Disputes

He closed his eyes and opened them slowly, knowing what his answer would entail and what would happen next, although he ached with exhaustion.

“I’m afraid not.” He said calmly, finality creeping into his voice. “I’ve had quite enough of my own family turned against me. Acere, my brother, two of my sisters from both sides of my family. I would prefer my children didn’t add to my growing list of enemies.” He said, his eyes downcast unable to meet hers or her companion’s. “Leera has worked against me from the start, breeding discontent through every member of my pack that had even the slightest doubt in me, even my sister Thora. I’m afraid to leave them in her care for two weeks, I’m afraid of what they’ll turn into hearing that their father is a monster.” His voice cracked slightly, his jaw clenching tightly.

“Whatever she has said…the children are strong enough to be away from her now, I feed them myself constantly.” He gave a bitter hollow laugh “She even left our children in the care of your Eulogy while a bear came into our borders, and made way toward our denning site. Had I not stayed behind while the whole of my pack left to answer this…Sham of a challenge, all of our children, both mine and Hannibals, and your Eulogy would be dead by the time whatever of us remains returned.” His voice was growing heavier with his explanation. “I came to this place, marked in blood to hide my fresh wounds, intending to bring my people home. Instead I risk losing my best warrior and my children.” He said.

His hips dropped out from under him and fell to the ground suddenly, his shoulders beginning to shake. “I can’t bare to think of what will happen, surrounded by so many who would have me dragged across Boreas by a team of bulls.” He said, attempting to keep his voice steady against the fear that threatened to overcome him. “Thinking that they are half monster themselves…” He shook his head and lifted his hip to stand again. “I would not do the same for Leera, they would know only how their mother loved them, and only left them against her own will…But please… I need you to understand… I cannot let her corrupt them against me the way she has corrupted so many that are dear to me.” He exhaled slowly, having said his piece, now he was at their mercy.