Eye of Heaven

Eye of Heaven

Prologue

 

            The light of dusk permeated the peaceful forest. Here and there a creature appeared and the air seemed calm and sweet around a young, red headed woman and her daughter. The mother hopped up, 5 year old Rena following. The pair raced through the thickly lain summer air. In a blink of an eye, her mother had vanished and in her place was a sleek and elegant golden wolf. The creature’s refined muzzle looked back at her child, bright sapphire eyes twinkling expectantly. Rena stopped in her place and clamped her eyes shut. Focusing on what she wanted, she attempted to change her form. About 5 seconds later, two wolven were prancing through the trees. The small pup’s silvery gray fur flew glinting in the waning light.

“Excellent Rena!” cheered Mya excitedly. “Full forming in less than 5 seconds at your age, why there hasn’t been someone as talented as you since Lumae herself!” Rena beamed as her mother spoke, what she was saying was completely true. Rena was born special; there hadn’t been a child her age that could form in over 80 years.

The two faes continued Rena’s training until the bright crescent moon was high in the Fenearen sky. Mya had shown Rena just how to catch the slightest scent on the currents of rushing air, how to listen for the very sounds that make up the forest itself and even the proper way to groom her fluffy pup coat free of twigs and leaves. But as the two neared a strong scent, Rena’s mother stopped, immediately shifting into her human form.

“Mada….” Whined Rena nervously as she closed her eyes to go into the same form as Mya.

“Hush Rena dear,” Rumbled her mother, a small growl was mixed into her speech. Rena quieted down, the currents had shifted carrying such a strong smell it almost overpowered the little girl. She took in a few whiffs, unsure of what she was scenting. There were definitely people, and fuel like animal fat used for torches but there was third deeper level that stung with a metallic lash.

“What is that?” Rena whispered, confused.

“That is the smell of the Rogue Warriors of Maenor. Border guards. We are very close to the border. We have to head back home now.” The faes turned tail; silently they began to stalk back. Rena did not like this game or training. It scared her; penetrating the layers of security her mother's presence gave her like a dagger.

            As the faes continued to creep off, careful to move slowly as to not even rustle a leaf, a violent burst of heat and light erupted behind them. Mya wheeled around, again the golden wolf. She was snarling madly, the fae had mistakenly led her daughter much too close to the border, too late at night. Rena formed as well, cowering beneath the warmth of her mother’s fur. There were shouts, growls and feet, Rena felt a paw push her into the brambles, the pup froze, too terrified to even breathe.

Mya ferociously attacked the trespassing rogues. She wasn’t a warrior by training, but even still she faced her attackers valiantly. There were at least ten rogues all armed with broad swords and torches. As one man attacked from the left she feinted right and launched forward, sending him a face-full of piercing claws. More men attacked however, pushing her back. They laughed as she feverishly snapped towards them, her hackles fully extended along her spine. It was clear that even though she was desperate to fend them off, she could only hold out a little longer. Mya howled to the heavens, crying, pleading for someone to hear. She yelped with pain as the rogues used their torches and swords against her. She escaped for a moment, knowing that she could run for salvation but her maternal instinct overtook her survival and Mya charged back into battle in a final futile attempt. She felt a sword pierce her side and howled in anguish; suddenly she was sailing through the air, another pain, then nothing but darkness.

            Not long after her howl, a streak of black followed by others, brown, red, gray, gold burst onto the scene. Bayne, a young hunter had led his party to his mate's sister's aid. Rena whimpered softly as a stunning blue-gray wolf appeared in front of her. The creature had quickly formed into a young woman, her long blonde hair tossed effortlessly to the side of her slender face. “Rena…” She cooed as she picked up the quivering pup.

            “Bayne, over here!” A bark quivered over the sound of battle. Claw to sword skirmishes were not uncommon at the northern border, however they were never pleasant.

“Roxen, did you find her?” The black furred brute asked sprinting over to the teenager’s side.

“She’s just hanging on.”

“I need all the healers now!” cried Bayne as he looked down at the unconscious woman before him. Soon a procession of two gold wolves and one brown appeared. They quickly formed into their two legged shapes, and began to work on Mya. They soon discovered that besides the various cuts, burns and abrasions the wounds of concern were a badly bleeding side and a serious head wound that was sustained when she had been thrown against a boulder. As the healers worked mixing herbs and doing all they could, the rogues retreated. They rarely stayed when outnumbered. Once Bayne was sure the last of the rogues had scampered off he checked in on Mya one last time before heading out heavy heartedly to find Rena and Silver.

“Silver!”  His call wavered through the forest.

“We’re over here love.” The melodious voice of Bayne’s mate filled his acute ears. Following the sound he came to a clearing near a small bubbling brook.

Silver was braiding Rena’s smooth sunset red hair. The hour made practically no difference, as they were able to see almost as well as day in the moonlight that almost always bathed this area. Bayne knew instantly that Silver was trying her best to not think about her sister, but he could see trails of tears down her face.

Rena perked up, “Can I go see mada now?” She growled impatiently. Bayne took a long pause, remembering what the healers had told him. His deep caring ebony eyes caught Silver’s gaze, she knew what he was about to say.

He knelt down beside his niece, “Rena, I’m sorry, I truly am…”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Part I

THE CHOICE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 1 The Northern Densite

“Rena! Hey! Slow down!" Channon yowled painfully between pants. “Rena!”

“Mmm, oh sorry Channon!” The 17-year-old fae said whirling around and shifting back into a human.

“Wolnor knows we can’t all be as fast as you Ray!”

“Then again, maybe you’re just slow!” She said smiling wildy as she formed again and sped off.

“That’s it you’re going to eat your words!” Channon growled, forming into a golden wolf and speeding after her. The brute was kicking the ground so hard that dirt and leaves were flying in his determined face.

“Alright, Alright we’re supposed to be hunting, remember?”

“Oh yeah.” Channon relented as he began searching the ground and air currents for signs of breakfast. Rena pointed out a set of deer tracks, and sniffing the air realized they were very fresh.

“Looks like a fully grown doe? Can we take that down?” Channon asked unsure.

“I’m game if you are.” Rena said simply, giving him her famous-ready-for-anything look. He cocked his head and began following the tracks. Rena happily trotted beside him; she had been itching for a good hunt.

