In the somber aftermath of Bruce's untimely demise, the Great Wolf Pack found themselves engulfed in a profound silence. A pall of grief hung heavy over the pack as they grappled with the immense loss of their beloved leader. Each member, heart burdened with sorrow, struggled to come to terms with the void left by Bruce's departure.

The once lively and boisterous pack had fallen into a state of subdued mourning. The vibrant howls that echoed through the forests were replaced by hushed whispers and mournful whimpers. The playful games and joyous hunts that once filled their days were abandoned, as the pack members retreated into their individual dens, seeking solace in solitude.

But no one who was grieving was Austin, as he kind of felt responsible for this, but no one blamed him as they all knew that Bruce was never going to make it. Austin couldn't shake the guilt that gnawed at his heart.

As the pack mourned, Alisa, the pack's wise and compassionate elder, approached Austin. With a gentle touch, she placed her paw on his shoulder and said, "Austin, come with me."

Austin followed Alisa to a secluded clearing, where they sat beneath a towering oak tree. Alisa gazed at Austin with understanding eyes and said, "I know you feel responsible for Bruce's death, but it was not your fault. Bruce was a fierce warrior who lived a full and honorable life. His death was a tragedy, but it was also a part of the natural order of things."

Austin listened intently, his eyes filled with tears. Alisa continued, "Grief is a heavy burden, but it is one that we must all bear. In time, the pain will lessen, and the memories of Bruce will bring you comfort. Remember, Austin, that you are not alone. The pack is here for you, and we will help you through this difficult time."

Austin nodded slowly, feeling a glimmer of hope amidst his sorrow. With Alisa's guidance and the support of the pack, he knew that he would find the strength to heal and move forward.

Just then, Simon appeared at the door, carrying a bag in his hand.

"Simon," Austin uttered, his voice trembling with a mixture of emotions, "what brings you here?"

A warm smile spread across Simon's face as he stepped into the room. “is Anakin here.”

“Yes.” Anakin said.

“I got the thing from the morgue.” Simon said.

“Thanks.” Anakin said.

“No problem.” Simon replied, his expression conveying a mix of determination and reassurance.

With the exchange complete, Simon turned and disappeared into the shadows, leaving Austin and Anakin with a sense of anticipation and an unspoken bond that had been forged in the pursuit of a shared purpose. The bag in Simon's hand was Bruce’s ashes, a tangible reminder of the loss they had endured and the journey that lay ahead.

Soon everyone in the lodge stood in silence, their thoughts swirling. The exchange had been brief, but it had forever altered their lives, as they got on oversized coats and went outside as Alisa pulled out her staff.

As she began to recite his incantation. “Nettle in the sun, holly in a ring. Twine your branches Entangle. Enmesh. Spin a spider's web."

Austin held onto Jason tight as brambles and thorns began to sprout around them. Freezing cold air wiped at his clothes and his hair. In moments, they were no longer standing in the front hallway of the lodge. They were surrounded by open fields and glassy lakes. From his vantage point on the cliff they had transported to, he could see mountains and forests. It looked like the mountain Maria sang 'The Sound of Music' on.

"Where are we?" Austin's voice trembled with awe.

"Canada," Jason replied, his gaze fixed on the distant peaks.

In that moment, as they stood on the precipice of a magical wilderness, they knew their lives would never be the same. The exchange in the lodge had opened a doorway to a world beyond their wildest imaginings, a world where the boundaries of reality blurred, and the impossible became possible.

Austin's breath came out in steamy clouds. “Canada.”

“Yes, Canada," Alisa said.

As the group stands on the cliff, taking in the breathtaking view of the Canadian wilderness, Alisa begins to speak. "This land holds ancient secrets and stories of our kind. The werewolves of old roamed these forests, and their spirits still linger."

Suddenly, a figure emerges from the trees."Austin!" Jason shouted, his voice filled with worry. He lunged for her. Before he could figure out what was wrong, he was suddenly flying in the air. He looked around frantically. A large tall, muscular man with piercing yellow eyes and a wild mane of hair.

