Emerson75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYEQdjJ6s4R
“Whoa, your face is like a beacon!” said Angus.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHxNkpxpeZJ
“We must be close now, and the Saviour is mad about something,” Emerson confirmed.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5a9B9rl7Rw
“How do you know?” asked James.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBNd1fDxrJg
“When my face glows like this, the Saviour is mad, fearful, trapped or if I am searching it acts as a beacon to help me find her, if I am close. I know she’s mad because I can feel it,” Emerson clarified.
The three of them had spent the last few nights in the woods. Emerson understood why the other two had been chosen to assist him to fulfil the prophecy, more so now than when he realised in Angus’ home. 75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡekWZZrKdh1
It was hard for Angus to lie to Fi about where they were going but Emerson promised that Angus could return to the village to visit.
James was just happy to be away from the South and didn’t want to disclose too much information about where and why he left, much to Emerson’s disgust.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNdtmDJDhhK
He just hoped that the Saviour would fill in the blanks when he finally got to meet her. They were the last people that she’d expect to have on her doorstep tonight and Emerson knew the hardest part was the conversation about what she is and where she’s meant to be. The acceptance is always the hardest. He knew that from the scrolls he’d read. Some Saviours took years to wrap their heads around their prophecies, until it’s too hard to no accept life’s coincidences.
The three men finally arrived at the border from no-mans land to the Northern territory of the Black Alder Pack. 75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡth3Z8H4l2T
“Are you ready?” Emerson asked, turning his head to each of them. 75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYFK3ggmdgT
A moment of silence in the woods was deafening. 75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡevXQYhOQ6G
“Can I just have a moment please?” Angus gulped. 75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzfoGLbFzVz
“It’s getting dark and close to dinner time, so please hurry up.”75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXt5LvYFPPE
“As soon as we step over this border, they will surround us,” James said. 75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSHAQzSJa9W
“Another pack from the South have sought refuge here, so the army numbers would nearly have doubled,” continued James. 75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCk9yFIbxSs
“Right,” Emerson said. 75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ08rmPAfoHi
His hands became clammy with nerves at James’ piece of information. Emerson wiped them on the spare clothes that Angus leant him and moved forwards. A hand came from the side of him to stop him before entering the territory. It was Angus.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSqg8fIT0D5
“Whoa Emerson, if you go in there first, they will sniff out that you are a human quick smart and maybe even knock you off before we get across. I will go first with the weapons, you stay in the middle and James can protect you from behind,” he said, while he tossed James an axe. 75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtEotk68ioB
“Is that necessary?” Emerson asked.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNDcwBKBxzu
“Wolves don’t do things like Lycan’s do, we are very different nowadays and they definitely despise humans,” James confirmed.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjmwZa9XpIC
Angus moved in front of Emerson like a bodyguard and James positioned himself to the back. Angus was the first to cross the border and in an instant they all heard distant howling. Emerson was quick to cross, followed by James. The three of them continue to move forward, waiting for the pack to sniff them out. Angus and James had their weapons held high, ready for battle. Emerson prayed that this was the only time that his face would dissipate and go back to normal because they stuck out like a sore thumb.
The smell hit their noses first. The stench of wet and damp dog coming through the trees with the wind. Emerson didn’t understand how the other two could stand it, with their instincts and smell much more heightened than his own.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoMz9pllBLr
“Who are you and what are you doing in this territory? Especially with a human?” growled a voice in the trees. 75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjdCJwkh0di
“I am Emerson. Companion to the Saviour and we come to serve her.”75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUshVYSPkxr
“We have no one like that here. You must be lost. Get out or feel the wrath of our Alpha,” the voice spoke again. 75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHVaKcXJZ5i
Emerson sensed the trepidation from Angus and James behind him. However, the offer of meeting the Alpha was exactly what they needed. 75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpbL1OYUMz6
“Take us to him,” Emerson stated. 75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB9IbSO2Koa
Seven wolves came out from the trees, the dusk shadowed them well. He underestimated how much wolves had climatised to keep their identities hidden and it started to make Emerson in awe of them, rather than fear them.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0mHHMwPteP
“Hey fellas, I know this one. Smells familiar,” one of the wolves said as he circled around Angus. 75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCCnWM4f8DK
“Yeah, yeah you came with the Luna!” he continued.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe7jNaLu9QK
Angus shifted around uncomfortably. 75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4tSRRpf2Tz
“I assisted Miss Ivy into the territory, no Luna.”75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpaJHRoqrKY
“Oh no, she is Luna now. You helped our Luna,” the wolf said smiling.
