Chapter 12: The Search
3719 Words
Daniel and David sat in the Alpha of the Diamond Pack’s office. It had been three days since the search crews had headed out, each day calling him with no news of his daughter. He was frustrated and feeling defeated. “To what do I owe the honor this little visit?” Alexander asked snidely. “Over the past month’s our pack has been experiencing troubles leading to the attack of three wolves and kidnapping of one and one missing.” “My, my has the Great Alpha Daniel made enemies?” “I don’t know if my pack is being targeted, or if Lycans in general are being targeted. What I do know is that two wolves are dead, and my daughter was taken prisoner.” “I hate to be the barer of bad news Daniel, but I believe its just you. Aside for a few runoffs my pack has not experienced any troubles.” “What do you mean runoffs?” “A few people didn’t manage their wolf awakening well and ended up running away.” “How many is a few?” “Seven to be exact.” “You didn’t find it odd that seven wolves would run off.” “Why should I trouble myself or this pack over a few bad apples?” “The apple truly doesn’t fall far from the tree. You are truly your father’s son. Like him you rather write off an incident as something absurd just so you don’t have to do any work.” “Watch your tongue Daniel, you’ll do well to remember whose territory you stand on while you speak ill of myself and my father.” “Something is going on, Alexander. These are dark days for the Lycan race, you can not sit back and turn a blind eye to that.” “Both my patience and hospitality have worn thin; I believe it’s time for you to leave. Daniel, David, I hope that the Goddess spares us having to meet again any time in the near future. Dior the head omega will see you out.”
“Well, that was a waste of time,” David spoke as he mounted his horse. “It wasn’t a complete waste.” “How can you say that s**t show wasn’t a waste.” “Because we now know they are missing seven young wolves. Now come on if we hurry, we can make camp before sundown.” He clicked his tongue urging his horse to move forward at a trot. They rode side by side traveling North towards the Full Moon Territory. “Why do always take the horses when traveling to other packs?” “While our pack has chosen to embrace the human world and the technology they hold, that’s not the case for other packs. The New Moon pack is so cut off from the human world it is impossible to reach their territory by vehicle.” “So how far is Full Moon from here?” “It’s a six-day ride from here. Zion is still Alpha there, his son A’mere is still in training.” “Zion was Alpha during the time of the traitor, wasn’t he?” “He was, he hadn’t even been Alpha for cycle of the Moon when he had to deal with treason amongst his people. I am grateful for his handling of the situation and our packs have had a good relationship during his time as leader.” “Thank the Goddess, I don’t know if I can hold my tongue with another prick like Alexander.” “We shouldn’t have any more troubles like that. Luckily, that form of idiocy seems to stay within the Diamond pack.”
The two Lycans arrived at the Full Moon territory weary of their travels, the search parties had still not found Abel or Rose. They were no closer to finding out who was behind this, than they were the day of the attack. “Daniel, my old friend to what do I owe the pleasure of this visit,” Zion called from the entrance of the pack house. “How are you brother,” Daniel called back hopping from his horse before being engulfed in a bear hug by the Full Moon Alpha. The two men laughed together as they walked inside. “Are you two hungry?” “I’d be a liar if I said we weren’t,” Daniel chuckled as Zion informed a young omega to bring three plates for lunch to his office.
