The Cloak Of Moonlight

Ch. 5: More Questions Then Answers.

        Lovetta had just finished with her bath and had put water in a pot hanging over the fire. She frowned slightly as she pored the rice in and sat down next to the warmth. There must be a way, but the word of a Keppa isn’t much. She knew Quist was behind this but had no proof, without proof there could be no trial.

        I bet that’s what he was talking about before the opening speech yesterday. Cathwulf had to of been the one who attacked with the way she behaved during the celebration. But we have no proof, so does this injustice go without resolve for the pack? What could Ranulf do without any proof? The council will not allow a death sentence without a trial. How could he possibly punish them? If he were to banish them on hear say it will only create more tension, and if he does nothing that’s even worse. What will the pack think?

        Her mate Ivan walked in and rubbed her shoulders in understanding silence, he was so sweet and attentive to her. In all the years of their life together he had never intentionally hurt her, betrayed her or let her down. He was a good wolf, although he was a rambunctious cub, always out with the boys causing mischief. Where as she always had her snout tucked into the covers of a dusty book. They were good friends during their pup years, almost inseparable. During the teenage/cub years they grew apart.

        At the time she was her predecessors second, training to take her place at the clinic. Ivan was always either practicing his mating skills with the single Keppas, or starting fights with other cubs. He had a dark view on the mate bond, and believed he could never find his mate because of the teachings of his mother. He had been born out of bond to an unmated Keppa in her early wolf years.

        She remembers the jealousy flooding her body when she saw him at a party back when they were sixteen with two girls hanging on either shoulder. She had run home crying shielding her face from the crowd, hysterical she collapsed on her bed. That’s when she knew, although not fully formed she knew it was there. He was her chosen one.

        She still wasn’t sure if he had seen her flee that night, eyes puffy and mouth agape. She suspects he did because that was the night he changed. He would ‘accidentally’ bump into her from time to time. Then he would start dropping by the library to visit her. Finally he started bringing her gifts, a flower found along the road here, a necklace he picked up in town there. She hasn’t seen him with another woman sense.

        He joined the warriors and left when he was seventeen for the war. She had never cried so hard before or sense. He returned a wolf a year later, and they mated, under the stars and atop the cliff solidifying their bond until the end of time.

        She smiled fondly thinking of that moment again from years before. She turned to trace the fine lines that had grown on his face throughout the years since that night. She loved each and every one of them, just as she loved all the moments that created them. He gazed down at her concerned.

        “Lovetta hummingbird, are you okay? I didn’t hear you come in last night, have you slept yet?”

        “No, I haven’t had the chance, Mazicane was attacked last night and it’s a miracle she managed to survive.”

        “That’s awful, I know how close you two are. Is there anything, anything at all I can do?” He asked, eyes wide and worried as he took her into his arms. She inhaled deeply, breathing in his scent of citrus trees and cedar. I'm probably the reason for each and every one of those lines. She thought as she relaxed in his arms and stood there in silence for a moment before answering with a sigh.

        “Actually yes, I must return and I’m running low on herbs. I haven’t got the time to collect or order them. I don’t trust the nurses to do more then read the bottles and follow premade instructions, and I’ve been stretched so thin lately.”

        “Okay hummingbird, make me a list and I’ll play fetch.” he taunted, the worry in his eyes still there but a tender smile graced his lips. Oh, how she loved him, she thanked the Goddess every morning for another night spent wrapped up in his arms. Lovetta planted a kiss firmly upon his lips grabbing her notebook and rechecking her inventory. As Ivan Finished her rice for her and set her plate at the table, she made the list.

        “So the Willow and Birch bark with Chaga mushrooms are easy to find. Chaga, if you remember from all those times helping me study grows on birch trees. The Lion’s mane is spiny and grows on dead wood. All of these can be found on the rivers edge. Except for these ones here which are the most important. -Burdock and Yarrow, which grows along the shade of mountains. I know it’s a long run and will take hours to travel there, but it could be the saving grace for Mazicanes’ recovery.”

        “Then I should probably get started.” He nodded taking the list from her hands. “Is there anything else?” He asked.

        “Candle lit dinner at the clinic?” She asked sweetly. Letting out a yawn and handing him a book titled ‘The Alchemists’ Handbook’ before sitting down to eat. "This will help you if you have any questions."

        “Yes Lovetta, ask and it shall be done. ” he smiled warmly planting a kiss firmly on her cheek and grabbing his coat before he left. She ate quickly and washed the bowl before stoking out the fire and leaving for the clinic.

