Keil led the way into the clearing where the camp was set. A group of six wolfen turned towards him as he entered, and when he stepped out of the way, revealing Verik, they all stared silently. Verik stood there awkwardly, knowing exactly what they were thinking. They were relieved to see him awake and healthy and were eager to ask him questions, but they couldn’t help but feel uneasy about his differences.

Breaking the silence, a voice cried out from somewhere behind the group, “Verik!” an seventh wolfen, with red and brown fur, exited one of the shelters and quickly pushed through to the front and ran at Verik. Before he could react, she leaped at him, ending in a tight embrace. The force of the impact threw him off balance and they both fell to the ground. “I’ve waited so long for you to wake up!” She smiled, tears of joy threatening to fall.

Verik sat up and smiled back nervously. “I’m sorry, but I don’t remember who you are.”

“I’m your sister!”

“My sister?” Verik looked up at Keil, but he held a shocked expression on his face. Looking around, everyone was similarly surprised.

Keil finally said to her, “Lu, I thought you couldn’t speak.”

She looked Keil in the eyes, but remained silent. Turning back to Verik, she said, “I can only speak to you…”

“Why is that?” Verik inquired.

Her brow furrowed in concentration, but she just answered, “I don’t know why, but I just can’t.”

Verik did not understand, but he decided that he should just move on. “So, your name is Lu?”

“My real name is Syla. Everyone calls me Lu, because I couldn’t tell them. You can call me Syla, but…” Looked at Keil and then back to Verik, “I want them to still call me Lu.” Her ears fell flat against her skull as though she was something really big of them.

Keil chuckled and laid a hand on her shoulder, “I think we can do that for you, Lu.”

She smiled and nodded.

“You’re my sister.” Verik said, “Do you know anything of my past?”

The smile faded from her face, replaced by a slightly guilty expression. “No. The only thing I know about you is that you’re my brother and your name is Verik.”

“So do you remember anything of yours?”

Now she looked totally ashamed, her eyes becoming glossy with tears, “I’m sorry, but I don’t remember anything after they rescued me.”

Verik quickly grabbed her hand comfortingly. “Hey, don’t worry about it. I was just curious. I didn’t need to know anyways.” Verik presumed that if the same thing that happened to him to cause the strange growths on his body happened to her then maybe that was why she acted so drastically.

Syla smiled a weak smile, but it was clear that she was still disappointed in herself. “Go on and meet the rest of the pack. I don’t want to steal all your time.”

Verik released her hand and stood up. “I look forward to getting to know you more in the future.” Then he turned to the rest of the pack, who all formed a line ready to greet him in an orderly fashion.

Keil stepped to the side and announced to everyone, “This is Verik.” He held out his hand toward him. “He is now a member of our pack. Let’s welcome him into it warmly.”

When he finished, the first wolfen in line approached Verik and grasped his forearm. “My name is Mallix. I am eager to continue life with you in our family.” Then he leaned forward and licked the side of his muzzle and stepped aside. Another walked forward and repeated the act until all of them had introduced themselves: Nari, Tharren, Mika, Lyan, Kilia, and Marra.

Once all of them were finished, they grouped around him, eager to know him a little better. A few questions were tossed his way. “So you don’t remember anything?” “Where did you go earlier?” “What is that on your chest?”

Keil pushed through the group. “Calm down, pack! We have plenty of time.” Then he turned to Verik. “Go ahead and explain to them what you told me.”

Verik cleared his throat, “Earlier tonight, after I woke up, I heard a voice calling my name. I followed it over to a magnificent tree and met Vannah there.” This caused a handful of them to start murmuring to each other. He continued, “She gave me a warning: that a great evil was coming to this world and our world is in danger.” Everyone was silent now. “But she didn’t only give me a warning.”

Now, Keil looked up at him in surprise, “What are you talking about?”

Verik lowered his ears slightly. “I didn’t tell you earlier because I still wasn’t sure if I could trust you. However, after seeing all you guys, I am certain that I can. After Vannah told me about the coming threat, she gave me a gift. She said that she needed someone to bestow great power on to lead an army to save this world. And she chose me. This blue mark on my chest appeared after she gave the power to me.”

Keil walked around to stand directly in front of Verik. He stared into his eyes for a few seconds and then stepped back. “I do sense an energy growing inside you. As far as I can tell, it is as you say.” He faced the rest of the pack. “Tomorrow night, I will take Verik and some others and go visit the Elders. They may know something about all of this.”

Most of the pack was still very quiet, thinking about all that was just said. Suddenly, another wolfen who’s fur was pure black burst into the clearing and ran straight to Keil. “There’s a small family of kelderan just a short run from here to the west. If you follow my scent—” his gaze glanced around while he was talking and when he saw Verik, he jumped back a few feet. “What the…you’re awake!” He smiled and stepped forward, grabbing his forearm. “It is great to finally meet you! My name’s Yoran” He licked Verik’s muzzle like the others. “I’m the scout. And I just found your next meal. So what happened to you…?”