Once behind the closed doors of Zion’s office, the three men’s demeanor changed to a more serious tone. “Daniel, while I am always happy to see you. I am quite aware that this is not a social call. No Lycan travels for over a week’s time on horse back to ask how someone is doing.” “I am afraid you are right about that, Zi.” “So, what brings you here?” “There is something dark happening amongst the Lycan. Roughly at six months ago, a wolf disappeared the eve of his sixteenth birthday. I sent out search parties to find him, but they came up empty handed. To give my pack closure I presumed him dead and lead a service. As you are well aware given the number of young men from your pack that were present, there was attack on the night of my daughter’s ceremony.” “I am aware, I’ve doubled my patrol since they arrived back with word of the young girl’s death. My pack mourns your pack’s loss and grievance.” “The young girl’s death is not the only thing to happen, a girl was attacked the week before she recently passed away her wolf was unable to heal her. Gamma was attacked, and my daughter was kidnapped.” “Do you have any clues as to whom is behind the attacks?” “No, we know that the attacks were by another Lycan who hid his scent. We believe he/she may be collaborating with a warlock or witch.” “I may be able to lend a few warriors to help protect your pack, but I don’t know of what use I could be to you. Pack is vastly smaller than your own.” “I was hoping you could help me in another way.” “What do you mean, brother?” “Have you had any pack members disappear?” “No, I’m sorry.” “Damn, I was hoping we would find some clues here. I spoke to Alexander before coming here. He had seven wolves disappear and wrote them off as runoffs.” “I’m sorry. I wish I could help you.” “It’s all good, brother. I’m glad that your pack hasn’t experienced any troubles.”
“I wouldn’t say that the past two years have been the most peaceful my pack has ever known.” “What do you mean?” “Fourteen years ago, I had four wolves disappear, I wrote the Elders about the matter. After an investigation they were deemed to have gone rogue. Eight years ago, three wolves who sat on my pack’s court for a long time were found dead, all from apparent suicide from drinking liquid silver. They each left behind a letter stating the same. Then three years ago, I had nine wolves declare what they called a new order asking others to follow them. While no one else followed them they were declared rogues. I haven’t seen or heard from them since.” “Do you think what happened to your pack, and what is happening to mine now could be connected?” “I doubt it. I believe my pack’s misfortunes were simply that woes of where I lacked in leadership.” “I don’t believe you ever lacked in leadership, Zi. Did you happen to keep records on the incidents?” “I have files on all of them, even the suicide letters. Why do you ask?” “Would it be of any trouble for me to review them?” “If you can find some answers in there, be my guess. You can take them with you. It’s high time my pack leaves the past in the past.”
The following morning with the files from Zion stored away securely, they set out for Crescent Moon. They stopped to make camp before sundown, once they had the fire going, Daniel sat with his back against the trunk of a tree pulling the first file from his bag, he began to read:
August 17, 2007
During morning training of August 12, 2007, at 545 am, it was discovered that Charles (age nineteen brother of known traitor of the Full Moon Pack with intentions to cause harm to the Blood Moon Pack by conspiring with a person of magic form) had failed to attend. Upon further investigation his room was found to be void of personal belongings. It was reported that a horse and buggy were also missing from the pack’s stable. The incident was in turn reported to the Elders. Upon investigation conducted by Alpha Zion, and the five Elders with no proof of any force or bodily harm. Charles is deemed to have left the pack on his own free will and will hence forth be classified as a rogue no longer a member of the Full Moon Pack.
On the afternoon of August 12, 2007, it was discovered by another pack member that Analise (twenty-nine-year-old widow of fallen warrior Darren) and her two children Ellen (eleven-year-old daughter) and Eliza (five-year-old son). Her home void of personal belongings such as clothes. The Elders were notified in the same report as missing warrior Charles. Upon investigation by Alpha Zion, and the five Elders with no proof of any force or bodily harm. Analise, Ellen, and Eliza are deemed to have left the pack on their own free will and will hence forth be classified as rogues and no longer members of the Full Moon Pack.
Disclosure: The fact that Ellen and Eliza are still pups does not go unnoticed by the court or Alpha of the pack. It has been declared that should ether approach the pack seeking sanctuary when they come of age, shall be gracefully welcomed with open arms. At no time shall the court or Alpha punish a pup for the crimes of the parent.
Court Administrator
Martha of Full Moon
When he finished reading the file, he neatly tucked it back with the rest of the reports and stored it away. He leaned back closing his eyes trying to find sleep, but his thoughts kept wondering to what he had read in the file. What mother would risk the well being of her children that way.
