by Peter Saenz
Looking frantically behind her now, Anna says, “Mika Renee Williams, we don’t have time for this. They’re coming! Take my hand now!”
Mika looks sternly at Anna, standing her ground.
Now angered, Anna tells Mika. “My apartment is to be left undisturbed. Under no circumstance is anyone to enter it.”
With that, Anna swings her arms upward, causing her white cloak to swirl around itself. In an instant the cloak disappears, taking Anna along with it.
Reaching down, I take both Tobias and my mother’s hands into my own. I can sense they are getting weaker by the moment. I close my eyes and focus on my own inner power. I will for part of my strength to leave my body and enter into theirs. I’m overcome with exhaustion. When I open my eyes I see that some color has returned into their faces, but their wounds still haven’t healed. Feeling helpless, I look around for any sign of help. I finally lock eyes with my father and see that he is just as devastated as I am.
Suddenly, a bright light appears in the center of the forest clearing. Each of us holds our hands over our eyes to avoid being temporarily blinded. When the light finally dims, we find, standing in it’s place, are two women. One I recognize immediately. The other, I don’t recognize at all.
Sitting on her earth hewn throne is a majestic looking older woman. She is ghost-like, and as before, I am overcome with the feeling of safety and security. Her shining robes sparkle as she stands. My goddess has arrived. Standing beside her is a middle aged woman with wild fire colored hair. She wears a green shift dress with no shoes. Like Gaea beside her, this new goddess emanates great power.
The new goddess waves her hand, causing a powerful wind to strike me and my family. The wall of air causes me to almost lose my footing, but is cool and inviting. Almost instantly, I’m rejuvenated. My body is now surging with strength. My broken rib repairs itself, and my head no longer throbs in pain. I shift my back in place, trying to physically feel the sting from the demon scratches. They too seem to have disappeared.
Below me, Tobias and my mother take in deep breaths. They sit up with their eyes closed, smiling as if they are just about to wake up from a refreshing nap. Looking on their backs, I can still see where Malik’s knife had cut through their clothes. Though their clothes remain bloodied, the wounds themselves have completely healed. Amazed, I look at the two goddesses and say, “Thank you.”
Looking around, I can see that all of the werewolf clan members have gotten down on one knee. Who is this new goddess?
In my head I hear Fenrus tell me, “She is the goddess Hecate. She is the central god to your father’s people, and daughter to your own goddess Gaea.”
In respect, I take to one knee as well. My head bows in submission.
“Goddesses Gaea and Hecate.”, I somehow bring myself to say. “Thank you for saving the lives of my family. I am indebted to you both.”
Lightly chuckling, Gaea walks over to me and lifts my head in her hands. She then says aloud, “My dear child, you have proven your devotion to me time and again. Your selfless acts in my name humble my heart. You bring me great joy.”
From behind me I hear my mother come to. “Devin?”
I turn and hold her and Tobias both in my arms. My father and Mika join us.
A very ethereal voice says, “Your love of your mother tenders my heart as well.”
Turning back to the goddesses, I can see that it’s Hecate speaking. She continues saying, “In my entire existence, the only other being who has never forsaken me has been my mother, the goddess Gaea. If she sees promise in you, then so shall I.”
Unexpectedly, one of the werewolves standing on the sidelines steps forward and bows to Hecate. It’s the same Neuri Archon I had mind-read earlier.
Keeping his head low, the Archon says, “Oh Great Hecate, Marzanna to the Neuri, your devoted servants are humbled by your presence.”
With a sour look on her face, Hecate replies, “Your people have squandered your lives. Though your continued devotion has appeased me through the centuries, you dishonor my gifts with your petty in-fighting and internal squabbles. Only the Lykaion Clan remain pure to me.”
Turning towards me, Hecate says, “You, Devin Toxotis, wolf of the Enopo Clan...step forward.”
The name Toxotis throws me for a second. I’ve only known Marshall to be my last name for most of my life. It takes a moment to register that Toxotis is the family name my father, Adam, has had as a member of the Synoro.