After a few minutes of careful planning and tracking, the two friends lay concealed in a bush; the doe appeared to have been part of a herd that had been scattered even earlier that morning by a failed hunting trip. It was about 1 in 3 that a group would make a catch on a trip, less if the deer were on alert. And since deer were rarely alone this time of year, surely this one was. Rena carefully stalked through the bush on the other side of the deer, as discussed. When she was in position a simple flick of her ear gave Channon the okay to move on. Luckily, their target was still blissfully unaware of their presence. Channon crouched low and began to advance. He was within the red zone; very soon the deer would be alerted of his proximity. Luckily, the winds were on their side this morning. But as it always was, the prey’s intuition kicked in, raising her head and swiveling her ears she went through her steps of the dance. With a quick glance she was off, Channon chasing after her.

            Rena watched as they began to approach, the doe followed by her pursuer. She waited, waited; the time was almost there. Rena jumped from her hiding place, directly in front of their prey. The doe whirled around in a panic, but it was too late. She had fallen into their carefully lain trap. Rena leapt forward and in a fraction of a second had pulled the animal into unconsciousness with the exact application of pressure to the neck. Rena released the doe painlessly from its torment with the clasp of her jaw. 

            The human shaped Channon set the doe down gently by the tanning racks. He wiped the sweat from his fore head, and ran his hands through his thick scruffily cut blonde hair. Since Rena and Channon had caught the deer, it fell to another to prepare it for eating, by skinning and tanning the hide, cutting the meats and salting most of it for later.

The Northern Fenearen densite was always buzzing with excitement, and today wasn’t any different. The Nation’s leaders lived there, and it was in a sense, the capital.  Rena felt a hand on her shoulder, spiraling around she met Channon’s gentle blue eyes.

“I’ve got to go help my parents with the beads for the ceremony tonight.”

“Right that’s tonight, okay guess I’ll see you there.” Channon nodded and walked off waving to her as he went. He ran into a group of younger wolven, Rena laughed as he clumsily dodged out of their way, turning scarlet and apologizing. Rena knew she too should find something to do to help prepare for that night’s festival. It was the most important festival of autumn and the night every Fenearen child looked forward to.

The Beading Ceremony was where every pup who had successfully learned to form that year was honored. Rena remembered hers fondly; she had been the youngest, barely 5 summers old. Most were 8 or 9 by then. At the festival they’d all show off their new talents and be presented with their first bead for their wraps. Every single Fenearen whose hair had grown long enough to braid had one. It was simply a long piece of hair that was braided with leather and sinew. For some it was the same length as the rest of their cut but for those with short styles, it was much longer. They were adorned with beads, feathers, metals and jewels. These decorations represented rank and accomplishments, and were a source of pride and dignity for most. The first bead was presented at the ceremony, beautifully carved bone ones.  At the end of every wrap was a tuft of wolf hair, the owners’s. This showed everyone what type of wolf they were which traditionally said something about their personality. It is said that black wolves are strong in battle but stubborn, gray are calm and pacisfistic, silver wise but introverted, brown wolven were great hunters but sometimes too trusting for their own good, and red wolves were fiercely loyal but had a strong taste for vengeance. Of course that was just tradition, and not many wolven thought that way any more.

            Rena continued walking through the site, heading towards Silver’s scent. She walked past a group of her brutes her own age, they waved and grinned at her, and she smiled meekly back. Even though she was brave in serious things, she was often very shy in social situations.

“Rena dear! There you are,” came Silver’s soft voice. She and Bayne had become the alphen or leaders of Fenear five years prior.

“Hello Silver! Is there anything I can do to help?” She asked as Silver worked with the sinew and leather for the wraps.

“Well I’m alright here, but you could go help Thera? She’s watching the pups that are being honored tonight and they are a little anxious.”

“Of course!” Rena said bounding off towards the clearing where Thera took her charges in the mornings. She passed several dens before reaching the familiar place. She saw the pups; they were fidgeting around but weren’t playing as energetically as usual. And it seemed Thera was trying to gather their attentions for something. Thera was an old but beautiful fae. In her prime she had caught the eye of many dashing young brutes; at least that was what most people said about her. But she had always been coy and demure, until she had met Damen, Roxen’s father. Rena had never met him; he had died in battle when she was very young, along with Rena’s father Aquillo.

            Thera was now formed wolf but even in this rugged form her cool brown eyes and mahogany coat gave her an almost intangible ethereal quality. The wolf’s silver-streaked careworn face curved into a warm smile.

“Hi Thera!” Rena said embracing the old nurse after Thera formed human once again. Thera had of course cared for Rena when she was younger, and always enjoyed her frequent visits for advice or to help out.

“Awww, My dear I’m so glad you stopped by. I was just about to tell these little weasels here a story.”

“Story?!” said a young brute hurrying over.

“Yes Ryann.” She chuckled. 7 more pups huddled in around Rena and Thera.

“I want to hear about the bear and the salmon!”

“Or of when Razorn travels the earth as a weasel!”

“No the story of the last Sinclair princess!”

“We’ve heard those all a hundred times!” Groaned Ryann.

“Alright my little dears how about we hear the story of the first wolves?”

“That’s my favorite!” Cried Ryann, clearly he was anything but diffident.

Thera nodded and cleared her throat before beginning.

“Ages ago, long before the time of Fenear, or even of the founders there were no wolves. The forest had a dull tune, filled not with the songs of the wolf brothers and sisters but with the bellows of the deer.

“We are the rulers of the forest!” The arrogant creatures would cry all day long. The lord had entrusted them with caring for the forest and all its members but they had become much too proud and no longer cared for their kingdom. They took all gifts for granted. Wolnor didn’t know what to do; they had given the deer too much power and could no longer teach them humility for they now fancied themselves gods. For a long time the god and his other creations had to try and tolerate the hubris and cruelty of the deer. One day though, the Father of the Forest came up with a plan.

