Chapter 1
A hooded figure dashed through the moonlit forest. Brushing past mighty pines, snapping twigs. His shadow sweeping over the peaceful forest. Behind him, the shouts of his pursuers could be heard. They were catching up. Underneath his cloak, he clutched a simple diamond ring he had stolen. He desperately looked back. Soon they would be upon him. Suddenly the hooded figure tripped over a root from a tree. The man tripped and tumbled down. The soft ground stained his black cloak with patches of brown. His pants tore a hole in one of the knees. Recovering from his fall, he quickly got up and pressed his back against the nearest tree. There was no longer any use running, he would have to try and defend himself and the ring. The man drew his heavy bladed dagger from his belt. The dagger gleamed dully in the moonlight. He gave a deep sigh, still clutching the ring. Slowly he slid the treasure onto his ring finger. The figure jumped out from his hiding place, holding the dagger. Hands trembling. The pursuers surrounded him. Out numbering him 3-1. Immediately two raised the bows they had. Soon two broad headed arrows were pointed directly at him.
“Get back!” The hooded figure yelled frightfully. The dagger shaking in his sweaty hands.
“Put your weapon down!” One of them demanded.
“Calm down, lower your arrows.” A man said above them all. Reluctantly, they responded releasing the tension on the bowstrings. The person who had spoken stepped forward.
“Hello, I am Edward James Bartholomew Black IV. Alpha of the Eclipse Pack. And I ask who you may be?” Edward politely responded.
“Why do I have to tell you anything?” The hooded figure demanded.
“I could easily kill you right now. So, you have two options. Tell us your name and you might just live. Or be hanged by the neck until dead. Your choice.” Edward explained.
“Fine, my name is Ristridin Grey. I was an Omega from the Bloodmoon Pack. I ran away from my pack due to rough. . . conditions. To say the least.” Ristridin confessed.
Unexpectedly, two rouges jumped out of the ferns. One launched itself at the first person’s neck, killing him instantly. It pounced again for the second man. He grabbed an arrow from his quiver in an attempt to stab the rouge. Resistance proved futile as the man was killed as well. But he had luckily managed to stab the arrow into its head. It dropped dead to the ground. The first rouge dropped dead. Ristridin had ducked behind a rock. The second rouge was snarling. Drool running down his snout. His eyes filled with hatred. Edward turned into his wolf form and pounced. The two wolves grappled. Wrestling, trying to aim for each other’s neck. The rouge grabbed the Alpha’s hind leg. Dragging him away. Ristridin leaped up onto the rock. Watching the scene unfold. The Alpha would soon die at the teeth of this random attacker. Deciding to take action. He held his dagger in a reverse grip with both hands. Ristridin leaped into the air, his cloak flowing behind him, in a wave of black. The gleaming blade slid easily into the soft flesh of the rouge’s neck. The rouge flailed and howled in agony. Blood flowed out of the wound staining the wolf rouge’s black fur. It wreathed in pain, until slowly lying limp to the ground.
Edward shifted back to his human form, Still lying on the ground, panting. Grasping at his leg, the rouge had bitten. Ristridin wiped the blood off his dagger with the edge of his cloak. He gave his hand down to Edward. Who took his hand gratefully. Edward came in close and patted his back.
“Thanks. I owe you my life.” Edward thanked
“Don’t mention it.” said Ristridin
“So, I take it you’re no longer part of your pack.” Edward spoke
“You would be right.” Ristridin said, “My pack treated me horribly. Omegas are supposed to be treated nicely. Nope. I had had enough of it. So, I set out on a mission to find a better pack, and life.”
“Well, consider that mission a success. Welcome to the Eclipse Pack.” Edward responded, holding out a hand. Ristridin gave a grand smile and clasped the Alpha’s hand. Shaking it excitedly.
6 years later. . .
Edward Black, the Alpha, Ristridin Grey, the Beta. Sapphire Crescent, the Luna and her Beta, Ella O’Brian. With the two Gammas, Atreus Ranger, and Maeve Cormac. All of them sat on one side of the head table. Each in high backed chairs. The head table was massive, covered in a beautiful white silk tablecloth. Behind them five huge stained-glass windows sat behind them. Casting colored light into the room. The daunting figures shadows stretched across the maple wood floor. To the right of the room were elegant marble statues of warriors with magnificent swords. Ristridin’s head was resting on the soft, silk tablecloth. Asleep. Tired after a long day of work. Edward tried to wake him, by softly shaking his shoulder. Sapphire gave a grunt of disapproval. Suddenly, there was a knock on the heavy oak doors. Edward cracked Ristridin across the back of the head with his hand. Ristridin woke up with startle. Looking from side to side. Edward looked straight forward once again, in expectance to their greeter who had just walked in. He immediately straightened up in his chair. The person who had just walked through the door was the Delta, Rowan. Rowan bowed in the presence of the Alpha and Luna.
“I come with urgent news.” Rowan reported.
“What is it, Rowan?” asked Edward.
“News from his majesty, King Cyrus.” Rowan responded.
“What does his majesty want?” Edward asked again.
“Didn’t say exactly what. But it did summon use to his presence at once.” explained Rowan.
