16 years later
The forest was alive the birds were singing and chirpimg the sun was hot but the wind was cold the first sign of winter, the Squirrel jumped down from his tree to collect a nut on the ground, Suddenly the forest went silent, the squirrel stood on its hind legs looking around sniffing the air it could sense it was being watched. Deathnight bursted through the brush, the squirrel sprang to the nearest tree but was caught mid-air. Deathnight crushed the rodents body, he turned around heading back to a field. In the middle of the field were two wolves, both were female one was his sister, Death night shook his muddied white fur his black birthmark on his shoulder was the only thing that didnt look dirty Deathnights eyes scouted the field his right eye which was red like blood while his left was blue as the sky.
It was rare for a wolf to have such eyes most eyes were brown, bronze, lime, and blue. Deathnight was a unique wolf who didn't belong in this world and that he could feel. Deathnight then saw who he was looking for it was a very large wolf with a brown diamond shape by his chest though his fur was going grey which Deathnight had only seen it happen to Norm wolves who live short lives.
Deathnight walk next to the wolf " Mortecai I'm ready for more training, and oh yeah i caught a squirrel on the way" Deathnight said, Mortecai turned around and grinned well then let us get going. Deathnight was standing in a fighter's stance waiting for an opportunity to strike, Mortecai had dodged most of his attacks. Deathnight struck out aim for the leather protected throat armour he almost had it when Mortecai, like the wind, swiftly crouched and pounced forward knocking Deathnight off his paws, Deathnight rose quickly but Mortecai was already downing on him.
Dagger rolled away exposing vital parts than any wolf could have torn at or rip apart. Deathnight whipped around Mortecai trying to read Deathnights moves, Deathnight sprang left but instantly sprang right but did not bite, instead he jumped over Mortecai and Turned around, he knocked Mortecai on the muzzle with his blunt wooden claws Mortecai sprang forward catching Deathnight by surprise, he took a hold of the leather on Deathnights throat and rolled bringing Deathnight down with him.
Deathnights leather neck armor tore apart, and he knew that he had lost. He got up Shaking he's ruffled up fur. Mortecai doing the same. " You're not alert enough" Mortecai said but laughed "but I'll be honest i was caught by that overlap move" he said, Deathnight was panting, they had been training for most of the afternoon" come on let's head back tomorrow we have a big day.
Deathnight entered the den that had the smell of fresh deer he walked into the dining den where His sister Mina sat waiting for them the other female entered " hello Cindertail, Mina" Mortecai said he sat at the other side of the deer they all were hungry.
" so, what the big thing happening tomorrow?" Deathnight asked needing for some conversation, Mortecai looked and Deathnight and lifted his head Cindertail had gotten up and said he needed to go, leaving the other three alone " I'm sending you to fight in the Sudina second pack army" Mortecai said, Minas eyes went wide and Deathnights eyes stared at Mortecai " wha?'' was all he could say "I prepared you for this, that unknown clan business is making all the clans tense especially since its been going on for sixteen long years, Sudina is looking for new recruits and I'm sending you to the second army which is like the royal army but has somethings you cannot do." Mortecai said but he paused for a moment, Deathnight was still shocked, Army? He always wished to be a warrior, but he had not expected it so soon.
Mortecai rose " But you'll have to first howl to the wolf gods and spirits and maybe they'll protect you...we all can feel that a war is coming" Mortecai said. Deathnight followed Mortecai on the large hill in the middle of the field " this field was where my father and brothers died in battle during the raging war against the badger clans. And so on this hill is sacred." Mortecai said, he looked at the moon " we shall howl to those that lost their lives and those who are still alive today" Mortecai said and breathed in deep Deathnight did the same and they howled For 2 hours before eventually going back to the den.
Next morning Deathnight and Mortecai had prepared themselves for the journey, eating what was left from last nights carcass they said they're good byes Cindertail looked like she was on the verge of breaking down " it will be alright, i promise." Deathnight said licking Cindertail on the muzzle, she looked at him, he had a great amount of respect for Cindertail when she found Deathnight and Mina in the woods or at least that's what she had told him but Deathnight had a bothering thought that there was more to the story.
Deathnight and Mortecai set off heading north they were at the edge of the Sudina borders, Deathnight had never been further than the packs territory they were in. The training dens were at quite a distance, at least a 5 days walk from home, Deathnight had decided that if he was going to walk, then he wouldn't wear any armor at all, it would make him over heat and it would slow him down, Cindertail helped him pack his equipment and put the sack on him it wasn't like the other things that even a norm wolf could cast the spell to let it latch on to you like th armor. Norm wolves were smaller and fierce and still follow the old pack ways. Dagger had learnt to not judge them for if he did Mortecai would give him a scar.
