And what's Lilia's goal, and yours?"

Laura raised her brow, "Isn't that obvious?"

I blinked, "Should it be?"

"You're still very human young wolf."

My ears perked, "Was that an insult or something?"

Laura made a slight smirk, "Maybe. My goal as clan mother would be to ensure the well being and prosperity of all hybrids, wolves, clan, packs, family, and myself."

"Everyone in other words?"

"In different scales, but yes. Our society is constantly evolving and it is up to us to be vigilant and make sure that we don't allow ourselves to be distorted. Or we may very well become as wicked as humanity."

I glanced up at the mansion and started ascending the stairs before looking over at Laura once more.

"It's not often I've heard such open disdain for humanity."

"Do you know what surrounds our nation?" Laura asked.

"Walls," I answered.

"Huge towering walls with their own reactors, factories, cities, and enough weapons to wage war on its own. Do you know why?"

"... I could guess but I'm going to say no," I answered.

"Because 80% of the population on this island wants to see Sophos burn," Laura answered.

My ears folded back as I heard the harsh words, "Why?"

"Because of everything we are and stand for, a good portion of them hates us because their religion demands it, another portion hates us because we are a threat to what they consider purity, the last and final part despises us because we are a threat to their political and financial dominance."

"You... just described the Empire, Dyssia and the UCS. Didn't you?"

"Correct, and know this. They would not hesitate for a moment to eradicate us if they had the means."

"I've never even met one of them, so I'd prefer not to cast judgment," I answered.

Laura made a surprising smile and clasped her hands, "Good, hold onto that attitude."

I raised my brow in confusion, "You're confusing me."

"See the world, experience it, draw your own conclusions. That is one of the founding principles that led to the creation of our nation. One might argue how well we've succeeded but it's a good goal to aim for."

"Oh, I see," I answered.

We walked up to the dual doors of the mansion, Laura pushed at the door and opened it as a bright orange and yellow light emerged from within. I shielded my eyes for a moment and then glimpsed inside to see what looked like a temple.

There was a mason floor with pillars at the side leading up to a huge monument, set beside the monument were two sets of stairs leading up. The monument looked like a jagged glass structure shaped like the head of a majestic wolf with perked ears and what looked like a crown on the head.

Light emanated from within the monument and bathed the room in shifting hues of orange and yellow.

The eyes in particular burned like fire as it stared at those who stepped inside. My muzzle opened in amazement as I entered while Laura shut the door behind us.

There was something strange in the air, a whisper carrying muted voices just weak enough to blend together into something akin to the wind.

Something also seemed to dance in light emitted by the monument, it looked like small wisps and I raised my hand in an attempt to catch one. It seemed to sense the presence of my hand and was quick to move out-of-the-way.

"What is that?" I asked in wonder as I turned my attention to the monument.

Laura motioned to the monument and approached it, "There used to be only eight of these monuments, each given to the most influential clan of the hybrid types. Ursine, feline, cervine, canine, lupus, vulpes, reptilia and a combined one for the smaller factions."

"Doesn't canine, lupus, and vulpes go under the same type?" I asked.

Laura looked back at me, "The differences between us were big enough to require specialization. Wolves are wild, big, and strong. Canines are our smaller cousins and while we share many aspects their instincts aren't as extreme as ours. The foxes are different, frantic but sly, smart, adaptive, some would say they are human in behavior but I disagree."

"I see," I answered.

"These days most clans get monuments of their own when they reach a certain size. Our monument is ancient though and predates even the name we gave our clan."

I perked my ears and tried to listen to the strange whispers in the air, "What's that constant whispering?"

Laura glanced over at me, "It is the beckoning call of something we call the mindscape."

A slight smile spread on my face, "Wet grass, a full moon, surrounded by forest?"

Laura's ears perked in surprise, "Aren't you full of surprises young one?"

"So... what is the mindscape used for? I mean, why not just call someone?"

"If you sleep in the mansion you'll find yourself pulled into the mindscape, it's a chance to explore the memories of old, to hunt and explore in a way that would be difficult using regular means."