"The deer have failed as keepers; clearly we have overestimated the capacity of their souls. We have made a mistake friends.” He said to the four wanderers who made up his court, “We must sire a new race, one who must bring balance back into the forest. We can no longer shelter our children, there is only one way to ensure peace. And sadly that must mean that we allow our children to die.” Wolnor was crushed to take away the gift of immortality, but you see children they knew that was the only solution. So Wolnor created the wolves, he created them from a drop of blood from every creature of the forest. For the wolf is the forest’s spirit and its keeper. He gave them the courage of a lion, the kindness of a lamb and a strong family like his own. But he also had to give them three curses, bloodlust, fear, and vengeance to ensure balance to appease Razorn. Wolnor sent his new creatures down to the earth, and watched as the story unfolded. When the deer saw the newcomers they came to tell them who was the ruler of the forest kingdoms. “Bow before us for we are the chosen ones, bow now or face the wrath of the gods." The scent of the deer filled the nostrils of the wolves who were immeadiately thrown into an uncontrollable rage. This was the bloodlust that was given to them, and they were not strong enough yet to kill only what they needed. They felt anger towards the deer so great, and had seen what the deer had done to the forests, ripping them to shreds to feed their gluttonous palettes. This was vengeance, the second of the curses. They slaughtered half of the deer and viciously ate at their flesh. Once they were done and the devastated deer had run off they looked to see the destruction they had caused. They had tasted the blood of a forest brother, and were now cursed to live off others forever; they were terrified of what they had brought about, and this was the final curse, fear.

            They did not at the time understand, but the wolf brothers had given the forest the greatest gift, balance. There could no longer be life without death, or gain without sacrifice. Sadly from then on the first chosen ones, the deer, lived in fear, forgetting their hubris, but soon forgetting themselves with it. Each deer lives like this until the day when it is reunited with Wolnor and remembers all the good again.”

 

            Rena had never really liked the story, although she understood its lesson. It always seemed unfair for the wolves to have been the ones chosen to bear such horrible curses. True wolves as they were called lived symbiotically with Fenearens. In both forms a Fenearen can easily communicate with a true wolf, which is how Thera learned most of her stories. The language of the true wolves though, was not exactly a spoken one; it was almost like songs and interpreting notes and gestures. This language came naturally to every Fenearen, but is virtually impossible for an outsider to truly understand.

            The sun was low, its dim beams painting the sky deep carnation reds, golds and purples. Rena had always enjoyed the skies at this time of night. She was sitting around a roaring fire pit to her left were Bayne and Silver and to her right was Thera. The honorees were standing as humans on the opposite side of the fire as the rest of the group atop a flattened boulder. Bayne, Silver and Roxen stood up, Roxen had become the beta or second in command on his 23^rd birthday 2 years earlier. As the beta stood up, the fae that had been sitting next to him smiled with full red lips and tossed her golden hair. However Roxen paid no attention, just scratched his head nervously.

 

            Soon the understated ceremony had dissolved into a moonlit festival. Everyone was dancing, howling, eating, singing, chatting, or congratulating the new formers. Many true wolves had joined them, enjoying the festivities. Rena had had some fun, but now she was sitting down, quietly eating, again lost in her own head. Clearly Silver, Roxen, and surely Bayne were up to something. Rena could only imagine what they were hiding.

            Over the next few hours, again the festival’s tone had shifted. Now most of the wolven were lounging in the warmth of the fire. Channon had long since joined Rena and was cheerfully chattering about mundane things that had happened that day. Rena made the occasional grunt of understanding or nod but was clearly distracted and barely listening. She was still trying to figure out what was causing the highest ranked members of the entire country to be so nervous.

“Rena….Rena!” Channon brought her back as he finally realized she has fazed out.

“Eh….What, Sorry.” Rena said coming out of her concentration.

“Nothing, don’t worry about it.” Channon sighed good-heartedly, by now he was used to her tendency to zone out during a conversation.

“Channon?” Rena said looking into the brute's calming eyes. “Did you notice anything, I don’t know strange…. Silver and Roxen; do they seem a little off to you?”

“Huh, well I don’t know, I wasn’t really watching them that closely.” He said as he plucked a small piece of venison from the warming pit by the fire.

“But now that you mention it, they do seem a little distracted.” He said before taking a bite.  “Whatever it is,” He began after swallowing, “Bayne will take care of it.” Channon said confidently. Rena nodded in agreement, she trusted her uncle more than anyone she knew. Bayne's heart was completely devoted to his country; that she knew for sure. Yet when something shook his mate like that, especially on a night of such cheer, he was sitting on something huge.

“Look!” Channon gestured to Silver and Bayne, they were standing a little away from the group and Silver looked very agitated. Channon and Rena knew better then to try and eavesdrop but their sensitive ears inadvertently picked up the last part of their conversation. They caught Silver’s final words as she walked off in a huff, “Fine, you tell them then.” She said as she walked back towards the fire.

“Silver!” Bayne cried, exasperated, before he too returned to the fire. Roxen hopped up to join him, on the opposite side of the fire as the pack. An announcement was rarely made after the ceremony, so now the rest of Fenearens and true wolves knew something was going on.

“Guess you were right.” Channon said sitting up as a gradual hush fell over the crowd.

            Bayne cleared his throat before beginning to speak. “My friends and comrades, on this wonderful night when Lumae’s legacy is reflected in our children, I have news. News of peace that I’m sure will help every Fenearen and True wolf alike to sleep better at night.” A small mixture of hope and confusion rang through the crowd. Bayne raised his hand for silence, “I and of course Silver as well, have been discussing this for some time, and we have reached an agreement… with Rayel, the overlord of Maenor.” At the mention of Rayel and Maenor gasps of surprise and even of horror came from the audience as it erupted into voices. Rena felt herself shiver, she had run many scenarios of what Bayne would say in her head, but she had never expected anything like this. Again Bayne raised his hand, “Rayel has agreed to an alliance between Maenor and Fenear. Peace shall reign over fear.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 2 The Overlord's Request

After the news had been announced, the festivities had abruptly come to a halt. Many Fenearens asked questions, more than one was angry, however Rena couldn't hear what they were saying. Her mind was smoldering with anger, how could Bayne do this? Ally Fenear with Maenor, it was unnatural! Fenear was always allied with Alvorn. Did Bayne really expect to be loyal to both of the other countries? "I know we all have a lot of questions," Bayne spoke clearly over the Fenearens, "But let's remember that this will mean peace." Before anyone could pipe in, Bayne continued, "Let's sleep on it and we'll discuss it further in the future."

 Bayne's tone was final, and everyone knew this was an order, not a suggestion. The wolven walked back to their dens, some seemed angry, however several seemed just

confused. Rena was not part of the latter group. She waited silently for some time, even Silver had gone back to her den before only Bayne and Roxen remained talking urgently. Bayne's ebony eyes danced with the reflection of the fire as he turned to see Rena still

waiting, watching him intently. Bayne placed his hand on Roxen's shoulder before slowly striding over towards his niece.