They had travelled for hours with out rest or food it was only when it was afternoon that they took a break by a stream that had Hares and rabbits alike, Deathnight did the hunting while Mortecai fetched leaves to make a sort of bedding place. Deathnight came back he had 3 Rabbits in his jaws he set them down and ran back in the bush he had laid two hares some where around here their scents were still strong but Deathnight couldn't find anything, he then picked up a different scent And before he could react another wolf jumped him from behind but Deathnight could sense that this wolf was inexperienced in expertised fighting and so launched the wolf off his back he twisted around and saw that the wolf had a sort of Rusty grey and black fur coat It was a male, Deathnight could feel the fighting spirit strong in the unknown wolf before the wolf could act a commanding bark had sounded from behind Deathnight " That's enough!" the wolf was Slightly smaller than Deathnight, " that wolf there has Sudina scent on him" the wolf barked again And as an mid Apprentice, you should have known that he was by scent and the way he walks in these lands Jarclaw" The wolf said disappointed.
it wasnt long before Mortecai walked up to the group the older wolf still scowling at the apprentice, Deathnight looked at Mortecai, his expression seemed as if he was just opening his eyes for the first time, Deathnight heard the older wolfs scowling grow quieter "you...you...Mortecai?" the older wolf said Deathnight looked at the wolf and back to Mortecai with a questioning face " Poka" was all Mortecai said, The wolf Poka walked forward, he was uncertain but started to sniff "its you for real" He said Mortecai gave a nod, the wolf stood in a dominants stance, " Why are you here!?" he growled, Deathnight was just getting even more confused.
Mortecai walked forward slowly " I'm taking my own Apprentice to the training dens" he explained, Poka looked at Deathnight he started to calm down " Yours?" he asked, Mortecai sat down " no he and his sister were found by a friend of mine" Mortecai said, Poka looked at Mortecai for a moment, Then nodded " Okay... Which dens is he going too?" Poka asked, Mortecai hesitated but shook his head " were off to Willow packs training dens" Mortecai answered, Poka sighed " I'm afraid you'll have to come with me to the packs dens" Poka said, Mortecai rose his muscles tensing. Poka lowered his shoulders " listen we've missed you despite the fact of you leaving us , it would do Mother a great favor to see you, since you left she is suffering a disease, so far the pack is trying to feed her and hydrate her we keep telling her to accept death and finally rest but she keeps fighting, she wants to see you but the alpha forbade it" Poka said, he looked at the First few stars that were starting to appear " but i guess hell have to put up with it just like he puts up the fact that you're his brother" Poka said and walked in a direction his apprentice following Mortecai stood there processing on what just happened.
Dagger stepped one paw forward, "Master Mortecai?" he said Mortecai shook his head, come on we might as well bring you're catch with. They both found the hidden carcasses behind some rocks and followed Pokas trail. Dagger was still shocked by the outcome. he had questions but knew better. They came to the edge of a clearing, Daggers eyes grew big in wonder and the dens at the bottom, the mage wolves and omega mages built the dens into almost different shape some were old other were being built, it looked almost like the packs in Coyo Toshi With log built dens. Poka came out the bushes " ill have to howl you're presence" he said and looked down he have over 70 members that's why its so big, then again all the packs are growing larger now that prey has refurnished" Poka grinned when he saw Deathnights expression "The pack has more mage and Omega mages that have many den building ideas.
Poka howled low and calmly, but the wolves at the bottom rushed to the side they rushed to their side and exposing their fangs. dagger bunched up his muscles looking carefully at each warrior. He then saw a wolf that looked almost like Mortecai, the only difference was the massive scar on his snout. the wolf charged forward aiming at Mortecai, Mortecai stepped aside as the wolf ran past, Mortecai twisted and jumped onto the attacker. Mortecai did bite the attacker instead he held him down " Little brother, please...calm down, i am not here to hurt any one." Mortecai said, the wolf below him gave up trying to get Mortecai off him, he got up and growled but he didn't speak. They walked back the other warriors at a ready stance the wolf lowered his head and the warriors relaxed and looked as if they were never aggressive, Deathnight looked at the scarred wolf 'cant he talk?' he wondered if the scar was the reason, Mortecai looked at the wolf "All in all ill say its good to see you again Snouttrap" Mortecai said, the wolf Snouttrap looked at Mortecai with threatening gaze but then looked at Poka and growled aggressively, Poka shrugged " I promised her" Poka said. Deathnight saw Mortecais ears perk up when he heard it.