He was interrupted by Keil placing his hand on his shoulder. “He doesn’t know. One of our pack will fill you in with what you missed. Right now, we need to get going soon. Are you up for a hunt, Verik?”

Verik grinned, “I feel like I could hunt down a whole herd.”

Keil nodded. “Okay, Verik, Lyan, Kilia, Mika. Come with me.”

Syla walked up to Verik and hugged him again. “Stay safe. I don’t want you dying before I get to know you.”

He chuckled. “Don’t worry. I think I can handle this.”

/.\ /.\ /.\

They were nearing the end of Yoran’s trail of scent. Keil lifted his nose to the sky and took in the scents all around him. “We’re getting closer to the kelderan. Everyone, silence your movements. If we get detected this far out, they will be much harder to kill.” He turned Verik and said in a hushed voice, “Hunting down a kelderan is not easy. They are strong, fast, and very formidable when angry. That’s why we have to keep them scared and running. Just follow my instructions and everything should be fine.”

Everybody easily slowed down and walked so quietly that his ears could barely hear anything, but Verik had to put much more concentration into his steps, since he was not nearly as experienced as they were, even though he was definitely older than some of them. He cursed himself silently and pressed on the best he could while ignoring some annoyed glances by some.

Keil lifted his hand up and everyone stood still. Everyone could smell it; they were just beyond these trees. “I hear a river nearby. Our best bet is to lure them into the water and then take them out there. Mika, head down that way a while and stay out of sight. Once the prey is nearing you, reveal yourself and redirect them towards the river. Verik, you go directly behind them and get them running towards Mika. Lyan and Kilia, stick to both sides of them to keep them from deviating from the path. I will cut through the path and take one of them down as they enter the river. Does everyone understand?”

They all nodded, but by the looks all their faces, they already knew what they were doing. This was all for Verik’s benefit. “Good.” Keil said. “Move into your positions. Wait one minute and then start the hunt.” Then he and Mika ran off in different directions.

Lyan shivered excitedly. “I always love this. Kilia, stay here and guard the right. I’ll go around to the left. And you, Verik, get behind them and get ready to run.”

Verik went around the rear of where the kelderan were supposed to be. Once he was there, he looked through the trees trying to see them. He couldn’t see much without giving away his position, but between the thick branches, he could see one of them. It stood on four muscular legs. The height from the ground to its back was almost as tall as him. Its whole body was covered by long light-brown fur. Large, strong antlers grew from its skull.

As Verik was looking at it, he accidentally stepped on a fallen branch and snapped it in half loudly. In response, it quickly turned its head in his direction looking for signs of danger. Well, time’s up! Immediately, Verik burst from the bushes and started running at the group of Kelderan, which he could see now consisted of a father, mother, and a fawn.

Lyan and Kilia both emerged too on the sides. They raised the fur on their necks, bared their teeth, and snarled wildly; looking as threatening as possible to keep them going strait. They were about halfway to the Mika when he felt a sudden surge of energy coursing through him. It was stronger than when he was at Vannah’s tree. Off to the sides, he could tell that they were feeling it too. Lyan and Kilia’s eyes focused more and smiles spread across their faces as it happened.

Then Verik heard voices. We’re almost to Mika. He looked around to see where it came from. I don’t see anything yet. He realized that it was coming from his own head, as if they were his thoughts. Wait, now I see them. Getting ready. What the hell was this? Was he going insane? Emerging now! Get back so I can redirect them!

Mika jumped from her hiding place and roared at the oncoming Kelderan. Lyan backed up, opening the left side for them to turn. Just as expected, the sight of Mika scared them more and they turned to the left, It worked! They are on the way! and headed to the river.

I see them, keep them strait!

They’re getting faster. Trying to catch up!

The mother is deviating!

I can’t stop them!

More voices chimed in, giving suggestions and quick updates on the situation. Confused and slightly fearful of the voices in his head, he concentrated and screamed mentally, Enough!

Suddenly, all the voices ceased, but all the wolfen stopped running as well with a confused look on their faces. The small kelderan family started turning to head away from the river. They were going to get away.

Verik focused on the prey. He was not going to let them leave. They were his, now. He concentrated all this strange new energy inside him into his legs and took off after them. He easily caught up with them. Bending his knees low and kicking off hard, he launched himself into the air and landed on the fawn’s back. Reaching down, he grabbed its jaw and twisted its head all the way around, snapping its neck. Before it fell, he sank his claws into the shoulder of the father and pulled himself on top of it. It roared in pain and started trying to buck him off, but he just grabbed on harder and reached his head around next to its neck. Opening his jaws as far as he could, he took the kelderan’s throat in his mouth and bit down hard, crushing it. The both fell to the ground and slid for a while.

Verik jumped to his feet and was about to chase after the escaping mother, but he heard Keil shout from behind, “Stop! We don’t need her!”

He turned around and saw Mika, Kilia, and Lyan standing back, looking nervously from him to Keil, who was walking forward, trying to keep a look of confidence, but he was obviously nervous about something. Verik didn’t know what was going on, so he just knelt down and spread his arms out, assuming a non-threatening position. “I’m sorry. Did I do something wrong?”

