Winter had struck hard and fast in Seracia, bringing with it whispers of war and changes of leadership.his father was King no more, his mother Queen no more. All that it meant for the boy was that he was even less important than before. His siblings were somewhere, the newest three safely tucked in the den. He hoped one of them might have something to distract from his stuttering, thought it wasn't likely he'd get that lucky. No, so far they all seemed simply perfect - and somewhere deep down, the half grown pup felt jealous. He growled at himself, knowing he ought not feel bitter toward his younger brothers and sister, they didn't deserve that. The scrawny boy slithered through the treeline into open, snow covered space between the forest and the lake. With haste he trotted handsomely toward the water, slowing as he neared. Head lowered to the water as he lapped at it furiously, trying to rid his mind of negative thoughts.