Most elders did. Appearing from nowhere and immediately offering opinions nobody requested. This particular elder belonged to Calloway. Silver-haired. Sharp-eyed. Old enough to remember three different Alpha successions.
And unfortunately, observant. The worst combination. He joined us during an evening strategy review later as well. Listened quietly. Watched the discussion. Said absolutely nothing. Which should have worried me.
Experienced elders rarely stayed silent without reason. Eventually, after nearly an hour of planning, he leaned back in his chair. Studied both of us. Then laughed. The sound interrupted the entire room. Several scouts looked up. Confused.
I felt immediate concern. Marybeth looked equally suspicious. Neither of us trusted random laughter.
"Something amusing