Keil just stood there staring at him for a while before a smile appeared. “You really don’t remember anything, do you?” He turned back to the others. “Can you guys handle transporting the kill back to our camp?”

They nodded and started to work, one of them grabbed the fawn and two of them picked up the large father and they started walking it home.

Once they were alone, Keil pulled Verik to his feet. “What do you know about us wolfen?”

“I don’t really know anything. I didn’t even know what I was until you told me. Did I do something wrong here?”

“It is a tradition that the leader of a pack is the one to make the kill. To do otherwise is a sign of challenging my authority.”

Verik nodded in understanding. “Forgive me, I didn’t mean anything. The voices just confused me and I—”

“Voices?” Keil raised his eyebrows.

“Yes. When we were running, chasing the kelderan, I suddenly started hearing voices in my head. They were saying things about where the prey was and what we were doing…I think I was hearing everyone’s thoughts!”

Keil stroked the fur on his chin and looked down at the ground, thoughtful. “Very interesting. Vannah’s ‘gift’ to you might be increasing your telepathic capabilities.” He looked back into Verik’s eyes. “Wolfen, when we hunt, get this increase in physical and mental energy, which we call The Hunter’s Might. Not only are we faster, but we gain the ability to link our minds together for minor communication. We send and receive something like a mental suggestion. We are aware of what they are thinking, but it is not very strong. We never actually hear voices. Were you able to comprehend it all?”

Verik nodded. “Yeah, I guess, but I was very confused and a little scared I was going insane.”

“Well, it was quite the opposite. I assume that was you who telepathically yelled at us, right?”

“Yeah, again, I didn’t know what was going on, so I just kind of followed my first impulses.”

Keil patted him on the shoulder. “I have to admit, your ‘first impulses’ made for a very impressive kill. Maybe your memory and experience isn’t totally erased from your memory.”

“That, or my gift gave me better instincts.”

“Anyway, I need to tell you about us wolfen and our ways, so you don’t make as many mistakes in the future. My role as leader comes into play a lot during hunts. I am the one who gives directions and makes decisions. It is the pack’s job to comply with my decisions even if they seem flawed. To do so otherwise intentionally is to challenge my authority. The pack are the ones who bring the kill to me for me to land the killing blow. To do so otherwise is, again, a challenge to my authority. For the most part, leadership is passed down by lineage. When my closest relative, in the next generation to mine, comes of age and my eyes start turning grey, that is when leadership is passed from me to my relative.

“Every time we hunt, which is about once every two or three weeks, depending on the size of the last kill, we alternate between four hunting grounds. One to the east, one to the south, to the west, and north. This is give prey enough time to forget about our presence in their land. To keep them from leaving that area and moving away. Since our bodies keep the energy from the kill for quite a while, that makes about sixty days between hunts in the same area.”

Verik asked, “Are there other wolfen packs near us?”

“No.” Keil shook his head. “There are not very many of us out there. Our population is slowly growing, but for now, there is so much land in this area and we need to stay separate from each other to preserve resources. We’re not as advanced as humans where we can just have thousands of us in one area.”

“Humans? What are they?”

“Oh, yes. Forgive me, I keep forgetting that you know nothing of this world. Humans are another species that is sentient and intelligent like ourselves, but they are much more advanced than us. They have tools, weapons, and structures that are beyond our ability to make. They are not as strong as us, though. They are still very formidable. Their swords can cut us in half with one swing. Their bows and arrows can kill us from great distances with a well-aimed shot. They are also our enemy. We are unsure about how it started, but there is a rivalry among us. We try to avoid them, but they think of us as animals. Some of them even hunt us down to use our skin as decor.”

“Maybe I could stop them. With my power, maybe we could destroy these humans!”

“Then that would make us no better than they are. We must find a way to make peace with them.” Keil sighed. “But wolfen all around has tried and failed countless times. I do not believe we will be able to. But enough of that. We should be getting back to camp. If you have any questions about anything, just ask me. I’ll help you out the best I can.”

“Thank you, Keil.” Verik dipped his head lowered his ears in gratitude.

/.\ /.\ /.\

After they got back, they devoured the father kelderan, leaving only a few bloody bones. Everyone was a little drowsy after the meal, but they still needed to bury the fawn in the ground to help preserve its meat until they needed it.

Once everything was done and everyone was lying down comfortably, Keil stood up and addressed them. “At the moon’s first light, will take Verik and go to see the elders. Nari, would you be willing to accompany us?”

Nari nodded, saying, “I’m more than willing to help you out, especially if the fate of the world is at stake.”

“Great! Then us three will be leaving.”

Syla jumped up and looked Verik in the eyes pleadingly, “Please! Ask him to let me go with you. I don’t want to be without anymore!”

Verik looked at Keil, waiting for an answer. Keil grinned and said, “That is the first time you have ever requested anything. It would be wrong to separate a newly reunited family. You may join us.”

The smile that appeared on Syla face was so wide, it seems her lips could tear at any moment. She remained calm on the outside, but the look in her eyes communicated great excitement and joy.

Verik chuckled. He was looking forward to his new life with this pack.