The next morning, they saddled up resuming their travels. It was mid-day when the satellite phone began to ring, well before it was time for any of the troops to check in. Daniel could feel his heart began to race as he hit the green answer button placing the phone to his ear. “Report,” he spoke his voice gruff from his mouth feeling suddenly dry from nervousness. “This is troop seven traveling North-East in the search of Roselin,” the voice spoke on the other side of the line. “What news do you have of my daughter?” “We are currently stationed ten miles south of Elven territory. We have found what looks to be pieces of fabric matching the gown your daughter was wearing the night of the attack.” “Is there anything other than the elves in that area, humans, warlocks, or rogue Lycans?” “No sir, we’ve only picked up Rose’s scent and the Elves.” “Gather the evidence that you have found, and head to the nearest town. I’m sending someone to pick you up and bring you back. Keep in touch.” “Yes, Alpha.” The voice spoke before disconnecting the call. “It looks like our journey ends here for now, one of the groups found something. We need to head back immediately.” He spoke to David as he turned his horse around. Tossing the satellite phone to him, “Call the troops back in, and have two warriors drive out North-East to pick up troop seven. Tell them we will keep them posted on the troops exact location as we are updated.”
They travelled back towards Blood Moon territory only stopping when necessary to rest the horses. They arrived to find that troop seven had not yet made it back. Daniel hopped off his horse heading straight for his office. Billy was already there waiting for him, “David said that one of the groups found Roselin.” “They found clues as to her whereabouts, I’m still waiting for their return to verify.” “Do we have time? Shouldn’t we act now to ensure finding her still alive.” “We can not run into another’s territory with no verification. What if they are wrong? Then what? We will have started an unnecessary war and Rose will still be missing. Do you understand?” “Yes, Alpha. My apologies for my naiveness.” “Go join David and leave me be for the moment. He is in the courtyard waiting for the troop to arrive. When they do, I want what ever they have gathered taken straight over to Sadie for analyzation.” “Yes, Alpha.” He spoke bowing his head before leaving Daniel alone in his office.
Daniel sat at his desk letting out a sigh as he pinched the bridge of his nose. After a moment he retrieved the files from his folder pulling out the second file he began to read:
April 16, 2013
On the morning of April 11, 2013, members of the Full Moon high court Martha, Valcuer, Diane were all found dead in their homes prompting the Alpha to immediately notify the five Elders. On April 13, 2013, the five Elders visited the Full Moon Pack to conduct an investigation (viewing the three scenes of death as well as the three bodies.) After a thorough investigation it was declared that all three Lycans had died by their own hand. Each had drunk liquid silver proving to be immediately fatal for both them and their wolves. No sign of struggle or forced entry was reported. At each location of death, a letter addressed to the Alpha was discovered explaining why the three felt the need to end their lives. They were laid to rest in pack’s cemetery on April 14, 2013, a conjoined ceremony was held at the time the moon sat at its highest peak. This file contains the death reports, death certificates, and suicide letters of each individual.
Report of Death
Name of Individual: Martha of Full Moon
Estimated Time of Death: 346 am
Cause of Death: Suicide by ingestion of liquid silver
Investigation of findings: At 600 am on April 11, 2013, Martha’s grandchild who often joins her for breakfast knocked on her door. When his Grandmother failed to answer he let himself in. He called out to her a few times without receiving a response, when he approached her room, he could immediately see the shadow of her body laying in the floor. He discovered her to be unresponsive and not breathing leading him to immediately call for the doctor. The doctor arrived pronouncing her dead upon arrival. After an autopsy was performed cause of death was determined to be ingestion of liquid silver.
Notes: There was no sign of forced entry or struggle. A suicide letter addressed to Alpha Zion lay on her pillow.
CERTIFICATE OF DEATH
NAME: Martha of Full Moon
DOB: January 6, 1903
DOD: April 11, 2013
CAUSE OF DEATH: Suicide
DAY OF BURIAL: April 14, 2013
FINAL RESTING PLACE: Full Moon Pack Cemetery
Alpha Zion,
By the time you read this letter I will have already passed to be welcomed or shunned by the Goddess. It may perplex you as to why I have decided to end my life after all these years. It is because I can no longer live with the regret, her ghost haunts me every day. Whether you choose to believe it, Whether you choose to see it we convicted an innocent woman all those years ago. We accused of treason, we accused her of conspiracy with no proof. We held no evidence of such events ever taking place, but yet we condemned her. We lead her to her death, and for that I will never forgive myself. We took her from her pack, her family, and her home. We had no right to cast the judgement we did, and for that in the end we will all pay.
