Gulkain paced back and forth as in front of Zarkus as he recounted the events that had transpired over the past months. “If what you’re saying is the truth, and I have no doubt that it is, then there’s no telling how far they will go to expand their reaches! For all we know, Baileyi could be next. But why? For centuries they have made their home in the northern territories, it makes no sense.” Puzzled, he shook his head and sat, his tail wagging anxiously.
“I have asked myself that question many times,” Zarkus said. “The only answer I can find is that they are trying to break away from Volsomay.”
“Yes, my friend, I fear that you may be right. But if you are, then that means trouble for the rest of us. Volsomay is the only one who can control them. Without his rule, they will wreak havoc on the southern territories.”
“My Lord!” Gulkain and Zarkus looked to their right and saw Baro and Asoth running past a group of pups wrestling near the den. “My Lords, please forgive our interruption,” Baro huffed as he came closer, his head down and tail tucked between his legs. “The situation is worse than we feared. Two of our scouts discovered a scout from the Nubilus pack. He was already dead when they found him. My men are on the trail of a second scout, this one we believe to still be alive.”
“Nubilus? What are they doing sending scouts here?” Gulkain stood and started pacing again. Then he turned to Zarkus and said, “The Nubilus are our greatest rivals. For years they have sought to dominate our land.”
“That’s not all, my Lord,” Baro said, unable to muffle a whine, “The scout wasn’t just dead. His body was nearly ripped to shreds.”
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“Thank you, Captain. When you find this scout, I want him brought directly to me, alive.” Gulkain began to pace faster as Baro ran back into the woods to join the search. As he paced back and forth, he realized that Asoth was still standing there, awaiting his orders. “Please, my friend, you are a guest here. Relax, take your mind off your troubles. My men will take care of this matter, you have been through enough already.”
“With all due respect, sir,” Asoth replied, “I’d like to help. The sooner we get to the bottom of this, the sooner I can ‘relax.’”
“Well, I see no reason to keep you from your duties. As far as I am concerned, you have well earned your place among my highest ranking officers. I see the dedication you have to your pack and to your leader, and I also see the respect and admiration Zarkus has for you. You may go if you wish.” Asoth looked over to Zarkus for acknowledgment. “You heard him, go, go!” Zarkus said with a grin. “Thank you, my Lords.” Asoth said as he bowed his head and then ran off after Baro.
Zarkus turned back to Gulkian with a sad look in his eyes. “He had been with me since the beginning. The only one willing to stand by my side no matter what choices I made. Fate has repaid his cruelly. He longed so dearly for a son. Twice, his mate conceived, and twice the entire litter was stillborn. Then, this past year, he celebrated three healthy pups, two females and a son. They never survived the journey."
“I see,” Gulkain said as he sat down slowly. “He is a hero in many ways Zarkus. You are lucky to have such a strong bond with your pack. You know, the Nubilus are the only pack that still abides by the old ways. Neron is not a leader, he is a ruler; strict, ferocious. He has no concern for his soldiers. He sends them out to be slaughtered. They are a ruthless pack. This is the last thing we need right now.”
“Do not worry my dear friend.” Zarkus said as they stood and walked towards the den where the pups were now resting. “My pack and I will stand by your side and fight with you. You have been so gracious to me now and in the past; it’s the least I can do.” Gulkain chuckled as he said, “I admire your offer, Zarkus, but I think the best thing for you and your family is to rest. You’ve had a long journey, and I fear that it has only just begun.”
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