"Rena," The black-furred brute began, he could tell her emotion from the silent fury in her normally calm emerald orbs. She simply shook her head and looked away, Bayne continued anyway.

"You should know better than most that Maenor has always been a threat to us, Rena. I-we couldn't turn down this opportunity for peace.

"Peace?! Please!" Rena growled quietly, still not facing her uncle.

"Rena!" Bayne pushed, the slightest hint of anger mixed subtly in his tone, "We need this, there's never been peace at the southern border! This is a paw step in the right direction."

"We need this? What does Silver think of this?" Rena twirled to face the alpha, "Or the other den alphen? The true wolves?"

"They understand that we must put the safety of Fenear before our own personal feelings!" The anger was much less subtle now, if he had been in wolf form, his hackles would have risen by now. Rena shook her head angrily and turned away, "Good moon Bayne!" She growled as she took off in wolf form.

.           How could Bayne even think of making such an alliance? The Maenoren rogues had killed countless Fenearens when they strayed too close to the southern border, including her mother, Bayne's mate's sister! Not to mention, Rena's father had been his best friend, and he'd died in a war against Maenor! Everything related to that horrible nation she despised, the smell alone could cause her to retch.

She reached her den and formed human again. This structure was one of her

favorite places to be. Like all Fenearen homes, a wide but not very deep hole had been dug into the ground. Surrounding this hole was a sort of hut, made of elk bones and antlers, large limbs, leather and furs. She entered her warm dwelling, happy to be home

and even more happy to be alone. Even in her refuge, she couldn't stop thinking about Bayne's announcement. She knew the alpha was doing what he thought was best for Fenear, but how could they trust a nation that for nearly a century had been their nemesis? Rena laid down on her bed of furs and closed her eyes, forcing herself to think of sleep. An old song floated into her mind

Fena danan der Lunen

Fen dana der Lumo

Ern fe uhm sehn eu I unso sehne

Reln helm oden brutain

Fer crimshearde feren celestaren

Oden sehn fer guine un hyne

 

The song was in ancient Fenearen, so she didn't know what it said, however she remembered her mother singing the entire song to her when she was young so it gave her comfort, no matter what it was about. Slowly she felt her eyelids become heavier, and drifted into a light sleep.

 

A chill blast of morning air awoke the slumbering fae. Rena fluttered her weary eyes open, watching as Channon's blurry form became clearer. "Sorry." He began, his sun-kissed hair tossing in the breeze. Rena stood up and shook herself like a dog splashing water off its pelt. She walked out of the den with her friend, a yawn tickling at her throat.

"I’dve thought you'd be up by now." Channon commented.

"Yeah, guess I slept in." Rena said through a yawn.

Channon laughed a little, "That's a first." The few awkward moments of silence made it clear they were both dancing around the happenings of last night.

"Bayne's just doing what is best for Fenear as a whole."

Rena shot him a questioning glance, "How'd-"

"I saw you two quarreling last moon."

"Oh." Rena sighed, "I know he's just being...Bayne, I should apologize to him."

Channon nodded his agreement, "You know, Bayne doesn't like being civil with Rayel. I overheard Roxen and Bayne talking."

"You overhear a lot Channon." Rena teased.

He shrugged dismissively, "I'm just always good at being at the right place at the right time. Oh but there's more, the alliance wasn't Bayne's idea. Apparently Rayel himself requested it."

"What?" Rena was astonished.

"Yup, I couldn't believe my ears. The Maenoren overlord wanting peace, its a day for firsts!"

Rena nodded grimly, then sniffed the air, catching Bayne's strong scent of pine and oak. Catching on Channon smiled, "He's over at Thera's." Rena sighed and trotted off, unsure how happy Bayne would be to see her. She had been unfair last night because she had gotten too emotional. As she approached the clearing where Thera had taken the pups to play, she saw Bayne's huge ebony form immeadiately. Many of the children were staring in awe at the alpha, wishing they to could take the feral form. Thera was next to Bayne, obviously giving advice. Bayne pricked his ears as he heard his niece approach, he stood up and formed, inciting several awed "woahs." from the pups. He walked towards her calmly; as usual his face gave no hint of his emotion.

"Bayne, I-m so sor-"

The alpha interrupted, "It's me who should be sorry Rena. I didn't take into account your feelings, not everyone can be as unemotional and detached as me." Bayne laughed slightly.

"I understand why you had to do it, but it’s hard for me to think about." She looked down at the ground; she felt shame for putting her own feelings ahead of the safety of her country.

Bayne nodded, "I know." His voice was heavy with care, he gently extended his battle rough hand and stroked up her chin, "You're just like Mya you know."

Rena sighed regretfully, "If I was half the wolven she was..."

Bayne smiled, "You are, half her and half Aquillo." Rena looked up and was surprised to see pain in Bayne's eyes; she knew he rarely spoke about her father. They had grown up together, their mates had been sisters, they had been closer than kin. He closed his eyes briefly, as if expelling the grief from his mind, "Rena, a message from Rayel arrived this morning. He has made a request." Bayne lowered his voice to a whisper, and spoke the secret in her ears.

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"Rayel wants to come here new moon!" Channon exclaimed.

"Just tell the whole densite why don't you!" Rena growled.

"Sorry, it's just that's only four suns from now!" Channon apologized, lowering his voice.

"Apparently Bayne got the message from a Maenoren falcon this morning. He's gonna announce it tonight."

"The pack'll love that." Channon grumbled.

"There's more..." Rena seemed to be very troubled as she spoke, "But Bayne made me promise to not tell that part to anyone."

"What?" Channon urged.

"I-it's big but I can't say. You'll find out tonight." Rena concluded.

"Well okay, if Bayne made you promise. I'm worried how the pack will take this. Not including whatever else Bayne's announcing."

Rena shook her head and she sniffed the currents. The taste of moisture was thick around her, "Rain."

Not long after the silver fae made her prediction rain began to pelt down on the Northern den site. As if an omen of things to come from Wolnor himself, the rain still hadn't let up when the tiny sliver of moon rose into the darkening heavens. Most Fenearens didn't mind getting wet, but the slippery conditions caused every task to be more dangerous. Everyone was formed wolf as the day's tasks came to an end. It was about the time Fenearens would be settling in their dens to spend the rest of the evening comfortably with their kin. But Rena knew Bayne's surprise announcement would ruin the night.

