by Sven Grams
“But I still prefer her using her time away from home training with Sage Filfia, then with your father.”
Sallice tenderly grabbed her husband’s hand so as to reassure him that the mention of the touchy subject was meant with the utmost tact.
Patt frowned, looking towards the distant road.
“I would love to disagree,” said Patt, a little sadly, “but after everything we found out about my father’s part with the exiles, I have to agree with you.”
Sallice moved closer to her husband, leaning her head on the larger male Anthro wolf’s shoulder.
Patt put one arm around his wife’s waist.
Sara had long since entered the forest and was riding up to the main road between Torstberg and Bridgehead. According to her parents, she was meant to meet up with Sage Filfia at the last Wolf Kingdom outpost before the border with the lion occupied planes of RefugeCross.
The forest that Sara was riding through was a managed forest, and occasionally partially cleared by sanctioned logging teams. This meant that even the older parts of the forest with matured trees were relatively uncluttered. Though half of the leaves were still on the trees, already a colourful layer of leaf-litter was spread out either side of the track like a thick carpet. The autumn sun shone through the patchwork forest canopy. The contrasting play of light on the moist mulch, with the occasional reflection from dew drops allowed the forest to shine and dazzle.
Sara couldn’t help but be put in a good mood, nature’s beauty always helping to clear her mind of clutter.
Sara approached the intersection to the main road. Up ahead, Sara could see a mounted rider. They had obviously been waiting for her. Sara’s good mood left her as she recognised the animal and the travelling cloak of the Anthro riding it.
Sara slowed down Misha abruptly to trot close to the other rider.
“Grandfather,” said Sara in greeting apprehensively.
Mr. Thorntreck removed his travelling hood, turning his horse to face Sara.
“Sara,” he replied in his normal calm voice, though he indicated well enough that he was happy to see his granddaughter.
“Glad to see you well,” the old grey wolf continued.
“You too,” said Sara, “I see you have recovered fully.”
Mr. Thorntreck smiled, genuinely relived that his recovery had gone so well. Thanks to the competent healers back in Torstberg, he had been back on his feet a month after the attack, though he had needed another month to fully recover his strength.
Sara had last seen her grandfather over a month ago when he was still weak. But as she had been in the company of her father, she had not been able to talk with her grandfather openly.
“I shouldn’t be talking to you alone,” said Sara suddenly, her tone slightly cold. She was still angry with her grandfather for all that had happened, and also because he had seemingly made no effort to get in touch with her over the last few months.
“Sage Filfia could come by at any moment, and it will get back to mum,” she added as way of explanation.
“I’ve taken care of that,” said Mr. Thorntreck with a sense of satisfaction “the dear Sage will be a few minutes late.”
Sara raised an eyebrow. She was showing a level of hesitation which was quite evident to the experienced older Wolf.
Mr. Thorntreck frowned at his granddaughter’s hesitation, taking a deep breath before continuing.
“Sara. Now listen to me while we still have time!” commanded Mr. Thorntreck confidently, projecting his emotions and authority.
His sudden commanding, proud voice and emotional projection brought Sara instantly into a state of submission and attention. It was truly mesmerizing, the old wolf seemed to grow perceptively in Sara’s eyes, not in a fearfully way, but as an object of importance.
“This is the first chance I have been able to create so as to talk with you alone,” the older Wolf continued, guessing why Sara was mildly disappointed.
“What I have to say is too important to pass on in a note or letter, so listen closely.”
Sara’s triangular ears pricked up, her grandfather was serious.
“I never deliberately withheld information from you, you need to know that,” Mr Thorntreck stated confidently, “I was going to tell you about the Mintury society when the time was right. I still plan to tell you so much more.”
Sara was internally impressed, it was the first time her grandfather had so clearly stated his intentions for the young female.
“What those damn Exiles were ordered to do was totally unexpected,” he continued, a hint of bitterness coming through.
Mr Thorntreck’s voice suddenly became positive.
“I haven’t told you yet how proud I am of you, for what you did. You impressed me more then you can imagine.”
Sara couldn’t help but swell with pride at the sudden honest and heartfelt compliment, particularly because it showed a warmth from her grandfather not often seen.
“The Exiles and their plans,” continued the older Anthro wolf, his voice becoming serious again, “what you saw there… that is not ‘my’ Mintury society, not as I know it to be.”
He spoke with such conviction that Sara was left in no doubt about how much the actions had affected him.
“What happened to the Exiles that got away?” asked Sara suddenly, unsure of the developments in that direction. The only thing that was made publicly known was that exiles had attacked Sage Filfia. The ones taken captive had obviously not divulged their connection to the Mintury society.
Mr. Thorntreck contemplated what he wanted to divulge.
“Are we still in danger from the Mintury society?” asked Sara specifically, getting to the point.
“No,” answered Sara’s grandfather immediately, almost too quickly to be anything more then a subconscious reaction.
“I just returned from a small trip,” he said more seriously, “this information goes no further than us, understood?”
Sara nodded her head.
