Emerson80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqvgIoojEo4
“Whoa, your face is like a beacon!” said Angus.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbNnt5JGtEB
“We must be close now, and the Saviour is mad about something,” Emerson confirmed.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn808Y6RpK0
“How do you know?” asked James.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQQtHYMZe4j
“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. 80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuDMhVb1Zyl
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.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSyxyCkg65H
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. 80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSn1kiso6fB
“Are you ready?” Emerson asked, turning his head to each of them. 80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8fah9oNc5
A moment of silence in the woods was deafening. 80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVZ4i1kO4tD
“Can I just have a moment please?” Angus gulped. 80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBvHJvqFgpW
“It’s getting dark and close to dinner time, so please hurry up.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9X1MI2W2x7
“As soon as we step over this border, they will surround us,” James said. 80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsA2PGEeSrz
“Another pack from the South have sought refuge here, so the army numbers would nearly have doubled,” continued James. 80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoEJL5vhNyX
“Right,” Emerson said. 80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu4XntZ1sAw
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.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8vCld1nklH
“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. 80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6oMtL6xxu9
“Is that necessary?” Emerson asked.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6iFc4GbH7W
“Wolves don’t do things like Lycan’s do, we are very different nowadays and they definitely despise humans,” James confirmed.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRFcJVXAcQA
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.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBKQ4VlMRYN
“Who are you and what are you doing in this territory? Especially with a human?” growled a voice in the trees. 80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqEsCWScQpo
“I am Emerson. Companion to the Saviour and we come to serve her.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6rMRTBHxxS
“We have no one like that here. You must be lost. Get out or feel the wrath of our Alpha,” the voice spoke again. 80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4vp6J2svbd
Emerson sensed the trepidation from Angus and James behind him. However, the offer of meeting the Alpha was exactly what they needed. 80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ84qM8p7F6M
“Take us to him,” Emerson stated. 80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaLmIrQlPiI
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.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPWMopBDYlC
“Hey fellas, I know this one. Smells familiar,” one of the wolves said as he circled around Angus. 80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡURiD0shQel
“Yeah, yeah you came with the Luna!” he continued.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVxng9vMdLm
Angus shifted around uncomfortably. 80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIZdYvAOlcE
“I assisted Miss Ivy into the territory, no Luna.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ97GECLRg7r
“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. 80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZJAN3w3iSL
The other wolves watched James and Emerson warily until the more friendly one of them spoke.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1i36FwwEkw
“What would our Luna want from a human, besides dinner?” he laughed.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgDG0OWN9P8
“I am here for her.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7AHTdDL22F
“No-one takes our Luna,” the wolf growled. 80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHIyCCNiIgi
“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. 80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC9GlHr7m5F
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.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhx85T0XdHO
“Where is everyone?” Angus asked.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPDroFiX4Bd
“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.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy2Cz34ozH7
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.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtRsk0b0H9f
The wolf returned in haste.
“The Alpha will be with us in a moment, you have interrupted his dinner and guests.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8V4BHc47K2
Angus and James joined Emerson’s side in silence as they awaited the arrival of the Alpha. 80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGLa6ZpwYxX
“The house is a beauty, isn’t it?” said Angus. 80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKFOUGeS6m4
Emerson and James nodded their heads in agreement. 80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr26WMyHQlw
“Alpha isn’t all that bad, he would do anything for Luna Ivy. You will be fine,” Angus reassured Emerson.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpJLiTNKmEi
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. 80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0IbLGxkhVR
“What is the meaning of this?” he hissed. His voice was stern, but his attention fixated on Emerson’s glowing head. 80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDnYXtaAFk2
“I am Emerson, the Companion,” he said confidently. 80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoWUkMsrzzE
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. 80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPrGX45oGKn
“What’s with the head?” he asked abruptly. 80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7SkNjVPpxd
“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. 80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwYg95TFJff
“I am Alpha Rowan, Companion. Who do you bring with you?”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPlF06gxITg
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. 80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXl9Pa9GVgH
“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.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP8O74zcAp9
Alpha Rowan looked at Angus up and down and then smelt him. 80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfZyVsHwL2F
“Yes, you brought her to me?” he said. 80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxtI5hyRNTB
Angus nodded his head to confirm. 80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf9fsg0LAHt
Alpha Rowan turned to the friendlier wolf, 80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxkHRSigNji
“This is Alex, he is my Beta of the pack. You will show him the same respect that you show me.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG04HuLJKuj
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.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ3zhmWENbe
“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.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdM9pWMgT17
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. 80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhiDVRvANFj
“We will not discuss such matters tonight, we are too hungry and tired to begin anything tonight, so you can rest easy.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl2N4b041mt
“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.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWSiTLlJIhu
Alpha Rowan turned and lowered his head, his eyes darted between the three of the newcomers. 80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Il9h7kJKI
“The Luna does not find out that either of you are here until I say so, understood?”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuKv4pnSrvA
“Yes,” they chanted. 80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0pjMYnUSBZ
“Companion, you will meet me in my office first thing in the morning. Alex will bring you from your quarters.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPjLzZhQWT0
“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. 80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAnub4PHsG0
“What do you think will happen tomorrow?” asked James. 80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5H3EaYjiuE
Angus and Emerson shrugged, devouring one bite after another. 80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVoHKtBaUeC
“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.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV1d42BDjgz
“Sounds easy enough,” smiled James. 80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN27Q9f8EGa
“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. 80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY0cNEN4hL6
“Wow, you guys were hungry.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqWrhZ80GcL
They quickly finished off the last of their meal and stood to follow Alex. Their bellies hung from overindulging and were slow to move. 80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2jPvgKUJlJ
“Right, well follow me. You will be staying on the second floor.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA3whU7Ijzc
Each of them grunted and groaned as they moved their over-extended bellies up the stairs.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwXS0y2lamP
“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.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡehRsvboY0c
“Are you going to take her?” Alex finally asked. 80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhapTagSiJh
“Who?” Emerson responded, playing dumb.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgon3MKbnv3
“The Luna, you know, the whole reason you’re here?”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKndb6ugCN0
“I will not take the Luna anywhere that the Luna does not want to go,” he lied. 80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZUxLVgV3d9
“Okay, I only fear for you really, if you planned to.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhZRqQx6hFx
“Whys that?” Emerson pressed. 80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWjZcDrSK2m
“Well, Alpha Rowan has a wolf that he sometimes isn’t the best at controlling, and well, you are a human,” he said awkwardly. 80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6pnaSJJUJl
“What do you mean, has a hard time controlling Alex?”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXKBucxqX8W
“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. 80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYnELtEUuF4
Emerson stood there shocked and didn’t realise that his face showed his emotion. 80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡotZeOwgWHC
“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?80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvfd8GwDCN7
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. 80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3L0u7soo2s
“Hello?” he called from the safety of the bathroom.
No answer.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUPSzY3kWUx
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.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaJShe5qWUj
“The Alpha must know more than he is letting on,” he said to himself.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhzVIqBPzFF
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. 80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPsG5gdks9Q
He yawned and forced his eyes closed, allowing sleep to finally consume him. 80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8yUGK8VWPB