Gingerly I walk forward, finally stopping about 10 feet from the goddess. She and her mother smile fondly upon me.
Softly, Hecate says, “My people have strayed from the path the first generation of wolves had set for themselves. In you I sense a potential return to the old ways again. Is this truly a task you wish to set for yourself?”
I say as whole heartedly as I can, “If there are more wolves out there like my brother Damon, then yes, I’ll take that torch gladly.”
Now looking at Damon, Hecate says, “Damon Toxotis, wolf of the Enopo Clan...step forward.”
Without hesitation, Damon joins me before the goddesses. Gaea and Hecate look at each other. For a brief second I see a flame of joy go across their faces.
Hecate looks at my brother and says, “In all my years, I’ve never met two more unique wolves. There’s a fire in you both that tells me that you could bring peace to the clans.” To Damon she asks, “Is this a task you wish to take on also?”
Damon replies, “Yes.”
“Then so be it.”, Hecate proclaims. “Let everyone here know that these two are favored in the eyes of Hecate. Their clan is to help guide all others who want unification.”
Suddenly I can feel myself changing into my werewolf form. I look beside me and see that Damon is as well. As Damon changes, I see that he no longer just has black and red coloring to his fur. Instead, he now also has white, brown and silver scattered throughout it too. I look down at my body and see that my fur coloring is an exact match to his.
Still smiling, Gaea adds, “These two have a huge task ahead of them. Is there anyone else here who will join them?”
Nicholas stands forward and says, “I will join my kin, if they will have me.”
In my heart I say yes. Nicholas immediately begins changing into his werewolf form also. Like Damon and I, his fur changes to incorporate all of the clan’s existing colors.
Tobias jumps up off of the ground and says, “I’ll stand with them.”
Mika takes his hand and says, “So will I.”
My mother then joins them and says, “Me too.”
Hecate looks at the trio and states, “You two are of the casting realm, and the third is not magic at all. None of you are wolf.”
Tobias says, “The first wolves were simply human once too. Our souls are committed to one another. As a goddess you can see this. Isn’t our desire to help unite your people just as valid as anyone else?”
A look of pride goes across Gaea’s face. “You’ve impressed my daughter with your words. This one, Tobias, is another devotee of mine. His heart is true.”
Hecate confirms, “You’re right. I can see the same passion the others have in these three. For all that you’ve done, you deserve a place at my table.”
Tobias, Mika, and my mother then begin changing into new werewolf forms. Their coats shine with the colors of the clans. The three of them marvel at their new forms, inspecting their new hands, legs, and bodies in amazement.
My father then steps forward and says, “Goddess, I’ve left my own people to live in peace. I wish to stand by my family now with that same goal in mind.”
Gabriella then says, “As do I. Adam is my friend, and we helped create one of the most loving creatures I have ever known. I wish to join that family too, should I be considered worthy.”
As both my father and Gabriella change into their werewolf forms, their color changes to match ours.
Many more wolves from each clan step forward, asking to be part of the new pack. They are each g
ranted permission. As each wolf joins our ranks, they stand by my family still protecting Luke’s body.
The livelihood changes though when my grandfather Jason asks for entry. Almost immediately my magical defenses are raised as Hecate turns on him in anger. The entire area turns a scarlet red. Hecate grows several feet in height. Ominous thunder clouds and lightning sweep across the sky. The forest timber creak and bend, echoing in the goddess’ fury.
Pointing at Jason, Hecate’s voice booms saying, “You dare to lie to ME?!”
The earth shakes suddenly, forcing everyone in the vicinity to hold on to their balance. Because of my experience with The Craft, I can see that Jason has been frozen in place with a level of magic I can’t even begin to fathom. The look of terror streaks across his face, as he tries in vain to run.
Raising her hand, Hecate lifts Jason into the air, making him an example for everyone to see. Gaea looks fondly at her daughter, pleased with her actions.