"Oh?" I said with interest.

Laura smirked and motioned to the stairs, "Next year pup, Lilia wants to have a talk with you."

I joined her side as we headed up the stairs, "Not trying to be rude, but this temple, your robe, it's starting to seem..."

"Like a cult?" Laura asked.

I glanced over at her, "Kinda."

Laura motioned to herself, "The robe is just tradition, I find it silly but Lilia is sentimental about these things. As for the monument, maybe it's a bit over the top but it looks nice, doesn't it?"

I glanced back at the dancing light emitted by the large wolfish head, "Yeah, it is."

She led me through corridors until we ended by another set of doors, Laura pushed it open and glimpsed inside.

"Lilia, I've brought Vilkas Volkov," Laura said.

A rather coarse but female voice spoke up, "Let him inside."

Laura stepped back and motioned for me to enter, I stepped inside and heard the door shut behind me.

The room had a large window overlooking the estate, it allowed one to see the large campfire and even the moon in the sky. Lilia was standing by the window and glanced back at me.

Lilia's eyes were green and seemed to glow in an unnerving way. Her fur was gray with a bit of black and she seemed a bit smaller than Laura but still far bigger than me. Something seemed odd though and I realized that the scent in the room was weird, it reminded me of a wolf hybrid but there was something 'wrong' with it.

Lilia faced me and made a light smile that made her fur crinkle as if it had turned into plastic.

"Hello Vilkas, how are you liking the gathering?"

I glanced around and saw several bookcases lining the walls, everything wasn't low tech though as there were several screens and a slight shiver in the air which reminded me of a holographic device.

"The hunt was fun but I haven't had much time to get to know the others though," I answered.

I glanced up and saw a black dome in the roof which settled my suspicion that the room was hiding something.

Lilia stepped a little closer and my instincts flared to life as I leaned back in fright.

She stopped in an instant and her ears folded back, "I know I must smell weird, and your instincts must be wary of me. But please, know that you have no need to fear me."

"Sorry... I'm just a bit overwhelmed by all of this," I answered.

Lilia nodded but kept her distance, "My symbiont is failing, I'm dying, it's strange though... three centuries have passed yet I find myself jealous of your youth."

"I'm sorry," I whispered.

Lilia shook her head, "There are many that don't get to experience such a long or eventful life as I, I'm thankful for what I've had. But that's not why you're here."

"You wanted to talk with me?" I asked.

"You're new to the clan, I wish to get to know all of those that I represent. Tell me abut yourself Vilkas?"

"... I'm 20 years old... I'm fond of old games I guess."

"Friends?" Lilia asked.

"Not many... well, apart from my pack."

"I see. What do you have planned for the future?"

"I've started studying at university, It's been interesting so far."

"Good, and after that?" Lilia asked.

"I don't know," I answered.

"Many wolves enjoy a few years in the defense force," Lilia said.

"The defense force?" I asked.

"You'd get a chance to see more of the world, the wall, the UCS, it would give you an opportunity to speak and interact with other societies."

"Maybe, but the military... that's..."

"The military of our nation is not like the old world or the one depicted in games Vilkas."

"I know that, I'm not stupid," I whispered with a frown.

Lilia put her hands behind her back, "That's not what I implied."

"All right... sorry."

"Your father served in the defense force for a while and so do most other wolves in our clan. It's an opportunity to learn and it's a valuable experience that will open the door for other possibilities."

"Like what?" I asked.

"You seem to have much interaction with Athena, she likes you. Play your cards right and you'll have many career options."

"I see," I answered with a slight frown.

Lilia held her hands out, "Come now, speak your mind young wolf?"

"I don't know what to say," I said as my ears folded back.

Lilia huffed, "Sure you do, you're very easy to read. I've angered you, why?"

"I'm not sure it would be proper or that you'd want to hear," I answered.

Lilia bared her teeth in a bemused smile, "Speak your mind pup, I won't hold it against you."