Right on cue, Rena watched as Bayne left his and Silver's den. The black brute lifted up his maw, parted his jowls and emitted a howl. A deep baritone song filtered through the trees as it slid seamlessly from note to note. As the alpha closed his jaws, the wolven slowly started to make their way out of their dens. Bewildered by the leader's summon. A few minutes had passed and now every member of the densite was crowded around the extinguished firepit that marked the center of the site. Rena walked away from the crowd, and sat on a moss coated rock a few paw steps away. Her silver fur was soaked though from the persistent rain, but the warm summer air kept her comfortably warm. A young golden brute was weaving his way through the crowd, when Channon saw her he sprinted towards the rock. Under the tree cover he took his two-legged form. He sat down beside her, his moppy blonde hair dripping wet. Even his leather clothing was soaked sufficiently. Rena glanced over at him and took the same form. Her long red hair was pulled into a sloppy braid. They watched in silence as Bayne quieted the crowd.

"I'm sorry to interrupt you all on this less than perfect night." He absently ran his hand through his thick black hair. "But I have news on our burgeoning alliance with Maenor."

The spell of silence was broken immeadiately as the crowd erupted into voices.  Silver went to stand beside her mate, and raised a trim hand to quiet down the crowd.

"This sun I received a request from the overlord." He took a breath before continuing, "He would like to visit this den site on new moon." Bayne waited for the wolven to explode in voices, protests, and questions but instead the silence remained.  Faces were pale and aghast, surprised and breathless. Bayne heard Roxen gulp behind him, the alpha continued slowly as if slightly reluctant to share this part. "And he has also requested to make our union official. As Maenoren tradition states, he would like to take a Fenearen bride." For a few more moments the audience was silent, until a brute called Nero spoke.

"So he says he wants a visit, he gets it, he wants a fae we give up a sister. What next? Our land?  Our property? No, I refuse to be Rayel's lapdog!" Several murmurs of support came from the pack.

"I know its sudden-" Bayne began diplomatically.

"Sudden? It's damn unfair and weak is what it is! If you were any kind of leader, any kind of brute you-"

"Oh shut your maw Nero!" Came a commanding voice, Rena was making her way through the crowd.

"What? What did you say to me?” Nero snarled as Rena shoved past him. The fiery fae turned to face the pack.

"Think about it for a moment. If we let Rayel have his bride and his visit, he'll owe us one."

"Yes but then we'd be ALLIES with Maenor. This entire alliance idea is a deer-brained one! Rena, Aquillo died in battle against those pigs, your mother was mur-"

"Don't you think I know that Nero! I'm saying an alliance would prevent more deaths!" Rena's emerald eyes burned into Nero, and the brute fell silent.

"Thank-you Rena." Thought Bayne to himself. "None of us are admirers of Maenor, but if you want more orphans and fruitless wars, go right ahead." Bayne's deep voice filled the wood, Rena looked back at him and half smiled. Now Silver had joined them.

"No fae will be forced to go against her will. If she chose to go she would become Queen of Maenor, and Rayel assures us she would be made comfortable and happy." Silver's voice seemed to reassure the pack. Nero grumbled something obscene but remained quiet. Bayne turned to Roxen.

"Send a messenger to the other five densites." The beta nodded and ran off to organize the parties.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 3 The Laeralumae

Four days of preparations had gone by, and it was finally the day of the Maenoren overlord's visit. Channon was off hunting with his cousins, they had invited Rena along but she had declined. The night before she'd had a strange dream and needed Thera's advice on what it meant.

"Sometimes dreams are just dreams." Channon had said before he left, but somehow Rena thought this meant something else. She was walking through the wood towards Thera's den, when a wolf streaked past her.

"Gar!" Rena recognized the oddly colored true wolf. The main part of his hide was a pale brown, but along his spine where his hackles would rise in times of excitement a much darker maple adorned his pelt.

"Hello my Keiri." Keiri meant darling.

"Where are you heading so fast?"

"Just bringing news from Georg to the alphen." Rena knew Georg was the leader of the western densite.  Gar raised a paw to say goodbye and sprinted off.

           Thera was right outside her den, her gently aging hands filled with firewood. Rena smiled and took her burden gingerly from her.

"Thank you Rena." Thera said as she sat down on her bed in her den. Rena put the wood by the hearth and sat down beside her.

"Now my dear, you didn't come here to help an old fae with her chores, now did you?"

Rena nodded, "I had a dream."

"Mmmmm, and was it a good one or a bad one."

"Well that's it, the dream wasn't good or bad. It was just strange. Except it felt natural during it." Thera scrunched her nose slightly, then nodded for her to continue.

"I was running, well I was running but I wasn't myself. I wasn't afraid, or running from something, rather to someone. I stopped when I saw this man. We spoke, but I can't really remember what we talked about."

"What did this man look like? Was he Fenearen?"

"No, he wasn't Fenearen. He had long blonde hair with no wrap. Also he had the bluest blue eyes I've ever seen. He was very tall, but graceful sort of fluid. Very handsome."

Thera nodded slowly, but something inside stirred. "Rena, did this man, did he have any scars. Near his neck perhaps?"

"Yes, now that you mention it he had one on his neck, like a burn. It was oddly shaped, almost like a-"

"Wave. It was a brand. " Thera finished for her.

"How did you know?"

Thera shook her head and mumbled something, "And she who sees as I once saw..."

"What?" Rena felt a vague sense of recognition of the line.

Thera ignored her question, "Think Rena in this dream, did you ever form?"

"This is the very strange part, I formed into a white wolf."

Thera watched her carefully then stood up. She walked over to her hearth and picked up a small wooden box from behind where she kept her wood. It was dark, Rena guessed mahogany and saw it was beautifully carved. There was a wolf and a pup, sitting under a tree in front of a huge moon partially obscured by branches.

"This Rena, was made by your father. He gave it to Mya before he died. The wolf is her, and you the pup. He promised both your mother and yourself that he would always be with you.”

Rena extended her hand towards it. She felt the smooth grooves with her fingertips and smiled thinking of her father carving this for her and her mother. But mostly she thought of the promise, for to her it seemed almost empty. Her father had gone forever no matter how much he wanted to be with her.