Emerson observed the wolves that surrounded them and watched as they started to relax. He hoped that because she is Luna, wasn’t the only reason that his visions had stopped. Since Emerson had found the other two men, he had not one single vision. He prayed she was okay, and it seemed that she is doing more than okay. 75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiw48bGZCfk
The other wolves watched James and Emerson warily until the more friendly one of them spoke.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkmmsf69k0I
“What would our Luna want from a human, besides dinner?” he laughed.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPj3R610pMf
“I am here for her.”75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp3LBSOEg9l
“No-one takes our Luna,” the wolf growled. 75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0SHVw4H1Vl
“I am not taking her anywhere, so calm down. I need to meet with her, so please take us there,” Emerson said.
The wolf nodded to the others with a smirk on his face, and they proceeded to gather around in a circle formation. One pushed James in the back, to get him to start walking forward. One gathered Angus in his arms like they were old friends and continued talking. Emerson was left to the front of the group and led the walk with guidance from the tight circle of wolves around us. Emerson silently commended the pack with the technique. There was no way that one of them could leave without being ripped to shreds by a member of the pack. The only way out was forward and that would mean running deeper into the territory. I must remember to write that down thought Emerson. 75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsfF5bSnPR8
The forest was clearing and there was a silence within the community. It certainly created an eerie atmosphere as the sun began to fade. Coming out into the village itself, Emerson noticed the older houses, that look much like the houses in Angus’ village. Each home had their own independent vegetable garden and fruit trees that lined their yards. Smoke poured out of the chimneys of the houses which indicated that most of the pack was in their homes.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNN3iMixOMZ
“Where is everyone?” Angus asked.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡANtsOQjWcg
“Luna returned to the pack house today, so Alpha commanded everyone to stay indoors so she can rest,” a wolf replied.
His response seemed odd to Emerson, but then he saw it up ahead. The pack house was lit up like a Christmas tree. It was positioned so close to the rest of the village, now Emerson understood the Alpha’s order. The pebbled driveway was lined with oak trees, spread apart by a metre exact. The grounds were perfectly manicured with hedging that wrapped around the house and perfectly followed the shape of the stone walls. The house was not like the others, and it was built entirely from stone. It was clear that the house was built to survive impending attacks from other territories. It was on a grand scale and far better than Emerson had ever imagined. The house could easily have fit in the whole pack if the Alpha required it.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlVmbsNxWCV
The wolf that was talking to Angus, raced in front of Emerson to halt the circle, and announced he was going to get the Alpha. The wolf scurried off into the front door and Emerson knew that this one, was of higher ranking because he didn’t knock. His gaze shifted to the house again, while he waited and noticed the delicate carvings of wolves around the window frames. The territory must be centuries old, he thought.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDzAh9LvAxh
The wolf returned in haste.
“The Alpha will be with us in a moment, you have interrupted his dinner and guests.”75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡufY55SClIL
Angus and James joined Emerson’s side in silence as they awaited the arrival of the Alpha. 75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsNrogcJdz1
“The house is a beauty, isn’t it?” said Angus. 75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtrTrCU7ooz
Emerson and James nodded their heads in agreement. 75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFbjKeU23UG
“Alpha isn’t all that bad, he would do anything for Luna Ivy. You will be fine,” Angus reassured Emerson.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKl783y0qGt
His face glowed more than ever, and Emerson felt it in his cheeks and saw the reflection on the front door. A shadow emerged through the lights from inside the house. It got bigger and as it came to the door. The group stepped back as the Alpha ripped open the door. 75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfYSZFJHhg7
“What is the meaning of this?” he hissed. His voice was stern, but his attention fixated on Emerson’s glowing head. 75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxjoGlGopLc
“I am Emerson, the Companion,” he said confidently. 75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnz9ME0pM93
He knew that Alpha’s weren’t stupid wolves. If the Alpha had taken on his Luna despite their bond, he’d want to know everything there was to know about her. The Alpha stared at Emerson, stunned. 75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ56TMe8xjLV
“What’s with the head?” he asked abruptly. 75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiREGufyHdu
“Consider it a tracker for our beloved Saviour, Alpha,” Emerson said, and bowed his head slightly so that they were all aware he wasn’t a threat. 75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoaHLICBMoo
“I am Alpha Rowan, Companion. Who do you bring with you?”75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2CA9YrByUg
Emerson exhaled slowly with relief that the Alpha expected him one day or another. The mood felt instantly lighter with the revelation. Emerson pointed to James and Angus. 75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0IIe4Zf9bF
“This is James and Angus. They have each come across the path of the Saviour in the last few weeks. I believe you’ve also met Angus before.”75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqAjtJQ0ICw
Alpha Rowan looked at Angus up and down and then smelt him. 75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdkGZESyzM6
“Yes, you brought her to me?” he said. 75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtPeoeToA7o
Angus nodded his head to confirm. 75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSv2zPw3NRa
Alpha Rowan turned to the friendlier wolf, 75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZkXev7ESMT
“This is Alex, he is my Beta of the pack. You will show him the same respect that you show me.”75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuSrAiLfRkG
With his words he dismissed the others back to their posts for the night which left the five of us standing at the front door.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZF7raKRYuD
“The Luna does not know what is going on. I have not spoken to her of prophecies, Companions or anything. I gave her a book of local folklore which she read, and I think made some connections.”75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBCFekkV34y
The Alpha looked almost fearful about the reaction of his Luna. Perhaps it was fear of losing her to something much larger than their bond?
