Tangents Pack Mentality: Fall finale

_______________________________________________

Early the next morning Shaquille, David, Stephan, and Bramble were walking around their boundaries, making sure that they continued to mark their territory and make sure that the borders remained strong and, then,  out of nowhere, David who was leading the patrol signaled with his ears for everyone in the group to get down.  they followed his command, and as they peered through the bushes they could barely notice the fur of another wolf.  Shaquille whispered to Stephan, who was the senior member of the patrol if it was one of theirs and Stephan silently shook his head.  Then, he, according to tribe custom, let  out a low warning growl.  The wolf, now wolves that they were watching, turned to face the group, but continued. Then as if, on cue the members of the group got off there bellies and started stalking towards the group of wolves that were starting to get closer to the patrol.  And as they got closer Stephan began to notice that they were looking rather small for a wolf. He Growled again this time a little bit more hostile, and the group of four wolves turned to face them, and their fur started to bristle.  

Now upon closer examination, Shaquillle, David, Stephan, and Bramble began to Identify the perpetrators, who were now standing about a tail length away from the group.  They Identified them as Scott, Taylor, and Mat.  The group of 7 seemed to stare each other down for a century, pacing the boarder.  Even though Scott, Taylor, and Mat were out numbered 4 to 3 they were not backing down. Then as if in one motion, Bramble and Matt launched themselves right at each other, followed by The rest.  The clearing suddenly broke out into a complete sea of motion.  

Stephan began to examine the clearing to where the lines seemed to be drawn.  He looked over to the right where he saw Bramble and Mat, battling, then he started turning to the left where he saw Scott and David Battling, and then on the far side of the clearing he saw Taylor and Shaquille going at it, and then all of the sudden out of nowhere Stephan took a big blow to the left  side which knocked him down and the wind out of him.  Before he knew it, he had a wolf right on top of him.  This one he Quickly identified as Sophie.  She continued to land blow after blow, temporally blinding him from the battle because of blood dripping down his face.  He kept scrambling trying to figure out how to counter act Sophie, and then shortly after he kicked up his hind legs flipping her off of him.  He then turned and jumped on top her landing a couple of blows of his own.  He looked over, and Howled to get his location out to his tribe, and then Scott returned the favor.  He turned to where Bramble seemed to be and saw that he was struggling.  Stephan took off and knocked Mat off of Bramble and told him to go to camp, and then go to where the ranger station was to mark that there was a battle going on between Daniels tribe and Carlton's tribe.  Bramble took off.  

Stephan returned quickly to battle and taking notice of Shaquille and David tag teaming on Scott and Taylor.  He also noticed that Mat was starting to turn towards him and then charge, but Stephan was ready for the attack.   He quickly shoved mat off and jumped on top of him and started to Land blow after blow until he released him and told mat to leave or else he will shred him to pieces, and Mat left.  Stephan then turned his attention to the battle that Shaquille and David were having, and as if on cue, Stephan heard a howl and turned around to see Morgan, Skyler, Peter, and Spike hurl themselves into the battle and on then he looked across the clearing to see Minnie, Syler, and Carla join into the battle.  Daniels tribe clearly had the advantage, so they fanned out and then surrounded the group of carltons tribe of wolves.  Stephan then heard a voice coming from the woods. "Stop.  We have you surrounded and there is no use fighting to the Death over a border dispute!"  Stephan turned and saw Daniel Striding into the battle with a sense of pride about him.  Then Stephan turned across the way and saw The infamous leader of His tribe stride into the scene.  "never!" was the reply from Carlton.  "Cant you see this is our territory?"

Daniels powerful voice echoed around the clearing. "Technically turn around and look at the trees.  Do they not have Our Tribe Logo on them?"

At this wise reply Carlton turned around, taken aback from this comment and then turned back "where?"

Daniel Spat his reply. "That is correct.  Our tribe was patrolling when they saw your members, and on their way to mark those Trees!!"

"Well they weren't done yet so that means we can hunt her for the moment!"

"No way!"

Bramble started to make his approach and stood next to his leader.

"Don't you know the code of conduct around these parts?"

"Those don't apply at this instant!"