In an instant, Austin is lifted into the air by an unseen force, his body suspended several feet above the ground. Jason looks around in bewilderment, his eyes frantically searching for an explanation.

Standing before them is a large, muscular man with piercing yellow eyes and a wild mane of hair. His presence radiates an aura of danger and power. The man's gaze falls upon Austin, and a predatory smile spreads across his lips.

"Well, well, well," the man says in a deep, gravelly voice. "Look what we have here. A helpless little werewolf."

"Jason!" He thrashed about, but it wouldn't let go. As the horse ran off, all he could do was watch the Pack' frantic form slowly fade from view.

"He still hasn't learned to be careful, has he? He couldn't even manage to hold onto his own mate." For the first time, Austin realized that there was a person riding the horse on its back. His white embroidered cloak fluttered in the wind as the horse ran at breakneck speeds.

"Who are you? What do you want with me?" Austin said.

"We will discuss all that and more when we reach our land. We will be there soon." The wind flung his hood. "The capital of werewolves."

Austin helplessly watched as the scenery flew by. His cheeks and nose were red and raw from the cold wind that whipped at his face. "Just try and stay patient, besides, we're almost there." He could hardly hear his abductor's words over the roaring of the wind in his ears. He watched as the shadow of the thing that held him in its mouth sped across the land beneath them.

"Their boneheaded talent makes them arrogant. They haven't changed much, not that I'm surprised." His kidnapper knew the Pack? He wiggled around to try and get a better view of his captor. His hood had flown back to reveal long black hair pulled back into two ponytails. His eyes were yellow eyes as ice, harsh and jagged. "Look! Quite the sight to behold." He pointed in the direction they were heading.

Austin turned to see a beautiful and awesome structure of jagged stones and leaning cliffs. A river ran through the middle of the valley, and sparkled like a jewel in the sun. “Welcome to Santana do Livramento.” They continued to run, and passed a small village, its inhabitants going about their daily lives, oblivious to the drama unfolding in their midst. Austin's heart sank as he realized that there was no hope of escape. He was in the clutches of a powerful and ruthless enemy, and his fate seemed sealed.

They ran between two rocky cliffs and landed gently by the edge of the river. The earth shook as its feet pounded on the ground.

Three kids ran up to them when they were on the ground. their curious eyes fixed upon Austin. The children, untouched by the conflict that raged around them, approached with a mixture of innocence and concern. Their presence, a stark contrast to the chaos that ensued, offered a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness.

The man with yellow eyes dismounted the horse and approached Austin, his movements fluid and graceful. "Welcome, Austin," he said, his voice low and menacing. "I am Kael, the leader of the Santana do Livramento pack. And you, my dear, are a valuable prize."

Austin struggled against the unseen force holding him, but it only seemed to tighten its grip. "What do you want with me?" he growled, his voice laced with anger and fear.

Kael chuckled, his eyes glinting with amusement. "You are a Sleigh Beggy, Austin. A rare and precious commodity. And I intend to use you to strengthen my pack."

Austin's eyes widened in horror as Kael's words sank in. He was to be used as a breeding tool, a means to an end. His fate was sealed, and he was at the mercy of this ruthless pack leader.

“Hey, Kael.” Alisa said. "It's been years, and you still haven't stopped toying with people. You should be ashamed."

“Don't worry, Alisa, I wasn't actually going to hurt him.” Kael said.

Alisa's eyes narrowed skeptically. "Well, you could have fooled me and Austin," she retorted. "Austin, this is Kael," she introduced, turning to the bewildered young man. "He's a werewolf, just like Jason and the others. His duty is to keep the existence of the werewolf capital hidden from the sight of ordinary humans."

A sense of relief washed over Austin as he finally understood the situation. Kael's actions, though alarming, were driven by a desire to protect the werewolf community from human interference. And with Alisa's intervention, it seemed that he had been spared from a dire fate.

“Austin.” Jason said.

"Why did you kidnap me and bring me here?" Austin tried to give off an unafraid aura.

"Well, there was quite the commotion among the aerials, you see. They reported on what happened at Ulthar.” Kael said.

