Erlendur sat at the edge of the mass of wolves encircling the center of the camp. They all sat around two wolves; His brother, Auslaug, with his eyes closed, and the Alpha of North Winds Pack himself, Asmundure Elkhunter, performing the ancient speech of Rite of Name.
Between the two wolves of interest, sat a crown of intricately woven branches. The Alpha soon finished his ceremonious speech, and promptly dipped his head to retrieve the crown in his jaws.
Asmundure, gripping the crown of woven leaves, then carefully bestowed it upon Auslaug's humbly bowed head. "Auslaug, Hunter of the North Winds Pack, son of Erwin Rabbitrunner and Jurigg Stormhowler, I present to you your name, to carry and uphold your family's honor."
The tension waiting to be broken by the speaking of the name could almost be felt in the air.
"Auslaug Marrowhunter!" The Alpha boomed, announcing the name.
With that, Auslaug opened his eyes, tilted his head back, and howled. The Alpha soon joined him, and one by one, the whole pack - Including Erlendur - joined in the first solemn, deep, grand howl, which then transitioned to one of a more ceremonious tone.
Erlendur finally dipped his head again. He was happy for his brother, of course, but he had dreamed that it would be him up there, beside his brother before the Alpha.
Erlendur was first to return to his den after the basic festivities had begun to dissipate, feeling alone and cold, and worst of all, nameless.
YOU ARE READING
Eternity
FantasyFor the wolves of the Four Winds packs, there is no higher honor than earning one's name. For Erlendur, it is just the same. However, when a harsh winter strikes the North Wind's pack hard, Erlendur must seek out the help of the she-wolf Aulay from...