"Lets stop this now before anyone else gets hurt!  We will discuss further at the Gathering tomorrow!  As of now,  This has gone beyond a boarder dispute."  He paused. "Now everyone, return to your territories.  I have questions, and you are about to get drilled Carlton."  He spat that retort and everyone turned, still hostile from the mornings battle.  Stephan turned to Bramble and said, "You could cut this tension with a knife right now." At this everyone paused turned and stared at each other for an eternity and continued on their way.

***

Everyone was still energized from the morning battle and there was  a chatter.  Daniel turned to Stephan and Said, "When we get back to camp I would like to speak to you in my den."

Stephan asked, "good or bad?"

Daniel replied, "Depends on how you take it. "  And he started to laugh.

Stephan contiued the conversation "So good then?" and he blinked the blood out of his eye

"yeah."

The battle party continued on their way back. and then daniel whispered to Morgan "You, Peter, and skyler should resume the patrol.  Make the tribe logo on the trees by where the battle just took place is really big as if to make sure that Everyone can see it, even a bat." Morgan nodded and grabbed the three that were named and told them what had been relayed to her.

Several minutes passed and soon enough they were walking into camp.  Several members of the battle party were told to go and see their taylor for medical attention for any cuts or scratches that were recieved.  Amoung those who were told were Bramble, Stephan, and Shaquille.

***

A few moments had passed and Stephan came out of the medical den with cobwebs and Dried leaves above his eye, and headed to Daniels den.  He waited outside of Daniels den for a while and Stephanie said, " Nice cut (referring to the patch up that he had above his eye).  Daniel wants to see you now."

Stephan nodded and headed inside.  He hesitated at first and then walked in to a great greeting "Welcome.  Please sit down."  He did as he was told and Daniel trotted out from where he was in his spectacular den.  "No need to worry." Sensing that Stephan seemed to be stressing about the situation even though he knew that it was good news. "I just need to talk to you about what happened during the battle between the tribes that occurred. "  Stephan saw the Leaders eyes gaze over as if he was looking forward to what may happen. "You carried yourself well out there, and you made some good judgement calls during the battle, at least from what I saw. You are also doing a great job with your first Beta and I was wondering if you could do me a favor.  I will get into some other stuff later in this conversation.  Rick seems to be considering taking on a beta, and I have seen the way he has been interacting with him.  I still do not know his name, but I want you to keep a watchful eye on the kid."

Stephan nodded and started to get up until he was interrupted "wait, and that is not all.  Rick has been the representative of this complex for as long as I have been leader, and according to tribe Custom, When the representative of a complex starts to consider taking on a beta, So must the leaders.  That started to get me thinking about possible replacements.  You have a beta and you are considering a mate.  Is that correct?"

"Yes I have."

"Well if that is the case, I am deciding to pursue taking you on as the Assistant Alpha, and from there you will take my place when I retire.  Think about it please and  com back to me within the next couple of days. You may leave now and get some rest, for you have had a long day already, Tell Bramble thanks for grabbing us."

At this Stephan left the presence of The leader, his mind racing. So much as a matter of fact so fast that he felt like he might not be able to get some sleep. He headed to his den and just as he turned he heard the call of Daniel "Let all wolves young and old come out from their dwellings and gather with me for a tribe meeting." Shortly after he made the call the early patrol came into the camp. Daniel turned to them and said, "Welcome back. All quiet?" Morgan nodded.

He saw all the members that were at the camp including the Pups and Betas, so Stephan turned around to join the tribe.  As he got closer, he saw George, Raven, and Quint, so he decided to join them.  Daniel resumed "As some of you may know we had a battle with the Carlton tribe over borders, so I am going to be going through some measures to make sure that Carlton doesn't get any Ideas.  First, We are going to be increasing our boarder patrols.  Stephan will be helping Stephanie put those together, after he gets some rest."  Murmurs of agreement went through the tribe, along with a few chuckles. Daniel signaled with his tail to tell the tribe to simmer down. "Also, since we are going to be increasing Boarder patrols, we are going to be have some more hungry members, so we are going to need to make sure that our Fresh kill pile is going to be full.  I will be organizing those.  Also, we are going to need to make sure that all members are prepared for any further moves that Carlton pulls on us.  Any other ideas that you all have could be brought up now. "

Stephan heard a voice from somewhere in the crowd. "What about the tribe.  If we have an increase in Patrols, who is going to be protecting us?"  Stephan nodded in agreement and piped up.

"I think that there should always be 3 members that are not training inside the camp at all times."