They were escorted in to the den camp some wolves growled at Mortecai others whispered hello and some looked bewildered. Deathnight heard a menacing growl and saw a wolf run up a hill, he also looked like Mortecai but with a more brownish coat than Mortecais white turning grey coat, he stared at Mortecai with a glare that Deathnight couldn't resist to avoid
this wolf had a real leaders confidence. Deathnight knew that this was the the packs alpha.
The wolf growled at Mortecai and walked towards them both "who in wolf gods name do you think you are to think that you can come back!?" the wolf barked, Mortecai stepped forward in a dominance stance his muscles bunching, the alpha faced Mortecai with such hate that Deathnight started to look around at the warriors one flick of the alphas ear and they'd be fed to the crows. " i never came for a fight Brownrain, i came here cause our mother is sick and take my apprentice to the training dens" Mortecai said and stepped back, he didn't turn his back on the alpha Brownbear he stopped at Deathnights side. The alpha looked at Mortecai with hate but he stood still "you were to never return" Brownbear growled he stepped forward, "You decided to run off, so why do you come back?" he said.
Before he could take another step a cracked voice sounded from behind, The alpha turned and stepped aside as two females came to view one of them looked like by she wasn't fed for a few days her fur was all over the place, she couldn't walk quit well the other female supported her. "mother, you should be back at the den resting" Brownbear said but the she wolf ignored him, she saw Mortecai and her eyes that were slits opened wide "M-Mortecai?" she creaked she lurched forward the female helping her tripped over a root but the sick she-wolf kept moving almost every wolf gasped and tried rushing forward to catch her as she stumbled into a fall, both Deathnight and Mortecai were faster and lurched forward catching her just in time.
The wolves stared at them, Brownbear glared. Mortecai looked at his mother his eyes were worried and ashamed "Mother it is me i have returned, i should never have left" Mortecai closed his eyes, his body shaking, the she wolf licked Mortecai on the ear " No, don't blame you're self, I knew you wanted to run away I just didn't expect you to run without saying good bye to any of us" his mother said, Mortecai opened his eyes, "I came as soon as i heard you were ill, and you might not think its my fault it is i know i should've said my byes but i was so angry, it was no way to treat you" He said, Brownbear stepped forward but Poka sprang in front of him "Brother you should be happy, i know you are, i know you're mad but mother wouldn't want us to fight now we can finally unte with each other again, please forgive him" Poka said, Brownbears eyes softened and his body loosened he looked at the ground.
Deathnight moved out the way as Poka, Brownbear and Mortecai helped there mother back to her den. Soon after that Deathnight saw every wolf was staring at him he winced, these wolves must haven't seen my eyes before, he thought each wolf watched him with caution or maybe it was because he was just a stranger, a pup ran up to him " what's youre name?" he asked, Deathnight looked up and saw a female looking around worried, he lowered his head "I'm Deathnight" He said, some wolves started to growl but Deathnight simply picked the pup up and walked to the she wolf, she looked around to him and her face seemed to calm down, Deathnight laid the pup by her paws he said thanks and licked her pup on the snout.
Later that afternoon, Mortecai finally came out and fetched Deathnight and they both went to a den that was empty, a calf was already there they ate then they went to sleep with out speaking to each other Deathnight felt that he must leave Mortecai alone till tomorrow morning.
When morning did come Deathnight woke up and saw that Mortecai was no where to be seen, Deathnight walked outside the den. the morning sun was bright and the morning fog was thinning out, Deathnight saw a couple of armored wolves walked back into the packs den ville while another bunch walked off into the woods ' Probably patrols' Deathnight thought he walked down some wolves were already busy with their things and roles. Some wolves were basking in the morning sun, others busy in forge dens with magesmith wolves to help. Others were busy taking posts and helping with hunting or some would go out foraging for medical herbs and some she-wolf mothers took turns watching the pups with help of a guard.
Deathnight finally came across Poka who was giving some wolves plans and orders like a beta, but Deathnight now knows that Poka is actually pack leader not a beta. He went towards Poka " Morning" Deathnight said, Poka turned around and stared at Deathnight "Morning, hope you're ready to go meet our mother eh?" Poka said in a cheery tone, Deathnight stepped back "really?" Deathnight asked, 'why would they want me to meet her?' he thought then looked at the alpha dens 'or does she want to see me?' he thought, he was about to find out.
