Talarine: Ally to the Angels

Chapter 40

Xypherius watched his beloved. She was speaking with Treian on a matter about the pack when a woman walked in. "Asheara?" Tal spoke with a hint of surprise.

"It's good to see you again Talarine."

"What brings you all the way from Caldeum?"

"Dire news I am afraid. We are having an issue with the remaining pack and I believed it best to come see you."

"Of course, please have a seat I will prepare some tea."

"Thank you." Asheara sat in a leather backed chair as Xypherius walked up.

"Asheara." He spoke as he stood near the desk that Tal had been standing at.

"Greetings...ah..." she looked nervous and confused as he chuckled.

"Call me Xypherius. I have no special titles and you are a friend."

"If you wish, Xypherius." She nodded as Tal came back. "This is a beautiful town you live in Talarine."

"Made more so by the angelic mates. Let's just say a very small piece of Heaven lays here and in the town about one hundred miles from here."

"Really? There are more Angel and wolf pairs?"

"Everyone who lives here is mated to an angel. I am the Alpha of the wolves and now the Ambassador of my Pack to the High Heavens. We have started to be called the Sacred Pack in the Heavens and it is a very fitting name for my pack."

"Yes I had heard that all wolf packs are named. But never did I think that yours would be the rumored Sacred Pack. What happened to Alpha and his pack?"

Xypherius spoke now, "They were corrupted by a demon. They attacked and killed an angel's mate while he was on a scouting mission. They had to be put down."

Asheara nodded. "I understand. I am very familiar with the ancient laws of the packs. That was the only justice they would have received in Caldeum as the Emperor has become the mate of the Alpha of the female wolves she is older than him but is willing to wait until he reaches adulthood."

Tal nodded as Xypherius looked to her confused. "My Love, when a wolf imprints, be they male or female, and their mate is but a child; they will act as a friend, brother, sister and protector until their mate comes of age. My brother Drake imprinted upon the Boys' mother when she was ten and only after she was twenty did they mate and bring the boys into this world."

"Speaking of, how are they?" Asheara asked, Tal had written to her about them and Asheara had met them only to end up being called Aunt Iron.

"They have joined the ranks of the Horadrim, Tyrael and Lorath are caring and helping them out as we speak."

"They would have made great Iron Wolves." Asheara smiled as sh took the cup Tal offered.

"So you've said many times before." They all chuckled. Duston had asked permission to join when he reached age to be able and Tal had reluctantly agreed. "Duston though will join and with a horadric background it may help you out some."

"Really? Duston wishes to join?"

"He begged and pleaded with me the last time I saw him. As much as I don't wish him to, as you have told me the dangers of being an Iron Wolf, I agreed but with a condition." This time both Xypherius and Asheara watched her closely, "I told him that until he comes of age he is to remain with the Horadrim."

"And?"

"He agreed and started acting like a puppy."

"Well at least he will be in a safer group then most. I have noticed he has a warrior's spirit."

"And Alcander has the scholar's curiosity. Both seem to be my families legacy." Asheara and Tal had become fast friends since they had met and now with the discussion of a problem in Caldeum Tal and Asheara were growing closer. Tal sighed as she shook her head.

Asheara smiled, "It wouldn't surprise me considering that you are of Deckard Cain's legacy, even if you are not truly related to him."

"True." Tal nodded in agreement. Tal offered Asheara some tea and as they drank they spoke more on the matter.

******

Xypherius walked through the Courts. A lot was on his mind: his true ceremony with Tal, ways he could teach the Angels mated to wolves of Tal's pack how to aid in fighting with rivals, and much more.

"Master Xypherius?" A voice caused him to look up and close his thoughts off.

"What is the matter?" He asked looking to Alcander's mate.

"I am worried about Alcander."

"What happened?!" Xypherius became tense. Alcander was in a sense his nephew and so was protective.

"He is upset. I have tried talking to him but he will not hear me out." She said quietly.

"He is young and upset that his brother will not stay with the Horadrim. He will come around eventually, just remain supportive of him and all will be well." Xypherius spoke as she nodded and left. When he looked up Izarius was walking up to him.

"Before you ask. I have much on my mind already my friend."

"What is bothering you?" He asked as he was told everything. "Is that all?"

"No. I have heard whispers of those who wish for me to be made a minor Archangel."

"And if it was offered to you?"

"I would refuse. For one what would I be a minor Aspect of? Talarine's pack is different than most and I doubt Anarius will create a whole new Aspect for that alone." As they walked and talked something else was happening on Sanctuary that had the pack on the high alert.