This is the fourth book in "The Wars of Ivory White Series." Please read the other books first.
Book 1 - The Protector
Book 2 - The Doomed Eternity
Book 3 - The Broken Bonds (formerly known as "The Heartless Healer")
Book 4 - The Twisted Links
DESCR...
AUTHOR'S NOTE: The next two or three chapters will be from the past and will tell the story of Abram and Asya's parents.
CHAPTER 42
The Cradle of Life... 29 years ago...
Alec Somers stood in the middle of the arena known as the Rings. This area was designed for matches against different opponents that had made their home near the Cradle. The Hunter's training grounds and facilities were not readily open to outsiders. But there were a few non humans that held office positions or worked as agents for the Council.
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^Alec Somers^
The Community is where non-Hunters made their homes. Each person in the Community had to go through an approval process. Usually, it was endangered species of shifters, elderly witches or wizards, and the odd vampires or werewolves that work as agents. No matter the spieces, race, or powers everyone lived in harmony.
Today's gathering at the Rings was to watch the Council's new candidate fight for position. If Alec overcame this challenge, then he would earn his spot on the Hunter's Council, the youngest ever.
Usually, a Hunter needed at least 15 years' experience in the field and have mastered at least two forms of combat to be considered for Council. Yet Alec had mastered four and his symbol was unique because it did not contain a designated marking for a particular group just the Hunter's emblem. He was brilliantly gifted and his path seem to be one of greatness.
While still in training, Alec had settled a major dispute among a vampire coven and a large werewolf pack over territory that otherwise would have turned bloody. He also fought off a number of criminal rogues who had strayed to close to a pack's boarder. Whether the problem be diplomatic or a fight, the young candidate proved his worth.
The chatter of the crowd died down as the Head of the Council stood. "Today we have gathered to witness the final test of a young man who undoubtably has earned the right to have a place among the Hunter's Council."
The mixed crowd of Hunters and non-Hunters cheered.
"Let his opponent come forward."
A man broke from the rest of the crowd. Alec didn't recognize the stranger. He could tell that the man was a shifter but Alec didn't know what kind. The stranger paused before turning back to the crowd. He held up his palm up and a beautiful woman walked gracefully towards him placing her hand in his. The couple stepped in the Ring across from Alec.
"Rules of engagement." The Head of Council continued, "Only one challenger may attack at a time. The winner is determined by whoever can pin their opponent causing them to yield or if anyone is pushed out of the circle. Fighters ready!"
Alec immediately took his stance. The couple merely smirked at him. He had hoped that they would shift so that he would know what animal he would be facing.