A young woman, standing nearby, interjected, "Yes, the aerials were abuzz with news of the incident at Ulthar. We were greatly concerned about the potential consequences and ramifications for our community. It was imperative that we take action to protect ourselves and mitigate any potential threats."

As Austin listened to her explanation, a sense of understanding began to dawn upon him. While Kael's methods had been questionable and extreme, his intentions were not entirely malicious. It became evident that the werewolf community faced genuine challenges and fears regarding human interference, and that their actions, though misguided, were driven by a desire for self-preservation.

“Hey. Athena.” Alisa said.

"Understand for them, rumors spread literally like the wind.” Athena explained. "In a community where information is scarce and fear runs rampant, even the smallest whisper can quickly transform into a full-blown panic."

Alisa nodded in agreement. "That makes sense," she said. "It's easy to see how, in such an environment, people might be more inclined to take drastic measures to protect themselves."

Austin listened intently to Athena and Alisa's conversation, and he found himself gaining a deeper appreciation for the complex dynamics at play in the werewolf community. It was clear that there were no easy answers, and that finding a peaceful resolution would require a great deal of understanding and compromise from both sides.

“So what brought you here?” Athena said.

“This.” Alisa said, showing a bag in her hand.

“Oh, I see. Bruce.” Kael remarked, his expression indicating that he understood the situation.

Alisa's lips parted slowly, and her voice trembled as she spoke. "He's finally passed. He was at peace." The words carried a weight of both sorrow and relief, acknowledging the end of a significant chapter in her life.

"Wanna play?"

"Let's play, come on!"

The three little kids had come up to Austin and were vying for his attention.

“Ok!” Austin asked.

“Jak, what did I just say?” Keal said.

“Never talk to humans or strangers.” Jak said.

“Exactly,” Keal said.

"But, father, he's not just a human," Jak said, looking up at Kael with a curious expression. "He's a Sleigh Beggy, like the ones we've heard about in stories."

Kael's expression softened slightly, and he nodded. "Yes, Jak, that's true. Austin is a special human, one with the potential to become one of us."

The children's eyes widened with excitement, and they began to pepper Austin with questions. "Can you really become a werewolf?"

"Will you be able to transform like us?"

"Can you play with us forever?"

Austin laughed and smiled, feeling a sense of wonder and belonging that he had never experienced before. "I don't know, guys," he said. "But I'm willing to learn and try."

Kael watched the scene with a mixture of amusement and concern. He knew that Austin's presence brought both opportunities and risks to their community. But as he saw the way the children welcomed Austin with open arms, he couldn't help but feel a sense of hope for the future.

"Alright, alright," Kael said, chuckling. "Let's take things one step at a time. Everyone, why don't you come with me and we'll get you settled in? The children can show you around later."

Austin nodded, and Kael led him away, the children's excited chatter and laughter echoing through the valley as they went.

In the town of Santana do Livramento. Austin, Jason and the others walk through the city with Kael and Athena.

As they strolled through the town of Santana do Livramento, Austin couldn't help but marvel at the unique blend of modern and ancient architecture. The buildings seemed to whisper stories of the past, their stone walls bearing witness to the secrets and struggles of the werewolf community.

Kael, noticing Austin's fascination, nodded in approval. "Our town has a rich history, Austin. We've worked hard to preserve our heritage while embracing the changes of the modern world."

Athena added, "And we've learned to adapt, to keep our existence hidden from human eyes. It's a delicate balance, but one we must maintain to ensure our survival."

As they walked, the group passed by bustling marketplaces, where vendors sold everything from handmade crafts to rare, exotic herbs. The air was filled with the enticing aromas of fresh bread and roasting meats, making Austin's stomach growl with hunger.

Jason, noticing his friend's distraction, chuckled and clapped him on the back. "Don't worry, Austin, we'll make sure you're well-fed and happy. You're one of us now, after all!"

Austin smiled, feeling a sense of belonging he'd never experienced before. He was starting to realize that this new world, though full of challenges and mysteries, was also full of warmth and acceptance.

As they continued their tour, Kael pointed out various landmarks, sharing stories and legends that had been passed down through generations of werewolves. Austin listened intently, soaking up the knowledge and history like a sponge.

