The Path of the Protector

Departing the Meadows

The next morning Emily was lead to breakfast where Brian and Ashley had also been brought too. The 5 Elders were there, and each bowed respectfully to Emily before seating themselves along the table.

"You will be glad to know that your message has been spread far and wide, and that we already have vows of support from many of the Wolf Packs. It is rumored the Alphas Council will be gathering to examine your claim, and will issue their ruling after you have submitted yourself for testing. That being said you know the choice before you." Selwyn said respectfully as they were served.

"Apologies but there is no choice, if I fail, we all fail." Emily said proudly. "How long is the journey to Ahnkara?" she asked.

"Trust is the first test, and you have passed it by arriving here. You face 5 additional challenges before you reach Ahnkara, and only those who started the journey with you may walk the path. If you are lucky, you will arrive at Ahnkara in time for the light of the full moon to fall upon your shoulders." He answered essentially saying it would take two weeks. "Each task will be performed prior to the next village, and we may not reveal what it was until after you have faced it. The goddess gives each of us many tools to fulfill her will, these tasks are meant to teach you of yours. Remember what each of you has been taught, and know only together can you overcome the obstacles you will face."

Emily nodded knowing that what he said was true, as she had to learn what she was capable of. "Thank you Elder, your words bring us hope that all will not be lost." Emily said relaying Selene's feeling as well.

"Trust in the mother, and each other. Only together can you overcome the obstacles before you." he replied before they stood and departed the village.

The Lycans of the village stood along the path between the Pack House and the edge of the houses. Each of the villagers bowed respectfully as Emily passed, and saluted Ashley and Brian as they passed a few paces behind her.

As soon as they turned up the path Ashkey and Brian walked alongside her, and they knew they were on the right path now. The first day was uneventful, and listening to what the Elders had said, they camped in the middle of the road.

The second day they found it unsettling that they had not encountered another traveler. Emily assuming that this path was maintained by magic, not the passage of travelers. She had been out into the woods many times, and normal trails were not so straight.

By the afternoon of the second day Emily saw the peak of a lone mountain, and knew their time was swiftly approaching for the next test. She had a feeling the warnings they had received were more of a hint than they should have been given.

She recognized the peak from her vision, and as they made camp she had the unmistakable feeling that they were being watched closely. "We need to set a watch tonight, I have a strange feeling." Emily commented and the other two nodded.

"I will take first watch." Ashley said as they gatjered many of the dead limbs that lined the road. Staying warm was not a problem, as they did not even have to leave the road to get the wood they needed.

They spent a few hours relaxing and cooking before Emily and Brian fell asleep.

Emily opened her eyes at the base of the Mountain again, and knew where she was. She was beginning to hate these, as it seemed like they took her entire night of rest and she was groggy all the next day.

'It only seems like the entire night because you remember so vividly, I assure you you have only ever been here for a few minutes at a time.' Artemis replied as Selene took form. 'Why so glum daughter?'

Selene looked up at the moon which was a reflection of the moon in the real world. "It is difficult to know what to do on this mortal realm, there is so much that has happened in a short time." Selene replied aloud.

'Ah, the trappings of the mortal realm. You know what must be done daughter, do nkt allow what has happened to sway you from that. Share with her what you know, talk to her, get to know her. Only when you work together can you become who you are meant to be!" Artemis said as a clap of thunder woke her up suddenly.

As the fog of sleep cleared, and she heard it again, did she realize it was not thunder but explosions. She had no clue where they were coming from, and she could tell Ashley was just as confused.

'Listen.' Selene said forcing her to stop where she was and pay attention. She heard many sounds, the first of which was a clicking sound that was nearby just before she heard an explosion at almost the same spot.

'I don't smell anything, you?' Emily asked her as she shifted almkst effortlessly. Selene sniffed the air and Emily felt the wierdest sense of deja vu. She could see and smell everything Selene did, but she was not controlling her body.

'Nothing, calm the other... Work together, they do not mean you me and Ashley, they mean me and you. They need to open their minds so they can hear their Wolves!' Emily said as Selene forced Ashley to stop. It took her only moments to explain to her what Emily had discovered.

"I have to admit talking to a Wolf sounds ludicrous, but I will give it a go." She said as Brian sat next to her.

