Storm Born Book One

Chapter 15

"So we need to have a list of the new wolves, made for the records and then we will have Luna and Nelda arrange a ceremony we all agreed it should follow tradition and be a pack event?"

"Yes, Alpha I can say for certain this has Nelda very excited you know how she loves to organise things this will be her first time for a pack ceremonial".

Edward Did know how Nelda loved organising, the Elf had become indispensable to Rosalind.

"Nelda is a treasure Thomas, Rosalind and I would be lost without her," he grinned. "It will be a chance for the pack to bond, most have not had pack ceremonies for years, it will be an opportunity to welcome our new young wolves into the pack and a chance to declare Darius as the official pack Alpha Heir" he added proudly.

Darius had exceeded all expectations with his training Edward was truly impressed he was going to be better than even his father had been he mused, especially with the war sword his father had favored that weapon as well. A memory of his brother's training came vividly to mind giving him a pang. he sighed pushing it to the back of his mind this was not a time for sad memories the Thorncastle pack was reborn it now boasted almost three hundred pack members, it was a strong start.

"Alpha?"

"Sorry Thomas, I got a little distracted for a moment, have Rosalind and Nelda see me later this afternoon and we can get the ball rolling on this ceremony.'' he smiled warmly dropping the papers he had been skimming onto his desk. This event will be good for pack bonding and morale. I am considering a founding day celebration for next year.

"Alpha if I may, I have the inventory you requested for the food stores,'' Thomas reached across the desk to place the document in front of Edward.'' It looks as though we will have plenty to see us through the coming winter. We have enough salted meat, as fresh meat may become scarce once it snows, it may not be as appetizing as fresh meat but it is plentiful. The yaks are also doing well and proving to be a huge benefit. We have wool to spare for trade and plenty of fresh yak and goat's milk for cheese, and we have a full grain store for bread and we have even managed to grow a good crop of vegetables so in all considering it is our first winter we are well prepared.''

''Very good and the new meeting hall?''

''work on the new meeting hall is almost completed.

Edward nodded glancing at the inventory that Thomas had handed to him "I shall read this through more thoroughly later Thomas,'' he smiled, "this pack has a lot to be proud of we have accomplished a great deal in our first year it is good the hall is near completed. I fully intend to gather there for the ceremony before the first snows".

"I will have extra men put onto the build it will be ready".

Edward nodded "Good it will also double as an emergency shelter in case the tents fail to live up to expectations or we have further refugees. Though the latter do not expect as by all accounts it is already snowing in the high passes.'' He was thankful that Fenwynn and his brother had returned to Elsinore before the snows closed the passes. They had sent word that they would not be able to return to the stronghold for another couple of weeks, as they had business with the Elders. He paused, a moment steeling himself for his next question.

"And the other matter? our wayward group of teenagers, anything to report there?"

"No Alpha nothing much we are still having them watched they are keeping a low profile though Ethan's little Omega seems more skittish than usual in the last few days, he is sporting a fair few bruises as well, do you want us to bring him in?"

"No, unless you feel he needs treating, we do not want to alert the others, Does Ethan know?"

"I do not believe so I have kept him very busy inside the stronghold the only time he leaves is to go on patrol and I am making sure either myself or Liam go with him. We have taken on the perimeter patrols to avoid the village, though to be frank Alpha, Ethan is finding it increasingly difficult, this will need resolving one way or another and soon Alpha".