Daniel replied, "Good Idea Stephan.  I will make sure that occurs as well.   Any other Ideas speak now or forever have your peace."  He paused Then said, "Very well, we begin at Dawn.  That now concludes this meeting.  Now resume normal duties."

At that the meeting broke up.

       ***

Early that morning, Jackson and Rick were sitting next to each other in the hospital waiting room, waiting for any news about Jacksons Mom, and Jackson started to drift off because they had been waiting up all night.  Until finally they heard their names called.  "Rick and Jackson, you are free to come to room 311.  Your mom is ready."  They stood up and walked towards towards the room that they were called to, and when they walked in, and as expected she had 15 stitches on her face which also included multiple Bruises from the beating that she endured last night.  Rick turned to the Nurse and asked them "What is the news." As Rick said this, he drew his badge.

The nurse replied, "Multiple Cuts, the worst of those has 15 stitches, there was also a little bit of swelling on the brain, but that is mostly under control-"

Jackson piped up, still a little shoke up from the Night prior, "Mostly?"

"Yeah mostly.  There is a little bit of swelling, but that should go down within the next 48 hours.  You may not be able to ask her any question until then," turning towards Rick, "There may be a couple of loopholes in her memory."

Rick agreed and then said "when is she free to come home?"

"She can go home in around 15 minutes."

At this Jackson and Rick turned and headed out of the room and then down the hallway to the waiting room and they began to grab their stuff. Jackson grabbed his jacket and stood up and waited for Darlene, his mom, and in the process he turned to Rick and asked "So what does this mean for us?Does that mean we are here until She recovers? If so, I really don't feel like camping for 48 more hours.  Could anything else go wrong-"

Jackson was cut off by Rick when Rick said "well, only time will tell.  Things are going to be different from here on out for you two.  Your dad is put away for at least 20 years, I am going to be needing some help with building the case against him. That alone could take a week.  Have you talked to your teachers to let them know what is going on?"

"Not yet because I do not know when I could call."

 "Email?"

"Don't have access to the internet."

I'll Lend you my computer when we get back to the campground.  School Comes first you know."

Jackson nodded in agreement, and if on Cue, Darlene came down the hallway walking, and they turned and entered the elevator.  

***

The next day finally came, and Daniel was the first one up because it was the night of the Gathering of the tribes around the Lewis Lake complex.  This Gathering happens once a month and it is where the leaders of the tribes around Lewis Lake Share the news of what happened during the previous month, And this one seemed to have more weight on it then all of the gatherings of the earlier year.  The border battle with the Carlton tribe seemed to be the spark of a long standing rivalry that had just been awakened again.  Daniel seemed to know the weight of what he had to say and how to say it, and in a way that didn't open any old wounds. 

He had to tread lightly, but firm enough to make a statement to Carlton and the tribes.  He just kept pacing back and forth trying to choose what words to say.   That was not the only thing that had to be talked about at the Gathering.  He also had to address the other leaders about the hostilities that seemed to be building up to a breaking point.

As Daniel was pacing Stephan and Stephanie came out of their dens and went to talk about who should be going to the gathering at sunset.  The names that seemed to be coming up the most were Spike, Morgan, Shaquille, Stephanie, and Stephan.  They decided that those five will be the group to represent their pack at the gathering. 

Soon after the decisions, they decided to put the patrols together. One morning, one late morning, one Afternoon, and one late afternoon, which is a couple more than usual.  Daniel than talked about the hunting patrols, and included in those two were Bramble, Raven, Quint, and Daniel himself.  

The Day went on as planned, since there is a truce held on the days of the gathering.  At the end of the day the patrols came back and shared what they experienced.  One group picked up the scent of a fox, and then went on to warn the queens.  