"The more I learn about the world the more I realize that there's a lot of secrets hiding right in the open. There's this miasma of slight manipulation riddling our society and it disturbs me."

"Why?" Lilia asked.

I frowned once more, "Isn't it obvious? I feel like a puppet stupid enough not to even realize I was led along by strings."

"Realizing that you're a puppet is the first step to breaking free," Lilia said with a smile.

"Maybe... but that wasn't my point. I was skeptical but I still couldn't see or ask the right questions. So what about everyone else? Most people get their symbionts without ever doubting it because it's the natural thing to do."

"The symbionts are important to the stability of our society," Lilia said.

"I know that. But is it really necessary to use this much deceit? Or is everyone scared that there's going to be a repeat of what happened with the Frostwolves? Or perhaps even worse... that people will choose not to get symbionts?"

Lilia shrugged, "I don't know to be honest. How would you raise your own children Vilkas?"

"I don't know... But I'd try to keep a better balance rather than just shut my kids out and tell them they can't understand. It's the wet dream of a conspiracy theorist and it's not a good thing."

"Perhaps, and this is something we need to find a proper balance for, but that's tricky."

"I understand that. I also don't like being manipulated, like you did moments ago."

"What do you mean?" Lilia asked.

"You know about my past, and you know of my interactions with Athena. The defense force does sound interesting if it can offer what you described, my only wonder is the reasons for why you're slipping me hints like that."

Lilia smiled, "Because I care, and like Athena I want you to grow into your potential."

I stared but found myself at a lack of words.

"It was interesting talking to you Vilkas. I hope we get another chance next year. Now, please leave, I'm not feeling well."

"So do I Lilia," I answered as I turned around and left.

510 A.R. September 7, Silverfang Gathering, Morning

I awoke and looked up to see the crackling remains of the campfire. Like the others, Peter, John, Allen and I were laying in a big pile.

To my surprise I noticed that they were all awake, "Something wrong?"

The others perked to life and glanced at each other before answering in unison, "No."

Allen sat up and stretched as he focused on me, "So what did Lilia talk to you about Vilkas?"

"She asked me about my plans for the future and we discussed a bit of philosophy," I said.

Allen cocked his head in confusion, "You almost make it sound like she was pleasant?"

"Not really, but I wouldn't say she was mean. Why?" I asked.

Allen leaned back with a murmur, "Hmm."

"So what did you talk about?" I asked.

Allen glanced away and muttered, "I don't want to talk about it."

I looked over at John, "What about you John?"

"We talked about my plans for the future, she dug deep though, felt like a damn interrogation," John answered.

Peter was staring at the campfire as I leaned down to catch his eyes, "What about you Peter?"

Peter gave me a harsh glare, "Keep your nose to yourself Vilkas."

"Was she that mean?" I asked.

Peter's ears folded back and clamped against his head, "Something like that."

"Are you heading backing to Redgate?" I asked.

Peter nodded and his expression softened a little, "Yeah, why?"

"How are the hunting grounds at Redgate?"

Peter shook his head, "There are none, it's near the border so security is tight."

"Ever visited the wall?"

Peter's ears perked up as he raised his brow, "Are you insane?"

"What do you mean?" I asked in surprise.

"The wall is dangerous, you can feel the ground rumble when the railguns fire and hear the hiss of the laser batteries as they get going. You don't go anywhere near the actual wall unless you've got a death wish."

John sat up with a surprised look, "I knew things were tense but I didn't think we were at war."

Peter looked over at John, "We aren't, it's more like... skirmishes and what the Dyssian's call rogue troops. They apologize each time it happens but it just keeps repeating, I think they're testing the wall, looking for vulnerable spots."

I noticed movement and glanced back as I saw father approaching with mother by his side.

"Anyway, the hunting grounds back home are rich with rabbit and you don't have to apply for a permit to hunt. I was thinking the four of us might meet up once a month for some fun?" I asked.

"Sure," Peter said with a slight smile.

Father walked up and announced that we were leaving as I was left wondering just what Lilia had done to shake the others like this.