Eventually, they arrived at a grand, ornate building that seemed to be the heart of the town. Kael led them inside, where a magnificent hall awaited, filled with intricate carvings and glittering chandeliers.

"Welcome to our Great Hall," Kael said, his voice filled with pride. "Here, we gather to celebrate, to mourn, and to make important decisions for our community."

Austin's eyes widened as he took in the grandeur of the hall, feeling a sense of awe and reverence wash over him. He knew that this place held a special significance, not just for the werewolves, but for him as well.

"Wow, this is incredible," Austin said, his eyes scanning the intricate carvings and glittering chandeliers. "I've never seen anything like it."

"We're glad you like it," Athena said with a smile. "We've worked hard to preserve our history and culture."

"I can see that," Austin replied. "So, what's the significance of this hall?"

"Well," Kael began, "this hall has been the heart of our community for centuries. We've held countless gatherings, ceremonies, and meetings here. It's a symbol of our unity and strength."

"That makes sense," Austin said. "I can feel the energy in here. It's like the hall is alive."

Jason chuckled. "You're getting the hang of this werewolf thing, Austin!"

Austin laughed. "I'm trying, Jason. But it's all so new to me."

"Don't worry, we'll guide you through it," Athena said reassuringly. "You're one of us now, and we take care of our own."

Kael nodded in agreement. "We'll teach you everything you need to know, Austin. And in time, you'll become a valued member of our community."

Austin smiled, feeling a sense of gratitude and belonging. "Thanks, guys. That means a lot to me.”

“Thank you, now it's time to get Bruce a proper burial.” Kael said.

"Ah, yes," Alisa said, her eyes misting over. "Bruce would have wanted to be laid to rest in our traditional grounds. It's only fitting that we honor him with a proper werewolf burial."

"I agree," Kael said. "Let us prepare the site and perform the rituals. We will send him off with the respect and dignity he deserves."

"Austin, would you like to help us with the burial?" Athena asked, turning to him. "It would be a great honor to have you participate in this sacred tradition."

Austin nodded solemnly. "Yes, I'd be honored to help. What do I need to do?"

Jason smiled. "Just follow our lead, and we'll guide you through it. We'll make sure Bruce gets the sendoff he deserves."

Together, the group began to make their way to the traditional werewolf burial grounds, a serene and peaceful place nestled in the heart of the forest. As they walked, they shared stories and memories of Bruce, celebrating his life and legacy.

"Ah, yes," Kael said, noticing Austin's surprise. "Our burial grounds are a bit unconventional, but they hold great significance for us. Each tree represents life, and the gravestones are carved with the stories of our loved ones."

Austin wandered through the trees, running his hand over the intricate carvings on the gravestones. "This is amazing," he said. "I've never seen anything like it. It's like a living, breathing history book."

Alisa smiled. "That's exactly what it is. Our history, our stories, our loved ones – they're all here, surrounded by nature and the cycles of life."

As they reached the center of the burial grounds, Austin saw a freshly dug grave, surrounded by a circle of stones. "This is where we'll lay Bruce to rest," Kael said, his voice filled with reverence.

Athena handed Austin a small, delicate wooden box. "Will you do the honors, Austin? This contains the earth from Bruce's favorite place. We'll bury it with him, so he can always be connected to the land he loved."

Austin took the box, feeling a sense of privilege and responsibility. He opened it, and the scent of damp earth and leaves filled the air. With a gentle nod, he poured the earth into the grave, watching as it covered the coffin.

Just then, Austin heard Bruce speak, "Wolves do not fear death the way you humans do. We live our lives to the fullest, so we will never be left with regrets."

Austin felt Bruce shift around him in his wolf form, "I believe it would be wise of me to grant you the opportunity to experience the joy from a memory of mine, human one.”

Austin's eyes widened in surprise as he felt Bruce's presence around him. He looked at Kael and the others, but they seemed to be waiting for something to happen, their eyes fixed on him with a knowing glint.

"What's going on?" Austin asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Just accept the gift, Austin," Alisa said, her voice soft and encouraging. "Let Bruce share a memory with you."

