by Sven Grams
“Hello,” said Brekiz, also turning his head at listen to the distant argument.
“Rather unusual for someone to raise their voices in the council chamber,” said Trex.
“Must be something interesting going on,” suggested Brekiz, his interest suddenly peaking,
“Let’s go check it out,” Brekiz added with renewed vigour.
He grabbing his staff and run off towards the nearest guard tower.
Trex blinked a few times before grabbing his own staff and running after his friend.
“What about our watch?” Trex called after his friend.
A short distance away, within the cramped interior of the watch tower, an older permanent guard got up from a table he had just been eating a small meal at.
On the wall, an oil lamp threw a greasy light on the bare, stone military interior. The somewhat softer and more comfortable looking older Anthro lion stretched and let out a large yawn, exposing some of his sharp teeth. He scratched some more while walking over to his equipment.
“We’ll do the garden patrol for you,” said Brekiz to the older male as he rushed by from the open door to the walls to the stairs leading below.
“Cover for us on the wall, will you?” Brekiz added before disappearing.
The older lion looked a little shocked, his mind still getting back into gear.
“Thanks for that,” said Trex a moment later, also rushing by.
The older Anthro lion blinked a few times, then shook his head.
“Reservists,” he mumbled, but otherwise didn’t seem too put out. At least he would not have to walk up and down the stairs.
Brekiz and Trex had quickly made their way through the maze of garden paths and through a side entrance to the council chambers. The two were in the thin entrance chamber that separated the large inner doors from the larger outer ones. This area was used for waiting delegates during normal council hours.
The raised voices had quietened again, but tension hung in the air, it was obvious something had been going on.
“And now what?” asked Trex, coming to a stop, “just stick our head in and ask if everything is ok?”
“Give me a second to think?” said Brekiz, contemplating.
The two jumped back slightly as a small inner door suddenly opened, Councillor Gerak was in full stride and fuming, obviously unhappy about what had been going on.
The Councillor stopped when he noticed the two Anthros nearby, agitated by their appearance in the gloom.
“What are you doing here?” he said angrily.
“Ah, we were on patrol Councillor,” said Trex, coming to attention, “we heard a commotion.”
Now that he was a reservist, Trex automatically stuck with titles when addressing other Anthros. His and Brekiz’s instant snap to attention also clearly showed the thoroughness of the citizen training that all lion Anthros received, even ones as adverse to formalities as Brekiz.
“Nothing that concerns you,” snapped Gerak, he was about to turn away when he recognised the two, his eyes finally adjusting to the light.
“You!” Gerak said venomously, his expression turning even more hostile, if that was at all possible.
“Councillor,” replied Brekiz, unsure of how else to respond.
Gerak seemed to contemplating if there was any way to make the two reservists lives more miserable. Not being able to think of anything on the run, he ground his teeth. It had been a bad night.
“Get back on petrol,” he snapped bitterly to the two. He then looked specifically at Trex.
“Tristfull,” he added bitterly, almost spitting out Trex’s family name in disgust.
The Councillor turned sharply, his long robes swishing around him as he threw open the outer door. There was a loud bang as the door hit the frame.
Trex and Brekiz stood for a few seconds.
“Grouch,” said Brekiz under his breath.
Both of the youngsters snapped back to attention as another elder appeared from the council chambers. They instantly relaxed upon recognising him however.
“Grandfather,” said Brekiz with a smile.
“Brekiz… Trex, is that you two?” asked the white haired Katan, squinting in the darkness as he walked over.
“Yes sir,” replied Trex.
“Just the two I wanted to talk to,” said Katan happily, “do you have time at the moment?”
“We’re actually meant to be patrolling the gardens,” said Trex quickly, before Brekiz had a chance to dismiss their duties.
“Perfect,” said the old Shaman “I will join you.”
The three Anthro lions were walking slowly through the gardens of the inner administration wing. A few oil lamps gave a faint light, though the light of the moon and stars above were more then adequate to appreciate the manicured surroundings with its trimmed bushes, trees and complex flower arrangements.
The three stopped to take a seat by a running fountain.
“So…” said Trex, continuing on from a conversation, “…Councillor Gerak was actually the one who suggested that you need added protection?”
“Yes” replied Shaman Katan, “not out of any concern to my safety mind you. He had a few guards in mind, no doubt loyal to him and willing to pass on any information of value.”
“Ha ha ha,” laughed Brekiz, “how touching.”
“How did you find out about it?” asked Trex.
“We have our sources,” replied Katan, “in any case, we had enough time to prepare our arguments.”
“So how is the new arrangement going to work exactly?” asked Trex.
Katan stroked his long white beard for a second before continuing.
“I was able to convince the council that guards would be too obtrusive and unnecessary most of the time. So, within the inner city I will be assigned either you or Brekiz as my personal guards for the meantime.”
“This is great,” interrupted Brekiz, “I’ll be able to keep up my apprentice work while officially on duty.”
“As for when I travel outside of RefugeCross, this will be assessed on a case by case basis, like for the trip away I have planed soon.”
