Merlin gazed up emotionlessly at the huge wolf. His piercing yellow eyes and serious expression would intimidate the toughest warrior, but the master wizard knew better than to show weakness. The wolf rumbled a growl in his throat, then loosened his jaw to speak.

"Merlin Ambrosias. What business have you here in the midst of my pack?" His voice was deep and authoritative, which Merlin thought to himself was a smart move on the wolf's part. His pack wouldn't back him if he treated him, an enemy in their eyes, as an equal.

"It has come to my attention that mysterious, impossibly large wolves have been defending villagers, unprovoked, from various wild animals and enemies." He said smoothly, hiding his irritation at having to look up to meet the wolf's eyes.

"I see." Said the wolf. "I suppose you're going to have to kill us, then? For being supernatural creatures?" His feigned calm was obvious.

"No, most certainly not! Some of the villagers are pushing against the king's order to have you dispatched. I think if you're doing a service, I will gladly agree to say I never found you. That is, if you agree to maintain your benevolent nature." The wizard replied, a hint of wryness in his tone. The wolves gathered around him and their Alpha began murmuring to each other in Wolfspeak.

"You... you... would let us be? Against the king's orders?" The Alpha asked, disbelief sneaking into his accusing tone. Merlin nodded slightly, forcing himself not let out an exasperated sigh.

"Yes. You can have my promise, Alpha." He assured the large wolf. The Alpha glanced away for just a moment.

"We will not stray from our protective duties. We never intended to. But you must keep our existence secret. I will bind this pact in an Alpha's Promise. This contract cannot be broken, by either of us. This is the only way I agree to your terms." The wolf said sternly. Merlin remembered from his past studies on werewolves that an Alpha's Promise bound one for life, and breaking it resulted in a curse. However, respecting this ancient magic and letting this pack be was something he was willing to risk being in the pact for. Werewolves were one of the few magical races he actually thought deserved his respect.

"Very well. Proceed." He said coolly. The Alpha drew a circle in the dirt with his claw, growling in Wolfspeak. He slammed his paw down on it with a mighty thud, leaving a large paw print behind. He looked towards Merlin.

"State your half of the agreement and make your mark." The wolf instructed. Merlin scratched his seal in the circle with the end of his staff right next to the paw print.

"I agree to keep this pack a secret from any and all persons I should encounter; to let them live and protect the village in peace." He said. The Alpha snorted to himself, seeming pleased with the wording of the wizard's oath. He growled at the circle as it began to glow white like the full moon. In a moment, it looked like a round marble slate, with the Alpha's paw print and Merlin's seal preserved permanently. It continued to produce a faint glow.

"We are now bound." The wolf said lowly. "You may go your way, wizard." Merlin nodded formally, then casually turned and walked away. I'll tell the king I never found the creatures, give him my apologies, and then return to Camelot to find a new apprentice. Ah, yes. A new apprentice. Such a good idea.

Just a normal day for a master wizard.