"When you were very young, maybe three winters old, your mother entrusted me with it and its contents. Thera pulled a key from her pocket and opened the lock and lifted the lid. Inside the box were two items. There was a letter addressed to Thera and a carved bracelet of the same wood as the box. Rena slid her gaze up to Thera's cool maple eyes.

"The night you were born, was the night before your father left for war. Before he left he gave the bracelet and box to you and Mya. When you were very young, you had trouble sleeping. You had very bad nightmares. Mya took to singing to you. One of your favorite songs was what we call Laeralumae. Which means-"

"Lumae's wisdom." Rena could still remember many of the verses.

"What most don't know is that Laeralumae was actually written by the goddess herself. As a prophecy."

Rena wrinkled her forehead, "A prophecy." It sounded silly, like a pup's tale.

Thera pulled out the letter. It had the full Laeralumae written on it along with a paragraph in her mother’s hand. Normally the Laeralumae was sung in ancient Fenearen but this was translated into Clanspeak. Like most Fenearens, Rena knew very little of the ancient language, and spoke Clanspeak which was common to the countries of Soulous, Alvorn, Maenor and Fenear and the Outer lands. Thera read the verses allowed:

 

And she who sees as I once saw
Born beneath the swollen moon
Ancient wisdom soothes her
Brute taken by fire
Fae stolen by earth

Darkness settles over
Light bows beneath
To journey to the origin
of every story and myth
Renew an ancient union

water runs with wolf once more
guided by the ancient path
and a path blazed by love
Restore to the wood
Our father's great spirit

Wolf daughter of the moon ,Wolf, son of the sun
And she who sees as I once saw
Will rule to protect
Her bloodline here perpetually
To see her work is kept.

 

After Thera had finished, she placed the letter back into the box. The old fae looked up at Rena for a long while without saying anything.

“Well that’s very interesting, and all but what does that possibly have to do with my dream, my family…or me?” Rena’s gaze had gone from gently curiosity to a more hungry and slightly skeptical one.

“Nothing for sure with you or your parents, but my dear there are some startling coincidences.”

“Coincidences?”

“Your mother, she was a healer yes? So she knew Ancient Fenearen, at least far more than any average wolven.” Rena nodded cautiously.

“She knew what the Laeralumae was, and of course what it meant.”

Rena still looked at Thera through a doubtful gaze.

“On the night you were born there was a full or swollen moon, you were soothed by Lumae’s ancient wisdom, your father was killed in battle by a burning arrow, by fire. And your mother poor Mya was thrown against a rock-“

Rena emitted a low growling “Stop…”.

“Rena I’m so sorry to speak so candidly about your parent’s deaths. But you need to know.”

“Why? Why do I need to know that some silly old lullaby has some similar aspects to me!  It speaks of darkness, this is a time of peace! You don’t actually believe it’s a prophecy? Do you?” Rena’s fair skin was flushed, and her teeth had extended slightly. She wasn’t trying to be threatening, but she was so upset she couldn’t control herself.

“I do not believe in such things. Neither did Mya. However the coincidences still frightened her. She gave me these items and the letter. She hoped somehow Aquillo’s gifts would protect her from the Laeralumae”

“She- she was frightened of me?” Rena’s voice cracked.

“No my dear, frightened for you. Too often does Fenear fall under the claws of power hungry alphen. Our society can be brutal and unforgiving. It wouldn’t matter what she thought, if anyone dangerous found out about these coincidences-“

“They would want to make sure the threat was eliminated.”

Thera nodded gravely, “The Laeralumae speaks of a fae rising to power. If someone thought that you were she…” Rena closed her eyes and thought, there were many brutes and faes alike who would do anything for power, Nero and others like him.

“You are safe now, the alphen are noble, not too mention your kin. However in the future you must keep this quiet.”

“But why tell me now, when you’ve kept this to yourself all this time?”

“Because, Rena, the dream you had last night was a key part of the Laeralumae.” Thera ignored Rena’s startled gasp and continued, “The man you saw last night was Alvo, the founder of Alvorn, and lifelong companion and lover of Lumae’s. You formed into a white wolf like her. One might think you were her, even you were seeing through her eyes.”

“And she who sees as I once saw.” Rena breathed.

“Exactly. Now Rena you must understand, for your safety you must never tell anyone about what was said here today. You must forget that the Laeralumae prophecy exists.”

*************************************************

            “So, what was the meaning of your dream Ray?” Channon asked through twinkling eyes. The entire pack was sitting around the fire pit, anxiously awaiting the arrival of the Maenorens.

“Oh, just about this alliance, reservations and what not.” Rena rattled off nonchalantly. Thera told her to use that; it was vague and slightly uncomfortable to ward off future inquiries. As she finished, a brown streak cut into the crowd.

“I’ve seen him with my own orbs sweet Keiri! He’s traveling in a whole convoy, up there on his black litter, high and mighty. You’d think he was Wolnor or more likely Razorn the way he’s trotting along through our forests, that bastard!”

“Gar….” Rena sighed; it was no secret how he felt about the alliance. After that Gar had galloped off again into the southern forest with the true wolves.

            A horn blared over the nervous wolven, Bayne was standing by Rena’ side now, his rough hand lying reassuringly on her shoulder. The crowd began to back up, leaving Roxen, the alphen and Rena leading in the front. The path ahead of them was alight with torches; two hornsmen were blowing their instruments like northern deer in spring. Rena whimpered slightly as banners bearing a golden snake appeared over the hill. The convoy seemed to consist of the two hornsmen, 4 men and women carrying banners, and several Maenorens marching in front of the litter. One of these was a woman with endless brown eyes and silky raven hair, for some unknown reason a chill ran up Rena’s back. Four men supported the litter and a long opaque curtain shielded the overlord from the world. The horns faded away as the entire parade halted a few yards in front of Rena’s nose. The litter was lowered to the ground and steadily every Maenoren bowed down so low Rena thought they would all fall flat on their faces. The curtains sliced open with a whir, and a single dark figure came forth. The overlord was even more formidable then Rena had imagined, his figure was tall and broad and the earth seemed to shake, protesting against his dark boots. With his black leather pants and ebony armor he looked as if he was going to war in hell. He brought his cold claw like hands from beneath his mauve coat and brought them to his chests and back out again. He was clearly younger than Bayne and Silver. Turning to Bayne she smiled slightly to herself, her uncle’s gaze was as unreadably confident as ever. The fae looked back to the overlord, and was surprised to see his gaze had been resting on her for a moment. The woman Rena had noticed earlier stood up.

