Wolf Tech 6: The Pups

Chapter 27 - The Challenge

Mik was dragged to the challenge circle, he was getting what he wanted, a challenge. But he knew he was unlikely to win, and not winning would end with his death. He snarled when Zane arrived at the challenge circle. He continued to glare, as he shook off the enforcers and stepped into the ring. There were quite a few people already there, and more were coming.

Even as Mik was trying to get the Enforcers to let go Zane glanced at his uncle and his second and nodded, "Before anything happens I want to talk to you for a moment. This is your life which is on the line and also what happens to your immortal soul. Will you listen to me?" His voice was calm and rather neutral though there was traces of concern as well.

Mik didn't change his expression, but nodded. "I'll listen, but nothing more."

"That's all I ask, listen and make your decision. By your admission, you have taken on the role of a rogue. Even though I don't feel you are a true rogue, you must be treated this way by your own actions. How you act at this point will decide if your body is to be returned to your family for proper last rights or you end up in the same ice cave the rogue who turned me resides. There is an expectation for his body to last for millennia before it will even start to break down. If you don't believe me, think of Ozzy the ice man. He was frozen in a glacier for over ten thousand years and they could still determine his last meal. If you challenge me you will be placed in the cave and won't have any hope of being reborn until your family is the dust of ages. If you step into the ring and accept your punishment your body will be returned to your family. That is the decision you need to make. If you need the time to consider this I'll allow five minutes to talk to your former Elder." He fell silent.

Liza had to know, so she leaned over to Anita and very quietly whispered in her ear, "What is Zane doing? I don't understand. He's been tried and is now considered a criminal. How does the treatment of his remains really come into this?" She'd heard what had been said earlier but it was simply to strange a thought for her to process. After seeing and trying some of the cases she had, she was much like Zane, she was an agnostic and would probably die that way.

Anita met her eyes, *He's giving Mik a chance to possibly be reborn and know some of his family is still alive. Depending on Mik's decision, his soul will either be released when his body is burned or it'll be trapped in his bones for more years than we can imagine. I've seen the reports of the cave. It never gets above about 25F even in the heights of summer. It is a wolf's worst nightmare, even for rogues the idea of your body never rotting and releasing your soul is terrifying. That's what Zane is offering him, a chance at rebirth or the chance of never being reborn or so far in the future his soul won't recognize anyone.*

Liza turn and stared at her. Even being an agnostic there were faint traces of belief. The idea of never being able to face your ultimate deity was enough to make her shudder. She could feel the blood draining out of her face as the implications of what Zane was saying really hit, *Oh fuck.* It was all she could come up with.

Mik just stood there at his end of the challenge circle. After a bit, he sighed and the fight went out of him. "OK. What did you want to do?" He knew that there was nothing to do and he would rather for his soul to be reborn.

Zane gave him a good look before stepping into the circle. It wasn't just a challenge circle but a punishment circle as well, "Kneel and I'll make this quick. Your former Elder will contact your pack and your body should be home this evening or tomorrow at the latest for last rights. When you come back, I hope you will have learned something. I still stand by what I've said. You had the skills and talents to be a good Beta. Keep that in mind when you face Selene. Now kneel."