Sincerely,
Martha
Report of Death
Name of Individual: Valcuer of Full Moon
Estimated Time of Death: 433 am
Cause of Death: Suicide by ingestion of liquid silver
Investigation of findings: At 715 am on April 11, 2013, Valcuer’s son awoke to find his father laying in the kitchen floor. He discovered him to be unresponsive and not breathing leading him to immediately call for the doctor. The doctor arrived pronouncing him dead upon arrival. After an autopsy was performed cause of death was determined to be ingestion of liquid silver.
Notes: There was no sign of forced entry or struggle. A suicide letter addressed to Alpha Zion lay on the kitchen table.
CERTIFICATE OF DEATH
NAME: Valcuer of Full Moon
DOB: November 26, 1954
DOD: April 11, 2013
CAUSE OF DEATH: Suicide
DAY OF BURIAL: April 14, 2013
FINAL RESTING PLACE: Full Moon Pack Cemetery
Alpha Zion,
By the time you read this letter I will have already passed to be welcomed or shunned by the Goddess. It may perplex you as to why I have decided to end my life after all these years. It is because I can no longer live with the regret, her ghost haunts me every day. Whether you choose to believe it, Whether you choose to see it we convicted an innocent woman all those years ago. We accused of treason, we accused her of conspiracy with no proof. We held no evidence of such events ever taking place, but yet we condemned her. We lead her to her death, and for that I will never forgive myself. We took her from her pack, her family, and her home. We had no right to cast the judgement we did, and for that in the end we will all pay.
Sincerely,
Valcuer
Report of Death
Name of Individual: Diane of Full Moon
Estimated Time of Death: 553 am
Cause of Death: Suicide by ingestion of liquid silver
Investigation of findings: At 825 am on April 11, 2013, While cleaning the offices of all the high court and leaders of the pack an Omega discovered the body of Diane lying motionless in her office floor. Upon further observation the Omega noted that Diane was not breathing. She immediately notified the pack’s doctor. The doctor arrived pronouncing her dead upon arrival. After an autopsy was performed cause of death was determined to be ingestion of liquid silver.
Notes: There was no sign of forced entry or struggle. A suicide letter addressed to Alpha Zion lay on her desk.
CERTIFICATE OF DEATH
NAME: Diane of Full Moon
DOB: July 19, 1936
DOD: April 11, 2013
CAUSE OF DEATH: Suicide
DAY OF BURIAL: April 14, 2013
FINAL RESTING PLACE: Full Moon Pack Cemetery
Alpha Zion,
By the time you read this letter I will have already passed to be welcomed or shunned by the Goddess. It may perplex you as to why I have decided to end my life after all these years. It is because I can no longer live with the regret, her ghost haunts me every day. Whether you choose to believe it, Whether you choose to see it we convicted an innocent woman all those years ago. We accused of treason, we accused her of conspiracy with no proof. We held no evidence of such events ever taking place, but yet we condemned her. We lead her to her death, and for that I will never forgive myself. We took her from her pack, her family, and her home. We had no right to cast the judgement we did, and for that in the end we will all pay.
Sincerely, Diane
Daniel stared at the papers in front of him, every time he read them, they made less and less sense three separate suicides and the persons who committed them just happen to write the same suicide letters word for word. It didn’t sit right with him, it left him wondering why the Elders didn’t question the letters. Another thing that didn’t sit right with him, was the disappearance of the four wolves and the suicide of the three all seemed to be linked to the traitor Atila. (Why was that information alone not documented.) “Alpha, Sadie has finished analyzing what the troop brought back.” David spoke through the pack link jerking Daniel from his thoughts. “What did she discover?” “I believe you should come speak to her directly, sir.” “I’m on my way over, now.” He stacked the files neatly back into their place before locking the folder away in his safe. After making sure they files were secure he headed to the pack hospital to see just what exactly Sadie had discovered.
- Writer
