Wolf's Will

Chapter 8

Their palace is a different castle than their building. For most days, that's where his father is. His mother does stay at the castle, but once in a while she comes back to this castle. The palace is like an extension of the castle. It has few rooms for sleep and a large court for meetings between all the Alphas of Noguchi. 

Running at a human speed would take thirty minutes from the castle to the palace. Beowulf only had to run for five minutes before he got there, and that's still not while in his werewolf form. 

In one of the numerous classes he attended in preparation for his ascension, she heard the story of how the palace was created. Something that once served as a shelter for werewolves during the war of separation. 

He entered through the main gate as the guards bow before him. Today, he didn't notice the large depiction of a waning moon drawn on a cloth, placed above the entrance of the castle. 

"Lord Beowulf!" They all greeted him. Even people who were older than him. Every day, he understands the importance of being the Ultimate Alpha. And everyday, with the realization of what people expect from him, it saddens him and his fear of what the future holds, compounds. 

"Where is my father?" He asked a maid of the castle. 

"I just served him in his quarters. He his on his way to the court," she replied shyly, hiding her face away from his gaze. 

"Do you notice Alphas? Are they having a meeting?" 

"No Sir!" She replied. He nodded to her, and she left. 

He turned to look at her while she was leaving, but he saw his uncle Audolf coming from behind.

"Were you following me, Uncle?" He jokingly asked. He did that to prevent his uncle from asking him if he was checking out a maid.

"Follow me," his Uncle ordered, ignoring Beowulf's question. 

"Is something wrong?" 

His uncle ignored him again.

He followed his uncle and they both hurried to the court where his father was. Beowulf hasn't seen his father since the past two full moons. He had been learning and training. His time of ascension is coming close and he needs to be accessed. 

"Am I going to die anytime soon? For my son to visit me it must mean you have nothing doing," 

"Father, Peace of the goddess be with you," he knelt before his father. His father sat on his throne, which is a chair made of different metals ranging from Gold, Iridium, Osmium, Bronze and steel. It also has diamonds used in some places for adornment. His father's throne is nearly five feet tall. 

"Is there peace for me at this age?" He asked, looking at Audolf. Audolf remained silent. 

"See? Even my brother knows. Beowulf, you see these 43 seats here, they belong to the main Alphas and other Alphas wait for the information from these Alphas." The Ultimate Alpha said. 

"I know, father." 

"And those Alphas of smaller packs have begun integrating together to take over. They want to be represented here in court. Do you see that this coming times won't be peaceful,"

"Father, why can't you make a tournament for Alphas to succeed. Let those who are worthy of keeping their seat in the castle keep it and those who aren't, should lose to those who are worthy."

"I see. You believe in judgment of strength. If it's by strength alone, why isn't your Uncle Audolf the Ultimate Alpha and I, the Alpha's right hand." The Ultimate Alpha said, and Beowulf was short of words. He didn't know what to say. His father is strong. He has the strength that comes with being an Ultimate Alpha. But his uncle has pure strength. His Uncle is more of a brawl than a brain.

"That aside, Lord Adalwolf. These werewolves who attack random places and leave inscriptions."  Audolf said.

"What inscriptions?" Beowulf asked

"Some of them leave things like 'the Ultimate packs are dictators.' some leave things like 'woe upon the Ultimate'" Audolf said.

Beowulf looked at his father. His father smiled. And for the first time since he got there, he noticed the posture of his father. His father had become weaker even physically than he should. His magical prowess, a characteristic of just the royal members of the Ultimate pack, also seem reduced. He wanted to say something, but he and his father haven't created such rapport in the past. Their relationship is more of a by the book relationship. A successor relationship and not a father and son relationship. He looked at his feet. He watched his father and his uncle. But he was no longer listening to the current conversation they were having. 

"And has there been anyone caught in suspicion?" Beowulf asked

"There hasn't been. It's orchestrated. They are a group of rebels trying to incite a civil war." 

"That would spell a bad thing. Father, if that should happen, fighting against more than half of Noguchi won't be easy. You are at your weakest. You barely have enough strength. I don't know if I am ready yet. Father, this won't be good." 

"Adalwolf," Audolf called the ultimate Alpha.

"My bad. I couldn't help sense pity from him. I only wanted to be sure of it." The ultimate Alpha while still sitting, inhaled deep and exhaled sharply. Beowulf felt a sudden rush of cold pass through every vein of his body. 

His father had just used a lower version of "the void" on him. He would have been angry, but the sudden return of all that he said calmed him. He was glad his father used it. 

"Maybe, and only maybe we will have to perform the ritual earlier than expected." His father said, smiling. Beowulf wished he could use the void on his father too, to know if his father has any regret or fears. He wanted to listen to his father's complaints, but at the level of his magic, it won't have any effect on his father. It would on any other person, even his uncle and the priests, it will be rendered useless by his father, and mother. 

"That aside, how about your hunt for a Luna?." Adalwolf asked

"That is why I am here, father. It's a success," He told his father.

"Audolf, is it true?"

"Yes! my Lord," 

"Who is she then?" 

"It's Ashina. A Lady Ashina of Volde Pack," 

"Volde Pack?" His father asked, alarmed.

"Yes!" Beowulf replied smiling

"Audolf, is it the Volde of Olcan?"

"Yes!" Audolf replied. 

Beowulf wondered what the sudden alertness his father just raised was all about. Truly, he knows the forty three main packs, their symbols, their motto, and their Alpha. But he doesn't know what happens between Alphas. He doesn't even know what happens in court.

"Is there something I should be worried about?" He asked, looking at his uncle. 

"No son. Everything is okay. Now come, take me to my room and you will tell me all about her. Audolf, those rogue wolves. Keep on pressing about their identity." The Ultimate Alpha said, extending his hand, waiting for Beowulf to come take him.