“All hail Rayel, lord of Maenor.” Rayel stepped forward, as he moved closer, Rena was sickened to find he was handsome in a way. His skin was taut, his body toned and his features well defined, however this only seemed to add to his threat.

“Hail Rayel, Overlord of Maenor.” Bayne spoke stepping out to meet the Overlord head on.

“Hail Bayne, Ruler of Fenear.” Rayel answered as he extended his arm to Bayne. Rena recoiled as the viper’s scent flooded her nostrils with a metallic burn. After Bayne had met Rayel’s strong handshake, he turned to Silver.

“This is my mate Silver, I may be doing the talking however ask anyone and they’ll tell you who really runs Fenear.” He smiled. Silver stepped forward, pale green eyes strong and silent. Silver extended her own hand but Rayel instead turned to Roxen. Bayne glanced at Silver and shrugged slightly, “Then this is Roxen, our second in command after Silver and myself.” Rayel nodded towards him then turned towards Rena. The fae stayed solemn and proud, not daring to flinch, however Rayel’s eyes took her immeadiately. They were deep obsidian black, but the pupils and irises were ringed in a pale gold. Noting Rayel’s gaze Bayne spoke again, “And this is my lovely niece Rena.”

“Ah.” Rayel murmured.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 4 Bride to Be

            Rena was sitting on one of her favorite spots, the large moss covered boulder at the edge of the clearing. She was watching the Maenorens and Fenearens, they were all around the fire, and even Rayel was sitting on the ground next to Bayne. Just eating and talking liberally with the brute like they were old friends. Channon walked up to her and handed her a bowl overflowing with rabbit, venison, berries and dandelion leaves.

“Thanks.” She forced a smile, setting it gently on her lap. Channon clearly had not been fooled by the attempt at cheer.

“Ray, don’t worry. This will all be over soon. Rayel’ll go back to his palace, and everything will be back to normal.”

“You know, I actually thought I could handle it, Maenorens and Fenearens. Laughing, eating…but I was wrong, I can’t. I can’t get over something that happened to me 12 winters ago, not even for the sake of Fenear.”

“Ray…”

“I’m alright Channon, at least I will be. It’s just, I have this feeling, like there’s something wrong.”

Channon nodded and casually tried to change the subject, sitting down next to her he spoke in an urgent whisper, “Have you seen his eyes, Rayel’s I mean.”

“Yes, they’re so strange, like coal ringed in amber.”

“Uh-huh, you know how they say you become Maenoren Overlord?”

“How?”

“Well, generally the Overlord has a lot of sons, right? Well only one can be the next Overlord. So there has to be a way to decide who will take their father’s place. So they pit them all against each other, in a race to the Mouth of Hell. Most of them get killed by their own brothers on the way there, but the one who makes it there first becomes Overlord. And they also say that by going to the Mouth of Hell they get these powers, Black Magic. Like the stories of mages the corsairs from the Outers use to tell.”

“Those are just myths Channon!” Rena laughed.

            Channon was walking Rena to her den, she had decided to go to bed rather than spend more time staring at the reveling Fenearens and Maenorens. It was amazing how quickly their opinions change. But like the Alvornians used to say, “Give a Fenearen a hunk of meat and a sip of water and you’ve got a friend for life.” When they reached her door, Rena was pulled out of her thoughts by Channon, “Good moon Ray.” He smiled.

“Good Moon Channon.” She said back as she embraced him. As she rested her head against his chin for a moment she could feel it glow hot with a blush. Laughing she let go and headed back into her den. Rena sat down on her bed, feeling all her worries hit her again hard. She hadn’t had time to think about the Laeralumae, for which she was glad. Rena was exhausted, but now she couldn’t get her mind to rest. She dug into her pocket and pulled out the wooden bracelet. Thera had told her to take this with her, and she was glad she did. She knew it was impossible but she swore she found a trace of her father’s scent around it. It was similar to Bayne’s in that it had a sturdy pine base but there was an element of Rena’s own light spring scent as well. She closed her eyes and felt the smooth ridges of the wood, the thought of Aquillo diligently carving it out for her filled the fae with comfort. Her mother, and after she died Bayne, had told her stories about her father. Her uncle had been best friends with Aquillo since pup hood, they had married sisters, fought battles side by side and hunted deep into the forests of the south and explored the shores of the outers. From what she gathered he had been an exceptionally brave silver-furred brute, and a Captain during the war in which he died. Rena wished desperately for a single memory of him that was her own, but no matter how hard she tried couldn’t remember him at all.

            Rena laid her head down on her furs and sighed, relieved to be off her paws. She slipped on the bracelet and smiled slightly, “Good Moon Dad.”

 

The fae’s eyes opened upon the vast world below her. It felt like she was standing on top of the world. Beside her the man beamed, his long blonde hair whirling in the wind.

“This is where Heaven meets Earth, The origin of every myth.” Alvo said, strangely he didn’t have to yell to be heard over the roaring wind.

 

            Rena awoke suddenly, her eyes opened to the familiar warmth of her den. She got up and felt her dream slowly fading into memory. Rena pulled herself out of her furs and put on a change of clothing. She took a comb and began to run through her hair, she wouldn’t let these dreams bother her. She walked out of her den, the morning was still crisp and dark, rays of light just hiding below the horizon with only a soft glow to show their presence. The fae walked out towards the firepit but stopped, the Maenoren scent was thick all around her, swirling around her legs and through her nostrils, like she was standing at the bottom of a lake.  She growled slightly and turned away from where they were all sleeping. As she walked back towards her own den, a slight crunch of grass under boot alerted her that she was being followed. She turned around and froze, the viper stood there, gazing not two yards behind her. Her eyes narrowed into emerald slits as she stepped forward.

“Rena, correct?” The low hissing voice spoke.

“What?” She answered bluntly.

“We were introduced earlier.” He continued, coming closer still.

“I remember.” She snapped.

"I do not remember seeing you at the festival. I do not normally enjoy such, primitive pleasures but is was quite refreshing." His penetrating gaze never left hers.