Trex’s ears pricked up, knowing what this trip was most likely to be.
“The little ‘accident’ you had during your, old style, examination was actually a great help there,” said Katan.
“Much to Councillor Gerak’s annoyance I’m sure,” interrupted Brekiz.
Katan couldn’t help but smile, remembering the Councillor’s face.
“Yes,” the old Anthro confirmed, “Professor Ferric gave you the highest marks and recommendation.”
Trek blushed slightly at the complement.
“That and your incredible tracking abilities convinced the council that you would be suitable as my escort abroad.”
“Tracking abilities?” questioned Katan’s grandson Brekiz.
“Apparently Trex knew more then his teachers on the subject even before his first class,” said Katan calmly.
Brekiz turned to his friend, not having heard this before, tracking not being a class they took together in RefugeCross.
“I was taught by my aunt Sharlee,” answered Trex to the unanswered question.
“Wolf trackers are the best in the world, and it would appear that the Kelgorn family is particularly gifted,” continued Katan, referring to Trex’s aunt’s maiden name.
Trex was more excited, unable to contain his impatience in confirming what he hoped to be true.
“So it is confirmed then, I will be going along on this ‘trip’ you have planed?” asked Trex hopefully.
Katan smiled.
“Yes, we will leave in a few days actually. It has already been arranged that you can head home after your current watch to prepare.”
“And this trip is for the reason I think it is?” asked Trex, needing to confirm further.
“Yes it is,” confirmed Katan, knowing Trex was eager to get further information.
Brekiz watched as the two talked in cryptic s
entences.
“And me?” Brekiz asked suddenly.
Katan turned to his grandson.
“I’m sorry Brekiz, but you will have to stay here this time.”
Katan’s tone clearly indicated that this was the only explanation that his grandchild was going to get, even if it was delivered with the highest tact.
Brekiz frowned for a second before speaking again.
“Well,” said Brekiz, “I hope that whatever you two are up to, you can talk about it when you get back, because this is getting annoying.”
Brekiz had crossed his arms. But even he couldn’t help but notice Trex’s positively glowing happiness to the side. Whatever was going on, it was of great importance to him.
“Nothing else to say but best of luck,” the blond haired youth finally added, lightening up slightly in the face of his friend’s overwhelming enthusiasm.
Sara, her mother Sallice, her father Patt and Sage Filfia were all sitting around the large kitchen table on the ground floor of the Kelgorn family home.
A series of candles provided ample lighting, and a few plates and cups indicated they had just had a light evening meal of bread and vegetables.
Sara’s plate was almost completely devoid of crumbs, indicating that the adolescent female was deep in thought.
“Thank you very much for taking me in for a few days like this,” said Sage Filfia in her normal sooth, calming voice.
“Of course,” replied Patt instantly, “it’s an honour to have you as our guest, particularly as you are considering our daughter as an apprentice.”
Sallice was sitting back. She was more reserved then her husband and happy to let him lead the conversation. He was always more skilled in social interaction in any case.
“I’m only sorry that we have nothing more to offer, and that our home is in such disarray,” continued Patt.
“No need to be,” said the Sage calmly, “it is I who should be apologising for taking your daughter away during such a busy period. In any case, it is important for me to see the environment under which Sara has grown up in, so as to be able to gauge what type of Anthro she is deep down.”
The Sage looked over to Sara, who returned and held eye contact.
Sara felt that she had nothing to be ashamed of deep down when it came to her home life. This thought suddenly struck a very deep cord indeed, particularly considering how often she had detested her home life recently, it would appear though, that this was only on a superficial level.
Sara blinked a few times at the inner revelation. She then looked back down at her plate.
“I would also like to assist in the day to day running of the farm if that is at all possible… as reparations for temporarily taking your daughter,” said the Sage with a smile.
This got a mildly surprising look from the other three Anthros at the table.
“I personally feel that farming is the most worthwhile of all Anthro labour,” the Sage continued, “one which, unfortunately, I only get a limited chance to participate in.”
Sallice looked on with obvious approval.
“Certainly,” Sara’s mother said in a hearty manner, the Sage having just greatly endeared herself to the Anthro wolf mother.
From outside came the yapping of one of the Kelgorn’s family ossums. The animal seemed to quickly calm down again, however.
Back inside, Sara couldn’t help but muse shortly about how Sage Filfia would possibly assist in the running of the farm. The girl visualising the Sage sitting and meditating in the middle of the farm, while all the animals herded themselves and the crops grew at a visible pace.
While her mind was busy her senses automatically noticed that the cups were almost empty. Absentmindedly, she refilled the mugs around the table with a jug full of water mixed with a fruit juice. All three adults took note of this, but all for different reasons.
Realising what she had just done, Sara suddenly became self conscious as she noticed that she was being observed by her parents. Though she had had a thorough upbringing, her rebellious phase had made her anything but helpful over the last year or so. It was strange how her ingrained courteous nature had reappeared, now that her head was filled with more things then just how annoying her mother was.