“Look here, all of you!” Hecate’s voice not only fills our ears, but our minds as well. “This man stood before me, telling me that he has goodness and light in his heart when I know otherwise. In his mind he plans to join my new clan in order to destroy it from the inside out.”
“P...P...Please!”, Jason stammers. “This clan will bring an end to all that we’ve known!”
Hecate’s face turns coal black. Only her red eyes remain. “An end to what? Murder? Selfishness? Mistrust?”
“N..N..NO!” Jason pleads, “We are what the world has made us! We’re outcasts! We hide in shadow for our own safety! We do what we must to survive! Please. We’ve never stopped putting faith in you!”
“You squander your talents for human amusement. You’ve replaced your love of brotherhood for the love of profit. You shame me with your misguided devotion. By rights I should kill you now.” Turning her attention back to the lot of us, Hecate asks, “Who here would miss such an unworthy soul?”
Damon steps forward and says, “I would miss him.”
What? Fearful for his safety, I look at Damon with dread. If I know anything, it’s that you should never question a god. Is he really willing to put his life on the line for someone who has nothing but contempt for us?
Also surprised by Damon’s words, Hecate’s facial features and coloring reemerge. Her red eyes resume their normal color, and her gigantic size shrinks down to human height. She walks over to Damon, looking into his eyes as if she is searching his soul.
“You honestly care for this one, even after all that he’s done?”, she asks.
With no malice or hesitation, Damon answers. “Yes. Isn’t that what our new clan represents? Hope? The hope to unite all of our people, both soft and hard hearted?”
Pulling back, I can see questions in Hecate’s expression. “You’re a curious one, Damon Toxotis.” Hecate continues looking into Damon’s face as if she is suddenly seeing something new.
“My grandfather is misguided. He takes his leadership rules too rigidly. Look into his heart. Besides the obvious jealousy and selfishness, you will also find a strong loyalty to both his clan and his family. He put his own life at risk to make sure his son was accepted back into a pack he abandoned. He uses the majority of his profits as an Archon to help feed the poorest of wolves under his care. And though he knew my life would most likely end at 18, he entrusted me with the same rights and responsibilities as an Archon in training. So yes, my grandfather is misguided, but if we can have wolves with passion like his join out cause? Goddess, that’s a dream I would happily die to achieve.”
Hecate continues looking at Damon a moment longer. She then turns back to Jason, looking into his face in the same way.
“You’re right.”, she says. “There is potential.”
Jason slowly drifts back to the earth, where he physically collapses from shock.
Sternly Hecate warns him, “Go. Tell the other Archons what has happened. Tell them how the new clan defeated an army of demons and found favor in your goddess’ eyes. Then tell them how one of them put his own life in peril to save you and all those like you. Your future is still yours to make of it, but until the new clan establishes their own home, they will be under my protection.”
Gaea raises her voice, saying, “And mine!”
Shaking in place, Jason rises up and runs off toward the main house in his full werewolf form. His black coat blends into the darkness. Several other wolves join him.
“A new home?”, I ask.
My father addresses me, saying, “We’re not part of the Synoro Clan anymore Devin. None of the other clans are going to be open to us until we prove to them that we’re not a threat. Until that happens, we’re on our own.”
The realization of the broad repercussions of what happened tonight fills my mind. We’re a tribe without a home. Looking at all the new Enopo wolves around me, I’m suddenly confronted with the fact that I’m now not just responsible for a few of my friends and family members, but a small clan of people too.
In a kind voice, Gaea says, “Don’t let the burden of your duties weigh heavy on your heart young one. You will find a way. Humans always do.”
Hecate includes, “Wolves have always had a special place in my heart. Keep faith in me and my mother, and we will help guide you on your path. Stay true to your beliefs. They will lead you to a golden future.”
Gaea and Hecate reach to each other, clasping their hands together.
Gaea looks at Damon and I, saying, “Your love of your mothers honor me. Thank you.”