"Focus on your senses, what do you hear? What do you smell? Clear your mind, and allow what is happening to wash over you." Emily said as the cacophony of sounds washed over her and was processed by both of them. "Use your mind to explore the depths, and find who is with you. Let their voice expand and be heard for the first time." she finished before Ashleys eyes snapped open. She had heard the voice, and told it had told her not to shift again before the full moon. It took everything she had not to jump out of her skin as Brian jumped to his feet and fell backwards as he heard the wolf in his head.

"What in the-" he screamed as his wolf began speaking to him again. "OK, that brings a whole new meaning to working together." he said looking at the other two.

The 3 listened to the music that the bugs were creating with what was happening.

"Cramus did say that not all kf the test would be what I thought. And that there were some truly interesting creatures in these woods." Ashley said as she relaxed before the bugs continued their treck across the plains.

Their sleep was fitful, Brian volunteering to stay on watch while they slept. Emily was at peace when she closed her eyes, knowing that the change had been subtle, but dramatic already.

The dawn came a few hours later, and both girls woke at nearly the same time as Brian watched over them. He had spent their last few hours soeaking with his wolf, amazed that he would have had the ability his entire life had he known. "Morning ladies." Brian said. They also heard a mental grumbling and Selene laughed when she heard it.

'Morning Grumpy old fart!' Selene yelled at the older wolf who had just grumbled.

Brian laughed as he had heard the thoughts that Selene had broadcast, and Ashley and Emily raised their eyes at each other.

"This workomg together may be more than I can handle." Brian joked as he heard all 4 women burst out in laughter. He knew it was going to be an interesting journey.

They ate a cold breakfast, and set out again along the path. Emily looked around enjoying the beauty, Selene scanning for enemies while she did it. They talked almost constantly, Selene teaching Emily what she knew of the Celestrial Plane of existence.

They did not stop at regular intervals, and just after the sun past mid day, they began spotting the first signs of life on an approaching village. Emily smiled as the forest began thinning, and she could tell that they would arrive at their destonation by the time it was dinner. They ate another cold meal, each of them hoping for the warmth of another hot meal and comforts of the more modern world.

Sure enough after they walked another 2 miles, they walked through the archway of a village, and it was obvious most of the Pack here was working the fields. An Elderly woman approached, and used her wolf to speak with them from further than she would be able to project her voice.

'Welcome to The Peak of Artemis, welcome after your second test.' she said as she projected it to the other wolves as well.

"Thank you for your welcome, I love the beauty of your village." Emily replied as they had now closed the distance.

'So you have learned indeed.' her wolf said clearly as if he had spoken. 'Yes indeed, have learned to harness your abilities no matter which form you are in.' she said warmly.

'We have indeed, and cannot wait to learn what we must here.' Selene replied without using Emily to relay her words.

The Elder Woman laughed at that, as she turned and motioned them to follow her. "The others will not be much longer in the fields, you are welcome to sit and keep an old wolf company while they finish their chores." she said without waiting to see if they followed her.

The 3 of them did indeed follow her, and waited until she sat before they sat around the fire with her. "It is not proper for royalty to wait on a low priestess to sit. However my bones are old, and will not stand on ceremony any longer." she explained. "I am High Priestess Helen, and I am well aware of who you are majesty. Who though, are your companions?" she asked warmly enough.

"My protector Ashley, and her father Brian." Emily replied introducing them to her.

"What of their wolves?" Helen asked.

"I do not know the names of their wolves." Emily answered.

"Ah, you have not learned the full lesson than. Working together is more than man and wolf working as one. We are pack creatures, and each of us has two souls that share the same body. How can you work together if you do not even know each others names?" Helen asked making a clear point none of them had considered.

"Your point is well seen Priestess, and it is an oversight we will rectify." Ashley replied.

'I would do so at the earliest opportunity, until each of you know both sides of the person, there can be no true trust. The Link is much more personal than what you can imagine, and should not be entered into lightly. I am Frost, wolf of Helen.' the voice said clearly to them as if she had been sitting among them.

"Your lesson here is clear, a pack is only as strong as their connection to one another. Alone we are weak, unable to scare off even the weakest of bears. Together we have the ability to bring low even the gods, as none can work as well as a close knit pack." she told them simply as the first of the villagers entered the other end of the village.

"Now, we have a meal to prepare. Will our guests help with the work?" Helen asked as more of the villagers entered.

"We would be happy to help." Brian told her as all 3 of them stood.