“Alright then, if his majesty needs us. We shall set out at once. Atreus, get a group of fifteen warriors. Maeve, help him with that. Everyone else get a few things packed.” Edward announced.
Everyone parted. Pushing their chairs back and separating. Edward kissed Sapphire on the lips and set to get his horse saddled. Ristridin paced quietly alone to his room where his weaponry was kept. He shoved the door open to see his quiet empty room. His weaponry was strapped to his belt. Nothing much, but a short sword and a heavy bladed dagger. The same dagger he had used on the night that Edward chased him down. He had used the blade to save his life. Which he would do again if necessary. Ristridin swung a black cloak over his shoulders. Come on Ristridin. We need to get going! The must have been Edward mindlinking him. He rushed out to the stables. There his mare was already saddled for him, by and Omega. Atreus and Meave were waiting with the troops to set off. Sapphire was feeding her horse an apple, rubbing its muzzle. Edward was sitting on a haybale watching the sunset on the horizon. Ristridin slid his feet into the stirrups, heaving himself into the saddle.
“Alright men, lets mount up and be on our way!” Maeve called.
The group of twenty-one set out on the dust beaten road, leading away from their territory. Towards the capital of Eridania, where the castle resides. The journey to the capital was a two-day ride away. When the group reached the city, they stopped at the drawbridge to Castle Dagger. Castle Dagger was a mighty fortress, built years before. It had high elegant towers, along with thick, protective walls. The castle was surrounded by a deep moat. The only way in or out was the drawbridge. Edward called up to scouts keeping watch on the walls above them. They heard shouts above and soon the drawbridge was slowly lowered. It made a deep, groaning sound as the chains lowered the gateway to the castle. The drawbridge landed with a loud thud. The group from the Eclipse Pack urged their horses onward. The hooves making a quiet clip-clop along the wood. Inside the walls was a large courtyard. To their right was a large stable. Housing many horses. Ristridin unmounted. His boots landing softly on the cobbled courtyard. His cloak flowed elegantly behind him. The rest hopped off their steeds as well. Stable hands quickly led the horses away, grabbing the reins. Sapphire led the way, with the rest following closely behind. They were led into the throne room. Ristridin looked around in amazement. His eyes glowing at the sight around him. The throne room was one of the most amazing things he had ever seen. The floor polished, marble tiles. Large windows let in plenty of light on either side of the room. Statues of previous kings lined the walls. In front of them was the thrones, elevated from the rest of the room. There were four thrones. The two center ones sat, Queen Cassandra Nightengale. Next to her was King Cyrus Nightengale II. To the queen’s right was a smaller throne, with Princess Aster in its place. To the king’s left was an empty throne, similar to the princess’s. Ristridin tipped his head sideways in curiosity. He wondered why it was empty. The king was an older man, with an elegant, long white beard. Gentle, soft eyes putting anyone at ease who met his gaze. He wore white robes, with gold markings. Each member of the royal family wore an outfit like it. Everyone bowed in his presence.
“What was it that you wanted your majesty?” Ristridin asked.
“It’s my son, Finch. He was kidnapped.”
“Finch? How was he kidnapped, or how did it happen?” Edward asked
“He was along our east borders, killing off a band of rouges who have been causing trouble along our borders. One of the rouge captains managed to sneak into their camp and kidnap my son. Now I don’t where he is or what has become of him.” Cyrus explained.
“I mean that’s terrible and all, but what does this have to do with us?” asked Atreus.
“I am glad you asked, Atreus. That’s precisely why I have called you here. I want you to find him and bring him back home. Please, I believe you are the only ones that can help find him.” said Cyrus.
“Please find my brother! Please bring him home safe.” Aster interrupted.
“But why call on us? There are plenty of other qualified packs out there who could help you. And I ask again, why us?” questioned Atreus.
“Quiet Atreus!” Edward quietly snapped.
“It’s quite alright, Edward. The reason why I called on you specifically is because of one certain event, ten years ago.” Cyrus explained
“Would it be the Battle of the Eclipse Pack?” Ristridin questioned.
“Precisely. The battle of rouges for your territory, ten years ago.” Cyrus spoke, gesturing towards Sapphire, “I take it that you all remember when Sapphire was kidnapped. You stopped at nothing to save her. That is what I need today.”
“I heard of the battle for our own territory.” Ristridin interrupted, “But you never mentioned that our Luna was kidnapped, Edward.”
“I thought it wasn’t necessary to tell you.” Edward responded.
“Well, I mean luckily she’s safe with us here today, but I would have liked to know this.” Ristridin interjected.
“Sorry.” Edward apologized.
“I trust you all can bring our son back.” Cassandra said.
“We are on it. Your son will be found and brought home. You can count on us.” Sapphire spoke
“I’m glad I can.” Cyrus said, “You can begin right away.”
“Got it.”
The group was escorted out of the throne room and back to the courtyard where they were left alone. The six circled around each other. Ristridin put his hand in first. Everyone else placed their hands in as well.
“Alright is everyone ready to find Prince Finch?” Maeve expectantly asked.
“Ready!” everyone answered in unison.
“Let’s find this missing prince!” exclaimed Ristridin.