Austin nodded, feeling a sense of wonder and curiosity. He closed his eyes, and suddenly, he was transported to a sunny meadow, surrounded by wildflowers and the sound of laughter.

He saw a younger Bruce, running and playing with a group of wolf pups, their tails wagging and their eyes shining with joy. The scene was so vivid, so full of life and happiness, that Austin felt like he was right there with them, feeling the sun's warmth and the wind's caress.

As he watched, Bruce's voice whispered in his ear, "This was one of my favorite memories, Austin. The joy of living, the freedom of being a wolf. I want you to feel that, to know that life is precious and should be lived to the fullest."

Austin's heart swelled with emotion as he experienced the memory, feeling the pure happiness and contentment that came with it. When he opened his eyes, he was back in the burial grounds, but the feeling of joy and wonder lingered, a reminder of the gift Bruce had given him.

"However, we remain destined to live beneath it. To be bright is in your name, is it not? To live, you must shine like the sun glints off of the sea.” Bruce continued.

"To shine? To burn bright? To live." Austin asked.

Suddenly, the sky around them seemed to shatter, and scatter. In an instant, Austin was back in the meadow.

CRACK

Austin jolted up from the ground. Twigs that quickly grew in size shot up from Bruce’s grave.

He did not share his concern. "I am grateful. Because you were here, my last moments were not so great but I will be united with Anna.”

And soon, the trees were already starting to sprout snow white buds. Ausy took a deep breath to calm herself. Everything was happening so fast at once, he had to try and remain calm, before he broke apart.

"You are a mage, are you not?" Numbly, Austin nodded. "You will be in need of a wand someday. Come back to me. Make your staff out of my branches. Farewell, my bright little mage." And with that, the earth underneath his feet grew still, and ceased to shake with his deep voice.

Austin sat there, stunned, as the trees continued to grow and bloom before his eyes. He felt a sense of wonder and awe, mixed with a hint of sadness and loss. He had never imagined that his encounter with Bruce would be so profound and transformative.

As he watched, the trees grew taller and stronger, their branches reaching towards the sky like nature's own cathedral. The snow-white buds burst into bloom, filling the air with a sweet, gentle fragrance.

Austin took a deep breath, trying to process everything that had happened. He felt a sense of gratitude towards Bruce, who had shared his wisdom and his life force with him. He knew that he would never forget this experience, and that it would shape him in ways he was still discovering.

As he stood up, Austin felt a sense of determination and purpose. He knew that he would return to this place, to craft a staff from Bruce's branches and continue his journey as a mage. He felt a sense of connection to the natural world, and a sense of responsibility to use his powers for good.

With a final glance at the trees, Austin turned and walked away, feeling the weight of his destiny upon him. He knew that he would always carry Bruce's spirit with him, guiding him on his path towards greatness.

Austin walked away from the burial grounds, feeling a sense of peace and purpose. He knew that he would never forget Bruce and the lessons he had taught him. As he disappeared into the distance with the others, the trees seemed to whisper their farewell, their leaves rustling in the gentle breeze.

The Great Hall was filled with the savory aromas of roasting meats and freshly baked bread. Austin and the others sat at a long table, enjoying a feast in honor of Bruce's memory.

As they ate, they shared stories and memories of their time with Bruce, laughing and crying together. Austin felt a sense of belonging and connection with the werewolf pack, and he knew that he had found a new family among them.

Kael raised his glass, his eyes shining with tears. "To Bruce," he said, his voice echoing through the hall. "May his spirit run free and wild, and may his memory inspire us to live our lives to the fullest."

The others echoed the toast, their glasses clinking together in a joyful sound. Austin smiled, feeling a sense of peace and contentment wash over him. He knew that he had found his place among the werewolves, and that he would always be welcome at their table.

As the night wore on, the feast turned into a celebration, with music and dancing filling the hall. Austin joined in, his feet moving to the rhythm of the drums and his heart singing with joy.

In that moment, he knew that he had truly found his home, and that he would always be a part of the werewolf pack.

Eight: the capital of werewolves

0 Comments