Honor and Destiny

Before the room could erupt again, Carradene raised his voice. "Fred has spoken true, people of the Pack. He has played his part, as he promised. Why then would we deny him his chosen path? I think that Fate led him to us, just as we needed him most, and now Fate leads him away. And who can deny Fate?" The gathered people nodded and murmured amongst themselves. "The Pack is no longer Fred's responsibility. It now belongs squarely in the hands of the Council." 

"But the Council needs a leader," Moran spoke out. Vanya nodded and added, "And if the Pack is torn with doubt and broken into camps of opposition, how will we ever decide who shall be the one? We shall drown in a sea of babble and be lost." Carradene smiled, "We shall do it with one voice instead of many, as it was done of old. Fred shall decide for us. He shall appoint his successor and we shall abide by his choice. It shall be the last obligation that we demand he fulfill before he leaves us." 

All eyes then turned to Fred again. Once more he felt the great weight of an entire people bearing down on him, once more he felt the strength of the faith they placed in his hands, and once more he questioned his own frail powers of mind and body. "I...must have time to decide." They did not budge, their eyes were filled with needy expectation. They wanted his decision now. They wanted a new leader now. Fred took in a deep breath, "The Cycle of the Moon is upon us. I cannot leave until it has passed. After the last full moon has set, then I shall name the one who will lead you." With that Fred turned away and left the meeting hall. 

When he and Alicia had crossed over to a shaded park that stood opposite the meeting hall, Alicia stopped his hasty retreat. She looked him straight in the eye and asked, "Is it honor or revenge that leads you home? And is it shame that drives you to find a cure for your bestial shape?" Fred cringed at her simple accusations and wondered if they were true. "Alicia--" he began, but she cut him off. "Hush my husband," she soothed and pressed her finger against his lips. "Whatever may come, I stand by your side. For now and forever." 

Fred's heart filled with awe and love for his young wife. She would stand by her man, even if it meant giving up her own heart's hopes and wishes. He prayed that he would be able to repay her sacrifice and raise her spirit to even greater heights. 

Just then, Loam came striding up to them. His face was troubled. "Fred," he said and paused. He seemed uncertain as to what to say next. Fred opened his mouth to speak but Loam began again, unwilling to let this moment pass. "I knew this day would come, your leaving us. I just hoped it would have come later than sooner." He frowned and bit his lip, his anxious eyes never leaving Fred's face. "I have been honored by your friendship and have been glad for your leadership. You have eased my mind more than you can know. We have become close comrades during you short stay with us and I would not willing give that up. But as you are soon to take your leave of the Pack I must let you know that I cannot go with you." 

Fred's jaw dropped. He too had come to depend on Loam's companionship, his integrity and honesty. Fred had hoped that Loam would accompany him on his journey back to the Great Kingdom. Indeed, Fred had almost come to expect it. He thought of Loam like a brother. This was not what Fred wanted to hear. "My destiny is with the Pack," Loam continued. "I have never felt so happy or so needed as I do with the Pack. They are my family and my truest friends. This is where I belong." 

Fred nodded, he understood Loam perfectly. And he would do nothing to try to sway his mind. As Fred had made his decision, so too had Loam. "I will miss you my friend," Fred said with a smile. "And I will miss you," Loam replied. "And Alicia as well." Alicia smiled, her eyes glistening with tears and hugged the large wolf-man. 

1. And the sun set low in the afternoon sky