I stand in the opening of the cave, my back to the glittering snow. My long shadow trails in front of me, landing at the foot of the Alpha. Last night when we left the Silver Claw clearing, we decided to wait until morning to talk to my father about the negotiation performed last night.

Only I could make the decision about the term I would be serving in turn for yesterdays event. I need to get rid of the guilt that I am carrying around with me. I can still remember the look on Aiyana's face when I looked up to her. Shock, and horror were written all over her face. Also, if I did agree to the terms, I would get to learn more about the wolf in my dream.

Finally stepping into the dark cave, with these thoughts in my head, I take a seat beside Raven. Dale sits on the other side of Raven, talking to my father. Not very many wolves were invited to this gathering, Raven, Dale, Xander, the wolf that had helped with the grizzly attack, both Alpha's, and I are the only ones present. The Beta's should have been coming. Maybe father would tell them of the decision after the meeting.

"Now that Baron has finally shown up, lets begin. Dale, repeat the terms and conditions from the Silver Claw pack," The voice of an Alpha booms. Dale begins telling my father the negotiation, starting with the part about the alliances.

The last time there was an alliance between two packs, was when the wolves first came to this land. When the first wolves were placed, there were two different packs. Very small packs. More grizzlies were roaming in those days, and living in the new conditions was hard. The wolves that had previously been here were forced to move, or they would die of hunger, or by a grizzly attack.

The bears were killing all the Elk, Deer, and Caribou in the area. This had all happened before my time, but tales were passed down to me from the refugees of the land. All of them believed the wolves would never again live there, and that the grizzlies would forever have full claim on all the the territory.

Then, one early spring day, ten wolves in total were placed from great metal cages on the back of large silver tins. Each of the two packs had five wolves each. This made a very small pack, and the two packs didn't want to combine. They each had different ways of thinking, and couldn't work together, even if they tried.

The bears were also a problem. They would torment the wolves, and steal their meals. All of them went along and tried to make the wolves lives miserable. They succeeded unfortunately. Soon after, the wolves were starting to think of alternative ways to get rid of them.

Eventually they set up an agreement called the Moonlit Peace. It was formed under one of the rare blue full moons, and gave the treaty a special kind of power. Three different main rules are stated in this treaty:

All bear and wolf territory will be split equally among its residents.

If caught trespassing on any other territory besides yours, the rightful owners have every right to get rid of you, in any way.

All food caught in your own territory is rightfully yours. If by any chance you get prey from some place other then your territory, the rightful owner as every right to confiscate the meal.

Both grizzlies and wolves agreed to these terms, and the Moonlit Peace was formed. Generations pasted while under the Moonlit Peace without problems, but recently rogue wolves and other nomad bears have been crossing the lines.

After hearing of the negotiation, my father turns to me.

"Have you made your decision about your terms? I do not have any power over this unless you accept," he states. Looking around at the familiar faces, I think through my decision once more.

The Moonlit Peace is hanging in the balance here, and all the peace is running low. For my plan to benefit the group of wolves and bears as a whole, I need to accept. Rebuilding the treaty is in everyone's best interest.

Then there's Aiyana. The mysterious wolf from my dream. I need to get answer's, and being around her would ease my nerves. ever since the incident with Tristan, I have felt very protective over Aiyana.

"I accept the terms," I calmly state. Everyone nods, "I would like to take some companions with me though," I continue. Xander, who has been quiet until now, perks up. 

"I'll volunteer Baron, I'm going to stick with you in this," He declares. I chuckle at the young, ocher wolf. Dale and Raven murmur to each other for a moment, before Raven speaks up.

"Dale and I also will come, we feel that we should stick with you too," My pack brother says. I nod, and look to my father. He sits and watches this exchange with curiosity. 

"Then it is settled," My father starts, "The four of you should say your good-bye's, get some food before you head back to the Silver Claw's. This meeting is over." Dale, Raven, Xander and I walk out of the cave together in silence. By now the sun is shining in the sky, causing the snow crystals to twinkle. I squint, waiting for my eyes to adjust. 

"Let's meet back here once everyone is ready. I want to leave before the sun does," I tell the group. All three wolves nod with agreement. I turn towards the forest, leaving them behind. My feet begin to make thudding noises as I speed up. Cold air brushes past me, bouncing harmlessly off of my fur.  The hunting group would not be out yet, so I can't wait for them. I decide a quick meal would be the best. Joining the Silver Claw pack for half a moon cycle will take some energy from me, and I along with Dale, Raven and Xander will be considered low leveled Subordinates.

Catching onto the sent of a fox, I slow down to a trot. I test the air, finding which direction to continue in. In a matter of minutes, I have a fox at my feet. With my stomach full, I go back towards the cave. The sun is almost at its highest point in the sky. 

As the cave comes into view, I see Dale and Xander waiting. The two of them look as if they are deep into a conversation. With a head nod, I greet them. "I'm just going to go say goodbye to my parents," I tell them.

"Hurry, I saw Raven pass by, he was going to do the same thing. He should be back soon," Xander states. I nod again, and continue into the cave. My mother and father lounge on the  floor near the west side of the cave, to my left. As I come closer, my mother perks her head up, while my father opens his eye's, waking from his sleep.

"I just came to say good-bye," I explain. My father sits up, stretching his stiff legs.

"Be safe son. We could use this as an advantage. It will let us bond with our new allies, so if this comes down to war, we may have some extra firepower," He points out. I look to my mother, who is now standing beside my father. 

"Dear, we're going to miss you," She sniffles. 

"Mom, I'm only going to be away for half a cycle," I gently say. "There's nothing to worry about."

She squints her eyes shut and nods. My father clears his throat, drawing my attention back to him. "Baron, Dale talked to me about something, that you have failed to bring up to me," He begins. Instantly I know what he's talking about. "About that dream. Just follow your instincts. They will lead you in the right direction, even if it seems like its creating a giant mess."

"Okay father," I simply say. Both my parents brush past me as they leave. I'm left alone, staring at the stony, dove grey wall. Something about what my father just told me, shook me. After three blinks I walk out of the cave, meeting Dale, Xander, and Raven's waiting postures. Raven is sprawled on his back, scratching an itchy spot. Dale and Xander are still murmuring in conversation. 

"Okay, lets head out," I exclaim. With a grunt, Raven rolls over to face me.

"It's about time," Raven says exasperated. I quickly pounce on him. We wrestle for a short amount of time, before Xander joins in. Eventually I pull away, running into the forest towards the Silver Claw's. I'm followed by all three wolves.

How bad could living with the Silver Claws really be?

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I am so sorry for the super long wait! I had some major writers block, and this was a very boring chapter to  write. 

This chapters picture is of Dale, Raven and Baron.

Word Count: 1 510