Emerson raised his hands to his chest. 75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBSj2pUQgrU
“We will not discuss such matters tonight, we are too hungry and tired to begin anything tonight, so you can rest easy.”75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr47IGzfKVS
“Alex, will you bring our guests in and show them to their quarters and organise some dinner from Audrey. I will resume my meal with my guests.”75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0lfSKzuVv5
Alpha Rowan turned and lowered his head, his eyes darted between the three of the newcomers. 75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvS54w6eYZG
“The Luna does not find out that either of you are here until I say so, understood?”75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxSqMs17t3y
“Yes,” they chanted. 75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl0xslQSUEr
“Companion, you will meet me in my office first thing in the morning. Alex will bring you from your quarters.”75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhGOULeu0dg
“Yes Alpha.”
Alex stood behind the Alpha and ushered them inside. They followed single file to the kitchen to fill their plates with the leftovers from the previous dinner. Emerson’s stomach grumbled loud enough to echo in the grand entrance of the pack house. Neither of them complained of the leftovers; they were famished. 75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Hwj8WuH1C
“What do you think will happen tomorrow?” asked James. 75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxGyS5Kddu9
Angus and Emerson shrugged, devouring one bite after another. 75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdBroTVhAZR
“It will be I, that has to explain this gently to her and Angus will be teaching her how to fight and use a weapon. James, you are the friend. You just need to be there for her.”75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxLdfDOPnLi
“Sounds easy enough,” smiled James. 75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf5YfkgwxxN
“Fellas, time to take you to your quarters,” Alex said, coming into the kitchen minutes later. He looked at the table and then looked at the three. 75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuFTdONuHHo
“Wow, you guys were hungry.”75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYgFBt3osaE
They quickly finished off the last of their meal and stood to follow Alex. Their bellies hung from overindulging and were slow to move. 75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuqbR2oF6Ua
“Right, well follow me. You will be staying on the second floor.”75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8nwMphETRU
Each of them grunted and groaned as they moved their over-extended bellies up the stairs.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC7Zq8Y52mn
“Shh!” Alex pleaded.
They finally got to the room and Alex was a wonderful host. He showed each of them their rooms and where the bathrooms were. Angus and James were a few doors down from Emerson’s and required to share the communal bathroom. Emerson had been given a room with its own private shower and Alex proceeded to show him how it worked.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIG60mcoqTN
“Are you going to take her?” Alex finally asked. 75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi8de9SH42i
“Who?” Emerson responded, playing dumb.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc5eanZudCy
“The Luna, you know, the whole reason you’re here?”75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbczpLiLPu7
“I will not take the Luna anywhere that the Luna does not want to go,” he lied. 75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzhmT6rIJ9D
“Okay, I only fear for you really, if you planned to.”75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6LTF4LfGd3
“Whys that?” Emerson pressed. 75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡckc2zzyMcj
“Well, Alpha Rowan has a wolf that he sometimes isn’t the best at controlling, and well, you are a human,” he said awkwardly. 75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm36F01pS5G
“What do you mean, has a hard time controlling Alex?”75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡojf59x6Jk3
“Just, when he is really mad or fearful, Olcan takes over and he takes over in a big way. Rowan has issues getting that control back when that happens,” Alex continued. 75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ZPHU48XEk
Emerson stood there shocked and didn’t realise that his face showed his emotion. 75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzIhkZ9UDjF
“It’s okay though, because you said you weren’t going to take her,” he said.
Alex retreated to the door as he said too much and left the room, leaving Emerson with his own thoughts. What is going to happen when Ivy needs to return to the Lycan’s? How will he react?75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtCrRMYiLup
So many questions twirled around in Emerson’s mind.
The food coma quickly took over and he found himself exhausted. Emerson quickly undressed and jumped in the shower to wash away the stench of the past weeks. He lathered his body in soaps and scrubs which reminded him of home. Emerson heard someone in the room through the water running in the shower. 75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkZ4gHfWCzK
“Hello?” he called from the safety of the bathroom.
No answer.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡChA3bsMwKq
After Emerson washed his hair, he hastily dried off and stepped out into the room. On the bed, there were clothes freshly cleaned and dried.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB0N2XwET2v
“The Alpha must know more than he is letting on,” he said to himself.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQfhyOBqhP0
The room was lit by candles next to the bed and he gently flopped onto the inviting mattress, amongst the extensive array of pillows. The quilt and mattress swallowed him whole. Emerson got his head comfortable on a solid pillow and his eyes began to get heavy. 75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8il3Fdxm4H
He yawned and forced his eyes closed, allowing sleep to finally consume him. 75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0PbnhMDbNM