“There is a power struggle within the Mintury society,” Mr. Thorntreck admitted, “the society is undergoing the biggest challenges it has ever faced… I was able to come to an ‘agreement’ with the necessary wolves.”
“An agreement?” questioned Sara, a bit shocked. “With who?”
“You will find that life is a lot more complicated then just splitting Anthros into the category of friends and enemies,” said Mr Thorntreck wisely.
“I will teach you all of this at the appropriate time,” the older wolf continued, “for now, all you need to know is that as far as we, the exiles, and the Mintury society in general are concerned, what happened with Sage Filfia… is exactly what everyone thinks happened.”
Sara looked confused.
“Sage Filfia and I were attacked by exiles, that’s it.”
Sara’s expression changed to one of disbelief.
“But they were acting on orders from someone, they tried to kill us! More then once!”
“The exiles were hired killers, nothing more,” said Mr. Thorntreck coolly.
Sara was obviously still confused.
“You and your family are out of danger for the most part,” he reassured her, sensing her unease. “I will be travelling to the capital shortly,” he said suddenly, looking off towards the north east, “I need to set some things in motion. I need to make sure ‘my’ Mintury society stays in power. I also need to ensure that the position your grandmother and I worked for is secure…”
Mr. Thorntreck looked Sara square in the eyes.
“So I can eventually prepare you to take over our position, when the time comes.”
Sara recoiled slightly, stunned by the sudden implications.
“I…” she stammered, completely lost for words, more then overwhelmed at the implications.
“I…” she started again.
“We are almost out of time,” said Mr. Thorntreck, now getting nervous at staying there in the open for so long.
“Listen Sara,
” he said, turning with his horse.
His sudden impatience was transmitting to his steed and causing it to grow restless.
“Your mother may not like the thought of you having anything to do with me, but you will be an adult soon enough. In the meantime, she has even managed to give you a great opportunity… given, us, a great opportunity. Listen to what Sage Filfia has to say, learn what you can. But remember this, one wolf alone can only be so powerful… so noble… but not even they can defeat the ‘system’. That is where the true power lies. That is where you have to learn to be if you want to have control of your life, have influence.”
Mr Thorntreck moved his horse to get closer to Sara and Misha. Sara’s grandfather put his hand on his granddaughters shoulder.
“You’ll have to trust me,” he said sincerely, “you may not see me again for some time.”
Sara was still a little overwhelmed, but gave her grandfather a confident nod, placing her hand on his for a moment.
Mr. Thorntreck smiled. The horses separated a bit. Sara’s grandfather raised his hood, making ready to leave.
“I have to go,” he said.
“Good luck,” Sara said suddenly, “and be careful.”
“You too,” he replied kindly, and then rode off without another word.
Sara sat on Misha, thinking about all that had just been said as she watched her grandfather ride away.
If the young Anthro wolf was prone to introspection she may have noticed that, unlike when she was younger, a seed of doubt now remained despite her grandfather’s power of persuasion. The whole experience with the exiles had left a permanent splinter of doubt in her mind about the way her life was developing, even if this direction in life had originally been chosen by her as a reaction to something worse
Sara’s thoughts had become more reserved, burnt by blind faith in the teachings of others. Sara mulled over what she had just heard, there was a lot to think about.
A clear stream bubbled by, the sun’s rays occasionally reflecting off its rippling surface. Sara sat just a little way into the forest that was near the border watchtower were she was to meet her potentially new ‘master’.
Sage Filfia had not arrived yet and Sara had decided to take a break. She perched herself on a large smooth rock so as to still be able to see the tower, but also for herself to be mostly hidden by the vegetation from passers by. The young wolf had wanted some time alone to think, and she did this best when surrounded by the forest.
Leaning forward with her knees tucked up under her chin, she was absentmindedly holding a stick into the flowing water, letting it move back and forth smoothly against the current.
Misha was grazing on some bushes a little behind Sara. The horse/deer lifted its head with its clipped antlers as someone approached. Though not really recognising the approaching Anthro, Misha was instantly calmed, like every animal was in the presence of the powerful Sage.
Sara was lost in her own thoughts, but one of her pointy ears flicked around automatically as it registered someone approaching casually from behind.
Sara turned her head automatically and was shocked to see the Sage standing behind her. Filfia wore a light un-hooded travelling cloak which fell down to her feet, and covered her long bushy tail. She also carried her large staff in one hand.
“Sage Filfia!?” state Sara in shock, her mind racing to get up to speed. “Ma’am…” added Sara. She then made to get up, as a sign of respect.
“No need for that,” said Sage Filfia calmly, moving over to take a seat next to the younger Anthro wolf.
Sara shuffled over.
Sage Filfia flicked her cloak with a refined motion so as to be able to sit. She placed her staff calmly nearby. Looking out at the lovely scenery for a second, the older, dark-brown furred Anthro wolf took a deep breath, smiling ever so slightly. She obviously approved of Sara’s choice of place to wait.
“How did you find me… Ma’am?” asked Sara hesitantly.
