Fall of the Packs: Blood Ties

Chapter Six

It was all worth it.

Every time he'd fallen in the river, it was worth it. Every time he'd been so sore that he'd sworn he wouldn't be able to move, it was worth it. Every time he'd been exhausted after sentry duty, it was worth it. Every time he'd lost a sparring match and been forced to see Seamus gloating above him, it was worth it.

It had all been worth it, for this day.

Aaron stood in the middle of Storm Pack's clearing on a crisp winter morning, Tara, Sortita, and Mercy standing beside him. Today was the day they had all been waiting for, when they would gain their full ranks and become true members of Storm Pack.

Kestrel and Solstice stood before them, ready to begin the ceremony. Aaron could see his parents and the Swiss Shepherd's parents all looking on proudly. Cameron, Rachael, and Josie were practically glowing, and even stern Blizzard was almost smiling for his daughters' big day.

"Aaron, Sortita, Mercy, and Tara," Kestrel barked, her eyes shining, "it is time to welcome you as full hunters and defenders of Storm Pack. You have spent the past ten months training to be the best you can be, that you may serve your pack with your whole being. You have worked hard to feed and protect your packmates, and now we welcome you as fully realized supporters of this pack. Solstice."

She stepped back with a nod and the preceptor came forward. Going down the line, she touched her nose to each dog's forehead. "Serve your pack well, with honor, dignity, and sacrifice. May Siglitun bless you."

The clearing erupted in a chorus of cheers as the pack called their names. Aaron had done his best to remain serious for the ceremony, but now he couldn't stop himself from grinning from ear to ear. All of his hard work had paid off and he had never felt happier.

Kestrel gave a short, loud bark to quiet the cheering. "The past few months have been rough," she said. "We lost Salixa to the flood and had to rebuild after that. But now we stand together, as strong and dedicated as ever. We are a pack and we are a family. As long as we hold true to each other and to the ways of the Hunter Dog, nothing can break us apart. Even out of tragedy, Storm Pack stays strong!"

Her words were met with howls and barks of approval. Aaron felt pride for his pack overwhelm him. Surely no other pack could compare to what they had here. That was why it had all been worth it, for this pack that he loved so dearly.

His parents came up to him now, beaming. "We're so proud of you!" Cameron said, nuzzling Aaron and Mercy. "We've dreamed of this day ever since you were pups. You've done so well!"

Mercy smiled. "We had the best teachers," she said affectionately.

Other dogs came up to congratulate them, but Aaron only wanted to talk to one. He made his way over to Seamus, who was markedly less excited than every other dog present. "Hey," Aaron said, no small amount of pleasure in his tone. "How does it feel to still be a trainee?"

Seamus glared at him. "So you got your full rank first. I'm still bigger than you."

Aaron scoffed. "Size isn't what matters. Skill is. And also your ranking. Which, by the way, is now lower than mine."

"Oh, I'm more skilled than you." Seamus stood up, and Aaron was forced to reluctantly acknowledge that the Shiloh Shepherd was taller than him. "Just you wait, Aaron. It won't be long before everyone realizes who the best defender is."

"Hey!" Sortita ran up, bumping them both playfully. "Can you two let it go for one day? We're supposed to be happy!"

"Yeah," Tara agreed, coming up beside her sister. "Today is a very great day. For a precious two months, I won't have to suffer through these two."