"Well, I was not really in the celebrating kind of mood, Overlord." Rena was not aware of it, but this sounded like a jeer. The viper stroked his chin, now standing uncomfortably close to her.

"Your uncle seems rather fond of you." He said dropping his hand and decisively changing the subject. Rena said nothing, just watched him.

"He would be the only family you have, correct?"

"And Silver." Rena added indignantly. Rayel grunted in acknowledgement before continuing.

"Too bad about your parents though. Especially your father, so soon after your birth." He made a mockingly sympathetic cluck.

Rena felt she would explode in anger, "How do-" She fell silent as Channon appeared behind Rayel, he was formed wolf his maw twisted into a snarl. Rayel followed Rena's gaze behind him and seeing the golden brute he cocked an eyebrow curiously. He smiled, took Rena's hand and before she could protest he kissed it, letting his stony lips linger for a moment.

"Till next we meet, my dear." He said turning back to where his people were sleeping.

            After the Overlord had disappeared behind the black curtains of his litter, Channon took his two-legged form and walked beside Rena for some time before either said anything. As they found themselves deep within the wilds around the true wolf dens, Channon spoke.

“What was that about?” He asked, growling subtly.

“He knows about my parents.” Rena said simply, she still felt chilled where the overlord had touched her with his lips.

“Well, what does that mean?” Rena shook her head slowly, why would he bring that up? Was it even remotely possible he knew about the Laeralumae? That was certainly not possible. Most Fenearens didn’t know about it. Or was he actually trying to be friendly, that scared her even more.

“Rena?” Channon asked again, laying his warm hand on her shoulder.

“Its nothing,” She said unconsciously resting her hand on his. “Its just I don’t like talking about it, especially with him.” That answer seemed to satisfy him and he nodded, but Rena hated lying to him about the Laeralumae. Yet she knew Thera was right, she couldn’t risk it. After a moment, Channon slid his arm further around her shoulders, pulling her slightly into him. “Ray,” He said with a soft smile, “Let’s hunt.”

            Channon and Rena returned to camp after a few hours with a fresh pair of rabbits each. After they set them by the racks, Bayne came up to them from behind, walking in between Rena and Channon “Rena, I need to talk with you.” He spoke, Rena noticed a hint of anxiety in his normally unreadable face. Channon nodded briskly and trotted off.

“What is it Bayne?” She asked as he gently took her by the arm and guided her away from the other wolven nearby. Once they were out of earshot, he began.

“Its Rayel. He has said,” He paused and looked Rena steadily in the eye, “He has chosen his bride.”

“Already?” Rena’s insides turned with how quickly he chose the fae, as if she were some good at market. “Who?”

“He didn’t say, only that she was unwed and of reasonable age, but he wants to announce it tonight. I’ve told Silver, Roxen and Thera. I’m worried how the pack will take it.”

“Well would anyone actually want to go?”

“I think some faes wouldn’t mind being queen, Silver said that many think him handsome. Also he knows no fae will be forced to accept his offer.”

“We knew this was going to happen sooner or later.”

“Right, I just wanted to let you know.”

“Thank you Bayne.” She said giving him the sweet smile he loved. “So you really have no idea who-“

“Well Haerian seems quite convinced he’ll choose her.” He laughed.

“That blonde fae? I thought Roxen was courting her.” Rena thought out loud.

 

Once again, the pack and their Maenoren allies were gathered around the fire pit. Rayel, Silver, Roxen and Bayne stood on the flattened rock, waiting silently for everyone to settle. Rena sat down next to Channon and noticed there was another woman standing with them, just behind and to the left of Rayel. She was the pretty one, with black hair and endless brown eyes. Rayel stepped forward and cleared his throat, even though all attention was already on him.

“My people and friends, I have spent two full days here at the Northern Den Site, enjoying your Fenearen hospitality, perhaps a little too much. And as you all may know, I have come with the intention of finding a woman,” he paused as if remembering something, “ A fae suitable to be at my side while I lead my country. Although you are all so kind,” His eyes seemed to linger on an eager Haerian for a moment, but Rena couldn’t be sure, “One fae has distinguished herself from the rest and made an… impression on me.” He paused and took a breath, “Rena Daughter of Mya.  And I do hope you accept my proposal.” The silver fae blinked, had he really said her name, how could she be sure? Suddenly, a deep guttural growl gave her the answer. Rena pricked her ears towards the sound, still dazed. Bayne was advancing on Rayel, his claws had grown into menacing sabers and his teeth extended fully.

“That was not our agreement!” He bellowed, oblivious to Rayel’s guards rushing towards him. Roxen stood in their way, letting his eyes caution them to stay back.
”Our agreement was I could choose the woman I wish to wed.” Rayel said with a taciturn voice.

“A consenting fae of marriageable age!”

“Rena is seventeen years old, the age of consent for Fenear is fifteen, if I am correct.” The viper replied coolly.

“She’s still too young!” Bayne growled back, Silver had appeared behind him and was tenderly pulling him back.

“Is this how our country is run?” Nero’s voice rang out as he crossed in front of the rock. “Bayne’s all set to ship off a fae, unless she’s his kin.”

 Bayne snarled at him and jumped down to face him, barely able to keep his two-legged form. Roxen growled at Nero as well, standing loyally beside his alpha
 
Rena shivered, battles for dominance were violent ordeals.  If Nero decided to fight Bayne, there would be bloodshed, even death. And Bayne would never forgive himself if he killed a brute

over a dominance skirmish. The Fenearen way seemed harsh, but as with true wolves strict hierarchy kept the country stable.

Rayel was trying to hide an amused smirk, he clearly found their way archaic. Both brutes transformed into their feral ebony shapes. Bayne was bristling fully, his well-toned form staring into

 Nero’s blazing amber gaze. Rena swallowed, she became aware of Channon standing beside her, his own hair standing with anticipation. Rena knew Channon wasn’t a fighter and that he was

 naturally pacifistic. However like any Fenearen brute, he had been in fights concerning hierarchy before, but never anything like this. Rena knew that an attack on Bayne’s authority would make

 Fenear seem weak to Rayel, and she would not appear weak. This was all over her and she couldn’t bear to see the fight. She had to end it and she was the only who could. Stepping forward

 Rena took a deep breath. “I’ll go!” She cried out. “I’ll go with Rayel to Maenor!”