        Lovetta arrived and Ariam was still there. Only he was now pacing back and forth almost frantically. He was so deep in thought he didn’t notice her enter. Just as well. She thought as she left him to check on Mazicane who had some color returning.

        Lovetta wasn’t sure it was a good thing because she had broken out in fever. A werewolfs’ paw is a nasty thing she thought. it’s a good thing I sent Ivan to get those herbs. She placed a cold rag on her forehead wiping away the sweat and trying to cool her. Then Lovetta started forcing her to drink water. Just a little more Mazicane, I know, I know… Wait not to much or you’ll choke. A knock rasped on the door interrupting her.

        She opened it frustrated thinking it was Ariam and was surprised to see Ranulf standing before her. She glanced over to see Ariam eating a plate Ranulf must of brought him from the manor.

        “Yes Alpha, How can I help you?” She Asked bowing her head and wiping the water from her hands.

        “How is she holding up?”

        “As much as I would like to say she’ll make it, I cannot be sure. Yes she’s alive, which speaks volumes. But she has sustained multiple broken bones and four deep gashes across her body. I’m not worried as much about that as I am about the nasty fever she has found in the night.”

        “I see. So her fate is yet decided.” he said gazing over her shoulder at Mazicanes’ body lying in the cot.

        “If it brings you comfort Alpha, she’s already decided her fate. I suspect her dormant wolf is pushing her forward and the Goddess is giving her strength.” Lovetta stepped to the side and gestured towards Mazicane “Please Alpha.”

        Ranulf walked in with Lovetta closing the door behind them. He walked over to her frail tiny body and caressed her cheek as he would his own pup. Mazicanes’ brows were furrowed as she struggled with an unseen battle and sweat beads covered her delicate face. Goddess, help this cub keep the strength she needs to recover. Goddess please… watch over her and give her pleasant dreams. Allow her to break through the darkness and guide her back to us. He tenderly took the rag and placed it in the bowl of cool water before wringing it out and wiping her face. He repeated this process returning the rag to her forehead to rest. Pain is Pain. He thought turning back to Lovetta.

        “Ariam found her correct?”

        “Yes Alpha.”

        “I need to talk to you two a moment, Lovetta do you have a spare office available?”

        “Yes Alpha, right this way please.” She said double checking the charts and sending a mind link to her nurse Ella. Change her bandages, and keep coxing water down her. Keep an eye on her fever and knock on room 5 if her condition changes. She walked him down the hall and Ariam joined in behind them, they turned left into the last room and closed the door.

        “Lovetta, Ariam, Please sit.” Ranulf asked and they complied. “This is a sad day for my pack. Ariam, you found Mazicane. Please tell me what happened after the hunt.”

        “I had drug the bear to the community kitchen where the Omegas were waiting to clean and preserve the nights' bounty. I wasn’t sure if Mazicane had left the party yet and Fenrir insisted I should check on her so I tried to link her. When that didn’t work I checked the courtyard and gardens. I decided she must of gone home to sleep. I almost returned to my room to turn in but something told me to make sure. It was still relatively early so I decided to walk to her cabin. I found her lying half a mile from her home in the road. I howled an alarm but I didn’t think she was alive. I had to check, her pulse was weak and I could see her dress ripped open with her wounds exposed. I bandaged it up the best I could and that’s when Lovetta arrived.” He was holding his emotions in check better then he thought he could, but still was swallowing down the urge to cry.  

        “Ariam, did you Pass anyone on the road to her house?”

        “No Alpha.”

        “Lovetta, I understand you approached the scene from a different direction, did you see anyone?”

        “No Alpha I didn’t see anyone, I came from the forest." She paused to recall. "I definitely smelled blood but I was told to run. It was an emergency so I didn’t have time to analyze it.”

        “I understand.” Ranulf sighed rubbing the bridge of his nose between his fingers, pausing for a moment. “These things spread like Wildfires, whispers are already making rounds and I must decide what course to take and quickly. There will be a meeting in the courtyard at noon, please attend as it's mandatory. Thank you both, Healer, Guardian, you have been very helpful.” He said smiling sadly and going towards the door.

        What to do, what to do. Everyone knows who to blame, but without Mazicane conscious I cannot even slap a wrist. He thought as he walked towards the manors gardens. He needed time and space to think carefully. For his next move would have to be perfect in order to avoid the storm that was brewing. He sent a Mind link to the packs tracker Check the surrounding woods between Mazicanes' home and the woods, I have a feeling she went down swinging He transmitted as  he entered under the lattice archway leading into the garden. There must be some answers somewhere. He thought, sitting on a bench.