With that, the two goddesses disappear in a swirl of fallen tree leaves. Gaea’s throne similarly disappears into the night air. Scattered across the clearing, more leaves swirl and cover the shriveled husks belonging to Zack, Kevin and Cole. As the leaves blow away, their small piles of flesh leave with them. A wind blows across my legs. Looking down I see a cluster of leaves surround Luke’s body. He too disappears into the night. I whisper a prayer of thank you, choosing to remember only the good he brought us.
As their godly light leaves the clearing, every wolf standing shifts back to their human forms. Several wolves bow their heads, offering silent prayers to the goddesses for their kindness. The sentiment is infectious as eventually every wolf present does the same. When the moment of devotion is complete, everyone looks at each other with the knowledge that they’ve been witness to a momentous occasion.
One Archon from the Basque Clan, one Archon from the Neuri Clan, two Archons from the Exallos Clan, and three Archons from the Synoro Clan approach Damon and I.
In a Swiss accent, one of the Exallos Archons says, “Your clan can count on me for any help you need. I’m sure the same can be said for every other Archon here. Those not here though, that’s another matter completely. The other Archons and their followers may come after you once the goddesses protection is lifted. The old ways of profit and territory lines is too hard to move past from for them. I’m afraid you have your work cut out for you.”
Mika places her hand on my shoulder and says, “Devin, there’s not enough room in San Francisco for all the new clan members. I might be able to squeeze some of them into the two vacant units, but that’s it. Is there any place else our group can stay?”
One of the Synoro Archons addresses her, saying, “I can temporarily arrange for your clan to stay at the New Hampshire compound. I’m afraid I can only guarantee your safety there for a week though. Jason and the other Synoro Archon, Clayton, have a lot of connections. They won’t let their dishonor in front of the other clan members go quietly. I can arrange to have your clan flown there within the hour.”
My father warmly tells the Archon, “Thank you Brice. Your hospitality is very much appreciated. It should give us time to figure out where we can go from there.”
Damon looks at the Archons and many other non-Enopo wolves present, saying, “Thank you, all of you. Our clan may be small now, but I promise you, your kindness won’t be forgotten. If there’s anything we can offer you in return, all you have to do is as
k. You can contact us through Archon Brice.”
Brice nods his head. “Of course. And should you need to contact the Enopo Clan, you can reach Archon Damon or Archon Devin through me.”
I can tell by Damon’s expression that the new title of Archon took him by surprise as well. The thought of being an Archon is so strange to me. Once we have a chance to breathe, we’ll have to sit down and discuss exactly what that means. In the meanwhile, we need to find a safe home for our clan. An idea comes to mind.
I turn to my mother and ask, “Mom, when your father died, who did he leave his mansion in Boston to?”
With a perplexed look on her face, my mother stammers, “Devin...how do you know...”
Her facial expression changes. As if she already knows the answer to her own question, she recomposes herself and says, “I was my father’s only child. Even though he remarried after my mother died, he left everything to me. When I went into hiding with your father, my step-mother was given temporary control until I return to take over the ‘family business.’”
One of the new Enopo werewolves clears his voice. His American accent tells me that he was raised a Synoro. “I might be able to help.”
My father smiles broadly. “Devin, this is Ian Dikigoros. He’s one of the Synoro’s head lawyers, or...was. He can help with any legal matters we have.”
I turn to my mother. “It’s just an idea mom. I know Boston is a sore subject for you. We can talk about it later in private if you want.”
“No,” she says. “That’s all in my past. When I married your father and had you, my priorities changed with it. If you want the mansion, it’s yours.”
“Good.” I answer back. “Then it’s settled. We’ll take our clan to New Hampshire to plan, with Ian’s help, legally taking over my mother’s Boston property and assets.”
“Properties”, my mother corrects me. Impressed, I feel our outlook has improved slightly.
Satisfied with the plan, everyone heads south, which I’m told by Nicholas, is the direction of the Synoro’s nearest private airport. The various other clans walk with us in order to see us off safely. Walking through the forest, Fenrus, Tobias and Mika join me. It’s then that I notice my familiar’s fur coloring change. His former black and white coloring fades away and is replaced with the new Enopo mix of colors.