He walked in the den He saw Brownbear and Mortecai silently talking to each other Deathnight was still confused, Brownbear looked like he was ready to bite Mortecais tail off earlier and now they were talking to each other as if nothing happened, Deathnight also saw the Female she looked a lot better than yesterday she was eating a deer with such ferocity that Deathnight could almost imagine her hunger, Poka told him to address her as alpha Berryrose which Deathnight respected , when they entered alpha Berryrose lifted her head from her meal, "you must be Deathnight" she said, Deathnight nodded and lowered his body in a respectful bow, alpha Berryrose scoffed "No need for that young one" she said in a caring tone.
They had a deer together the alpha female was definitely feeling better but Deathnight could see that Mortdecai's eyes had pain in them when she coughed or needed to get up. Deathnight could understand after their meal, Deathnight was ushered out the den, he knew that they needed some time together after words Brownbear stormed out in anger Poka and Mortecai came out together, looking at Brownbear "he wont forget the fact you left" Poka said.
Soon it was already late and Deathnight went to bed early, he closed his eyes and soon he passed out though he was unaware of the shadow in the woods that watched him enter.
Morning rose it was the day he and Mortecai left to journey to the training dens, Mortecai and Deathnight walked to Poka who was waiting on the east side of the den ville. They travelled through the woods for a couple hours till the sound of wolves barking and the flow of a river grew louder. They came out a arched hedge bush and Deathnights eyes grew large.
Huge logs that were carved out by mage wolves these logs were afloat on the water a mage wolf in each, There were wolves waiting in lines to board the logs Deathnight, Mortecai and Poka went towards a small log that had wolf warriors and one mage in "this is a Battle log float, its faster than others so you'll reach the dens in no time probably before the sun sets behind the mountains" Poka said he came to Mortecai " youll come back right and bring back you're friends from where you lived?" Poka asked, Deathnight wanted to question but instead thought over it and decided not to.
Mortecai stared at Poka "I Promise" He said and signaled Deathnight to go. they boarded the log Poka howled from the bank and Mortecai howled back. Lateron they were finally on their way again, "so, that was you're family?" Deathnight asked, Mortecai nodded "yes but I'm not going to tell you the history" Mortecai said, Deathnight looked at Mortecai "I've got to be honest i always thought we were more like the Norm wolves, but we have advanced things they don't and we've got mages!" Deathnight said now excited, Mortecai laughed " you sound like a pup that had just seen snow for the first time, maybe i should've showed some of the other packs." Mortecai said they both started to rise as one of the warriors howled their stop.
The log thudded and A couple wolves on the bank ran forward catching the vines the warriors had thrown, they pulled them onto the bank. Deathnight and Mortecai climb off the captain of the log float barked his goodbyes and they were pushed off the banks by two Bears, Deathnight was bewildered, Mortecai laughed at Deathnights expression " there are other clans that don't have wolves in them."Mortecai explained.
They saw a massive stone hill that was domed shape only Two entrances visible, they walked up to a couple wolves waiting at the entrance "you applying youre apprentice?" a wolf asked Mortecai nodded "what class?" another asked, Deathnight could feel a strong energy coming off these wolves they were lean and Deathnight knew that they must be powerful and strong but he kept still, not showing anything " royal soldier class" Mortecai answered , there were several classes first class, second class, omega royal class and royal class and there were different sets like wielder, miner, medic, soldier and spying.
The wolf scoffed "what age?" He asked, Deathnight saw the wolves eye him 'do they thing im not fit?' he thought in worry, the wolf nodded and got up "alright then well take him if he fails, depending on the situation he will either stay and keep training or hell be sent back alone" The wolf said he turned and faced another group that was chatting inside the cave entrance "Beta Silverfang" the wolf barked out, a young female wolf ran towards them in a bit of calm excitement, "yes?" she asked, the wolf at her in a weird way, "Do you have space for one more member to you're pack?" He asked, she looked at Deathnight. "yes we do have some space, what is his name?" she asked, the wolf looked at Mortecai then at Deathnight he just walked away only the other wolf stayed behind "You two go inside, and you sir can head back home.
Deathnight said his byes to Mortecai. Deathnights adventures starts here at this training camp and he knew it, he trained for it. He was finally going to be a soldier of Sudina, he was ready for anything that came at him, and nothing will stop him!