READER SHOUT-OUT: This chapter is dedicated to Janell_Apple for proposing the name

"Knox

" in the July Reader Privilege group. I had to change his spelling to fit the Anima mold, but your ideas inspired me. Thank you! I hope you like him!

*****

LERRIN

The flight would take hours. If they were to simply put the birds in the air and fly straight to the Tree City, the journey would be less than an hour. But between the altitudes they had to climb, the slower pace because of drag from the wolves in the hammocks, and the out-of-the-way-route they used in an attempt to stop any Anima catching sight of the birds in flight, it would be three or four hours before they would land.

One hour in, Lerrin was cold, and bored. His hammock slanted down towards his feet, which gave him a sliver of view of the ground in the distance, the forest canopy in the dark—and it was very dark. The moon was little more than a sliver itself, and the Creator had blessed them with clouds to skitter over it every few minutes. Lerrin was not concerned that they would be seen by those on the ground.

He was only concerned with what would happen once they got there. The foot soldiers had been moving into position since the afternoon—they had a long hike, and another round-about route to avoid being noticed by Reth's scouts, along with the sheer numbers they were trying to move in secret. Those things took time.

The wolves who were positioning themselves to attack the Tree City would move for ten hours or more, then sleep through the heat of the day, only guards for each fist remaining awake in two hour shifts.

Lerrin and the assassins, along with two fists to guard and start fires, would be flown in while it was still dark, then rest through the day, then begin their own tactics just after dark the following evening.

Unless Reth had received Suhle's message and was working to successfully thwart them—and capture Lerrin.

Or kill him.

Lerrin took a deep breath. He did not want to die. He did not want to miss taking Suhle as his Mate. But he had to accept that it was a possibility. War was chaotic. Even if Reth was still open to talks for peace, there was no guarantee one of his soldiers wouldn't find Lerrin, or kill him.

Lerrin swallowed hard and prayed.

Please let him get safely back to Suhle—and her safely back to him.

Please let them begin a life together. Anywhere. Just as long as they were together.

He had to get his mind off of her and the danger she was in, or it would drive him mad, so he scratched on Nhox's mind. As usual for Lerrin it was an effort to reach the stranger, despite him hanging at Lerrin's shoulder. But it would become easier as they grew to know each other.

Nhox opened to him fully, and Lerrin blinked. If he wished, he could rifle through the young wolf's mind and memories.

That kind of authenticity and openness was rare even in families. Lerrin resisted the temptation to test the male deeply, though he examined his memory of the interaction with Craye, and was happy to see that his instincts had been right.

This male had honor. Integrity. He tried to choose right. There was an almost disturbing submission to authority—Lerrin thanked the Creator that he'd gotten Nhox out from under Craye. That could have gone in some very ugly directions—but he was glad to have found someone trustworthy. Someone would who listen and act with discipline.

With a sigh of relief, he sent, Thank you for coming alongside me earlier tonight.

You're welcome, Sire.

That won't have been a popular decision among some of the ranks, Lerrin sent, his tone slightly questioning.

He felt Nhox shrug. I want to see the wolves stand tall and will follow whoever is likely to get us there. The others are more interested in what they can gain. As long as our goals align, I will work with them. But…

Lerrin nodded. It has been a difficult balance to strike, and I am afraid that I am only just beginning to see that I may have gotten it wrong. Tell me, when you're with the ranks, have you observed any behavior that was… dishonorable? Anything you felt should not have occurred?

The younger wolf sent in a tone that was almost a sigh, Most of my brothers are good wolves, strong, and want to see the Tribe and their pack advance. They want to feel like they are seen and valued.

I know, Lerrin replied. I desire those things as well. But I have recently become aware of issues, violent behaviors, lack of discipline, aggression against our own… these things are not part of our creed. They should not be.

He felt surprise from Nhox.

I have heard of these groups, the young wolf replied. I interfered in one situation…

He sent a memory to Lerrin, a friend demonstrating for a female who made her disinterest plain. But the friend did not wish to give up, and the female became aggressive in return—but Nhox could scent the fear in her. She wasn't sure she was strong enough to take the male out alone.

Nhox stepped in, cajoling his friend to ease his mind and walk away. Charming the female with apologies and reassurances. The tension was relieved, and Nhox walked his friend away, distracting him.

But the incident left him sick.

He was beginning to hear the males talk of these things, of taking what the Wolves needed—and seeing some females give themselves to this as well. Nhox couldn't pinpoint why that disturbed him, but it all left a bad taste in his mouth.

The memory ended and Lerrin sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose between his thumb and forefinger.

There had been a flash at the end, a moment Nhox remembered thinking that this new attitude started from the top and was filtering down through the wolves.

Lerrin felt that assumption like teeth in his guts.

I have never chosen this for the wolves, he sent to Nhox. Never. And I do not support it. I have averted my eyes when I should not, but those days are over. I will eradicate this dishonor from the wolves. And whatever form we take when we step into the Tree City, I will lead all of Anima to evict these males and females—whomever they may be. No matter how close to me. You have my word on that, Nhox.

Lerrin could feel him smile.

The Creator has given me this chance to speak with you alone, he sent. I am honored to serve, Sire. I will not waver.

No, Nhox, Lerrin sent. The honor is mine. And you should waver: If you see these things, if you observe these attitudes, call them out. Bring them to me. No matter who demonstrates them. Question everyone, and everything. It is the only way we will cleanse this darkness from our people.

Nhox sent him the image of himself saluting.

Lerrin sighed, but sent back the image of himself accepting the salute.

And so they flew on towards a destiny that Lerrin couldn't know—but that he was aware, might cost the young wolf his life.

Keep him safe, too, Lerrin prayed. He is a good wolf. The kind we need in Anima. Keep him safe, even from me.