“Can you give us any more details about where you will be going for your trip away, and for how long?” asked Patt suddenly.
Many Anthro wolves may have found it impolite to ask such a question to the Sage, given the hierarchical nature of wolf society. But not Patt, he felt that he had an obligation to know what his children would be doing. He had also judged that the Sage was as a female who would not be offended by such a question; correctly, as it turned out.
“Naturally,” said Sage Filfia courteously, also noting Patt’s careful use of a polite and seemingly innocent tone.
Sara also grew more attentive, not having really been informed of what she was about to partake in, and not having felt in a position to ask.
“I’m afraid that our trip is not without its dangers. We will be taking a sea voyage to a location on the Bear Clan coast to pick up some stranded colonists.”
Both Patt and Sallice looked instantly concerned at the mention of the Bear Clans, not to mention Sara herself. The Anthro bear race had never received good press.
“But do not concern yourself overly, we will be travelling in a large force with a fleet of ships, and we will most likely stay on the coast near the boats.”
“The Bear Clans do have sea going canoes and skiffs,” stated Sallice with a hint of concern, “if your fleet is near the coast it could be attacked.”
“It would take a large force indeed to even consider such an undertaking against our fleet. You see, we are using hired ships from RefugeCross. And if they do feel bold enough to attack us, there is not only me on board, but Shaman Katan as well.”
Sallice raised an eyebrow, very impressed and suddenly very much at ease with what she was hearing.
Just as Anthro wolf Sages could create local storms, Anthro lion Shaman could hurl exploding fireballs long distances. They were both naturally very dangerous adversaries in a sea battle. But to have them on the same side, now that was potentially devastating. Sallice also knew that the ships of RefugeCross were the sturdiest in the world, designed and built by lions, and mostly manned by wolves, they were the largest and fastest merchant ships afloat.
“That is very reassuring” said Sallice calmly, “but what exactly does this have to do with training Sara?”
Sara gave her mother a relieved side glance, having wanted to ask the same question, but unsure of how to approach the subject tactfully.
Sage Filfia smiled serenely, having expected the question.
“There is much more involved in becoming a Sage then just learning how to control nature. True power only comes with responsibility, it will always be so.”
The Sage leaned back.
Sara listened on with interest.
“Do not misunderstand me. There are plenty of very influential female wolves with power over others. But this sort of external power, this fear and supposed strength or intimidation, is highly limited, based on a shaky foundation, and easily toppled if you are clever and wise. Real strength comes from the power over oneself, and this can only be achieved with personal character and responsibility. A considerably more difficult task then simply using physical strength or intimidation over others.”
Sage Filfia paused for effect.
Sara was having difficulty following the more meaningful rhetoric, but it had the desired effect on her parents.
“This trip is about ‘why’ we become Sages not ‘how’. A considerably more important matter,” continued the Sage, “granted, this is a very steep learning curve, but nothing is more valuable then practical experience, and I feel that Sara is ready for this challenge. Otherwise, I would not be taking her.”
Sallice and Patt exchanged glances, both were still slightly concerned, as was to be expected, but both felt a deeper pride cause
d by the Sage’s eloquent argument.
“Very eloquently said,” said Sallice seriously.
“Wisdom doesn’t always follow power, but power always follows wisdom,” added the Sage, stating one of her favourite phrases. The Sage managed to state the words in such a way that she implied that the two parents were included in this statement in a positive way, a considerable complement.
Patt couldn’t help but sit a little straighter in his chair.
Sallice, however, had a natural cynicism that shielded her from the most heartfelt of complements. The two women exchanged a knowing glance.
“On a separate practical note, I believe that Sara’s tracking abilities will be invaluable for this undertaking.”
Sara looked a little surprised, unsure of how the Sage would know of such a thing.
“What would make you say that?” asked Sallice, her tone not betraying anything.
“I would imagine that a daughter of one of the Kelgorn orphan sisters would have the same impressive skills as their mother.”
Patt raised an eyebrow, not sure if he was relieved or concerned that the Sage knew of the family’s complex history and was still willing to take Sara as an apprentice. The Kelgorn household was still considered social outcasts by many within the Wolf Kingdom.
“As I said”, continued the Sage smoothly, “I have to know a lot about my apprentice before I make a decision. Please don’t misunderstand my ‘research’ as disrespectful prying.”
Sara’s mother studied the Sage in front of her, recognising a kindred spirit of some kind. She found it impossible to dislike this older Anthro female.
“Sara,” said Sallice suddenly.
Sara snapped to attention, not expecting to be addressed by her mother.
“Do you think you are ready to undertake such a trip?”
Sara was put on the spot, not really expecting to be asked by her mother.
When she would think back later, Sara recognised that it was mostly a rhetorical question. It was highly unlikely that Sara would have backed down from a challenge, even one as potentially dangerous as this. Her mother knew her well enough after all. The question was indeed purely symbolic, but it mattered none the less, then and there, and later on as well.