Though Sara had been lost in her own thoughts, she was sure that she had not seen the Sage ride up to the tower.
Sage Filfia turned up to look into the trees.
Sara followed where older females eyes were looking, a small bird sat perched on a branch.
The bird took off and fluttered down, Sara was again surprised to see the normally shy animal land on one of the Sage’s outstretched fingers. The Sage stocked its small chest with a finger from her other hand.
The small bird chirped before flying away.
Sara was impressed. Though she had heard about how powerful Sages could be in urban legends, actually witnessing it was always more impressive. Sara wondered just how powerful the Sage really was. As she never advertised her powers, it was almost impossible to gauge.
“May I call you Sara?” asked Sage Filfia suddenly. “I don’t hold much worth in surnames.”
“Yes Ma’am,” said Sara automatically, honestly too overwhelmed to reply otherwise.
The last and really only time Sara had seen the Sage before was during the rescue, were the older wolf had been injured and weak. Being so close to her now once fully recovered was something else. Sara could only compare it with how she felt when being around Mayor Petrice. The Sage just oozed authority and power, it was difficult to get used to.
“Good,” said the Sage calmly, “I owe you an explanation.”
Sage Filfia turned too look Sara in the eyes.
“You are probably wondering why I am considering training you as an apprentice.”
Sara’s first thought was that she didn’t have much choice in the matter, but she had to admit the question had occupied her mind often recently.
The young Anthro wolf nodded.
“This may sound a little strange, so you will have to let me finish,” the Sage warned.
“Ok,” confirmed Sara automatically.
“You know that I have contact with the lion Shaman couple in RefugeCross. And I know that you, through your Grandfather, have contact with the Mintury society.”
Sara didn’t react, simply listening intently.
“Though neither of us knows the level of interaction of the other, I believe you are smart enough to realise that these two interests may not always be mutually compatible.”
Sage Filfia turned too look at the flowing water nearby.
“Now, I want to make it clear that I am not here to convince you that the Mintury society is evil, or that anything I do is right or just.”
Sara was mildly surprised at the level of honesty she was hearing, and mildly annoyed she really had no idea what the Mintury society stood for other then the overblown rumours she had heard from people who didn’t know themselves.
“I never intended to take an apprentice, I never saw the need, or had any desire.”
Sara could pick out from the tone that the Sage obviously had no problem being a recluse. She was not really an Anthro orientated individual.
“During the rescue,” continued the Sage, “and from what I was able to determine afterwards, you have the potential to become a very powerful wolf Sara.”
Sara looked a little surprised.
“Now don’t take that as a compliment,” the Sage quickly continued, “many Anthros have the potential to become powerful or influential. It is much more about circumstance and history then anything to do with natural ability.”
Sara’s pride deflated, even before it had inflated.
“Mentality is the key to all,” the Sage continued, speaking in general.
“Your life so far, and who you are, has made you strong Sara,” she said, suddenly turning to face back to the younger female next to her.
“You are strong here,” she said, pointing to the muscles in her arm.
“Here,” she said, pointing to her own heart.
“And here,” she finished, pointing to her head.
“The only question is, how you will use this strength?”
The Sage turned her head to look at the horizon again.
; “As I said, I have no interest in training you, or guiding you along a path that ‘I’ believe to be good or right.”
The Sage’s voice suddenly took on a much darker tone.
“I am going to teach you to make sure that you don’t end up going down a path ‘I’ know to be dangerous and wrong.”
Sara was momentarily taken aback by the comment, unsure if she should take it as a compliment or an insult.
“I’ve been told I can be too abrupt about this type of thing,” the Sage continued, “and I’m sorry if it’s a lot to take in at once. But I am no good at being any other way. You can take it or leave it…”
Sara had forgotten that theoretically she still had a choice.
“There is no way to teach someone who doesn’t want to be taught… but I believe that your mind is still open enough to learn what you need to know. But in the end… the choice is yours.”
Sara sat quietly, thinking about the Sage’s words. She then noticed that the older female was looking at her expectantly, she obviously wanted an answer now.
“Wait…” said Sara automatically, a little overwhelmed.
Her mind raced for a second or two, but whatever way she looked at it, there was no way she could convince herself to throw away an opportunity she knew to be so great. Any doubts or disagreements she felt she could always be worked out later if necessary.
“No… yes! Wait… of course I will accept Ma’am,” Sara replied. “I want to learn as much as I can,” she added automatically.
Sage Filfia smiled, a comment that was shot from the hip and made under pressure was normally more trustworthy then a response thoroughly thought about. What the older female had just heard was all that she expected, and needed.
“Good,” said Sage Filfia with a smile.
The older wolf suddenly got up.
“Then we will start straight away. But first, we are going to take a little trip into RefugeCross.”
Sara could only watch as the Sage suddenly strode away. Obviously, the conversation was over.
Blinking a few times in confusion, Sara then scampered up to prepare Misha. The young wolf couldn’t help but think that it would take a little time to get used to the Sage’s abrupt mannerisms.