Page 70 of Oath of Revenge
The two males with the four escorts called to him, and Brody’s spine stiffened. Wulfric’s eyes narrowed as he took in the clothing from his safe hiding spot near the edge of the forest. What were the emissaries of the Nightstalkers and Duskeepers doing in camp?
Wulfric pursed his lips and scanned his surroundings once more as Brody led them into the longhouse. He stepped out of the underbrush to the back side of the longhouse, following the shadows of it toward the three large tents. It was now more important than ever to talk to Elva the Elder.
He stopped at the back of the last tent, closest to the forest and sniffed, waiting to see if anyone saw or smelled him. The night seemed louder somehow. Faint sounds of laughter around various fire pits echoed through the camp, most of it on the opposite side of camp.
It was always quieter near the Elders, and Wulfric wondered how Brody’s presence had changed that. A change of leadership always made people push the boundaries, which would explain the two other tribe’s sending someone to check out the state of the Ironpaws. Rumors of Wulfric’s absence must have already made it to the other tribes.
After a few seconds, Wulfric lifted the back flap of Elva’s tent and stepped silently inside, stooping in a crouch. He blinked, his eyes adjusting quickly to the fire in the middle of the tent, smoke curling up and out through the smoke hole.
The bed of hides and stretched canvas on the opposite side was made, clothing folded neatly at the foot of it. To the right was a small work station with Elva’s beads, needles, and fabric. To the left was her cooking area, only a handful of bowls and cups stacked on a shelf.
Her dress, made of a thick hide material, was the deep brown color of tree bark and adorned with intricate patterns that reflected the culture of the Growlers. As she sat cross-legged, the slits in her dress revealed the pants underneath, providing warmth and protection from the frigid temperatures of their surroundings. The crackling fire in the nearby pit cast dancing shadows on her peaceful face, giving her an ethereal glow. Despite the harsh conditions outside, Elva seemed at ease and connected with nature as she communed with the elements around her.
Her wrinkled skin hung at the jaw, and her gray hair was kept in several braids down her back. The Elder’s rope on the crown of her head and the heavier beadwork bodice was the only thing distinguishing her from any other woman in camp.
She’d lost weight in the past few months. Before he’d been injured, several in camp worried that she would pass soon. But he knew she was stronger than she appeared. She took a deep breath and opened her golden eyes, peering at him with brows arched.
“Alpha, welcome home.” She nodded, the skin of her chin swinging slightly.
“Elder,” Wulfric nodded, then bent knees, palms, and head to the ground in respect before sitting back up on his haunches.
She waved a hand to the fire, and it flared green with magic.
“Join me, won’t you?” It wasn’t a question, but an order.
He sank to mirror her seated pose across from the fire pit. Her eyes had closed again, but he watched her carefully above the flames.
“You don’t seem surprised to see me,” he said quietly.
Her lips curled up on the ends, but she didn’t open her eyes. “I’m not. We knew you weren’t dead.”
“We?”
“The other Elders and I. We’ve discussed it at length and sought the advice of our ancestors and the gods.”
Wulfric waited but when she didn’t continue, he asked, “And did they answer?”
She simply nodded. “They did. I’m glad you’ve returned now, as the other tribal leaders will be arriving sometime tomorrow to discuss what happened. Care to tell me your version?”
More questions flew through his mind, but he had to focus on the information he needed. He’d been gone too long from Scarlet already. He should’ve brought her with him. He took a deep breath. There was no more time to lose.
“Elder, Brody attacked me in an illegal alpha challenge along with several of his friends. It was an ambush, and I’m blessed by the gods to have survived. I take it Brody thinks I’m dead?”
Elva nodded, eyes still closed with palms resting on her knees. “Yes, I suspected when they came back from patrol without you what had happened.”
“And you didn’t use a spell to insist they tell the truth?” No one ever knew what the Elders would do in a situation. The truth spell was possible, but it had been equally likely that they’d just wait and see what shakes out.
“No, I didn’t. I wanted to wait for your return before the Elders revealed their hand to Brody. I am glad you survived, Wulfric. He claimed it was a fair fight, of course, but the deliberate decision to disobey the rules of an alpha challenge didn’t sit well with several in the tribe.”
Some of the tension in his spine eased. “Good, that’s good. Yet he still claimed the alpha tent?”
“Yes,” she said with a weary sigh. “When you didn’t return the following day, there was nothing we could do. He’s had nightly meetings in the longhouse and has whipped most of the tribe into a frenzy.”
The tension was back, making him sit straighter, his hands fisting on his knees. “What’s his plan? Is he going to invade Busparia with the turned?”
Elva’s eyes opened, and Wulfric’s brows rose at the twinkle in them. Her smile widened as she replied.
“So many questions. It’s like the first day you were turned. Do you remember?”