The mealtimes came and went, and Daniel and Stephan went on and fetched the group that would be representing their pack

***

Meanwhile Jackson, Rick and Darlene were setting up a place for Jackson and Darlene to stay at the Ranger cabin.  Rick noticed that the snow had stoped earlier in the day.  Then when he went to his truck to grab his knife,  he noticed something that he hadn't seen in a long time.  There was  a battle between  Carlton and Daniels tribe.  He went inside and told Darlene and Jackson that he would be back before dark.  He hopped on his ATV and headed to where the battle took place, and put together what happened.  He could tell that the grass was worn down with occasional blood spatters in spots, but thought to himself Well.  Things are about to get interesting. The last time he saw that Carlton and Daniel got into a battle, a all out war occurred between the two tribes in the coming weeks and months.  There was a lot of bloodshed, as to be expected from a rivalry that goes back as far as the two tribes getting to the lake. He then hopped on his ATV and headed back to the ranger cabin.  He looked at the time and saw that there was going to be a gathering in a couple of hours, he said that he had some duties to attended to knowing that this Gathering is going to really intense, since one of the longest rivalries in the history of the tribes had encountered another spark, and he could not help but think that this gathering was going to be intriguing.  He asked Jackson if he wanted to come, he asked Darlene and she said yes.  They hopped in the truck and drove off to the gathering place.

***     

The gathering place was bigger than Jackson ever imagined.  It  took place on a Peninsula that stretched almost to the Daniel Packs territory.  They parked the truck just barely into Sky's territory but close enough to where they could see the leaders of the packs giving the news.  He told Jackson to get out of the truck with him to clear out a space to where they could set out a towel and look up at the leaders.  Skys pack was the first to arrive then was followed by Kylie, Carlton and Then Daniels pack approached.  As  the leaders passed them they nodded in recognition and in a way to say hello.  Rick turned to Jackson and said "you are about to see something incredible. Don't tell anyone about what is going to be seen tonight. Even your mom." 

Jackson asked "Why?"

"This is a gathering they do this once a month, and if people start coming to see them they will go away."  

A smirk crossed Jacksons face, "So, in other words shut up or you'll find me." 

Rick laughed and nodded, then all of the sudden they heard a Voice that Rick could only assume was Sky's "Hello and Welcome to This months Gathering."  Rick and Jackson heard howls of approval from members of all four of the tribes. 

***

Stephan looked up at the leaders who were standing on A fallen tree above all of the members of the tribes.  He was in the front row of Wolves that were not very important members of the tribes, and as he looked on behind the leaders he saw that Jackson and Rick were sitting about 10 wolf lengths away from the leaders.  What a great spot.  He heard Sky continue on "My tribe has had a quiet month.  We did get a couple of pups a week ago.  We also added a couple of members that same day.  Barks of approval were heard from all around the members of the tribes.   "We did however, chase out a bear, and just a heads up, it was going towards your pack Kylie."

Stephan looked over to the left and saw a beautiful She wolf step up and answer, "Thank you Sky for that nice gesture of warning.  Now onto the news of my Pack.  We have had an adventure of a month thanks to Carlton's pack.  They were sent getting too close to our boundary, but they backed off.  They then returned again though."  At this it felt like there was a shock of lightning through the air.  "We did chase them out though.  We bring two new members to this gathering as we'll.  We have also been blessed with  a new litter."  A collective aww filled the clearing.  "But with that we have had our fair share of challenges, because they came on the first major snowfall.  They are remaining strong."  She stepped back and then Daniel stepped up for his turn.

"We have also had an adventure of a month Kylie.  We also had run in with Carltons tribe, except this one was a bit more bloody."  He paused and shot A glare that could even scare a bear off of a territory.  "Our packs had to resort to back up.  We had a couple of injuries and would like to say that we are awake and actively preparing for a secondary attack."  At this the members of Daniels tribe turned and let out barks of agreement.  "  At this Carlton stepped up taking slight offense at some of Daniels comment.

"Well look at you big - shot.  I'm terrified. " 

***

At this Jackson turned to Rick, "Are gatherings usually this fiery?" he asked.

Rick answered, "No but those two leaders have  a ugly history."

Jackson turned back and continued to watch

***

"Keep in mind that your Tribe started that Battle" as he said this Carlton moved towards Daniel. 

Daniel retorted "They wouldn't have if your tribe members didn't walk towards the group that was patrolling."

At this Kylie and Sky jumped in between the two leaders, who had started to get their tribes on edge. 

Sky's Booming voice echoed throughout the clearing, "Stop it you two.  We know that your tribes have a history, but there is a truce tonight."  

Carlton shoved him out of the way, resulting in Sky's members tensing up.  Carlton continued to speak "My tribe is important even though we have less members and we will show you all no matter what. Here is what I demand: some more territory for my tribe and taxing with one piece of prey for anyone trying to enter our territory."  A shocked gasp was heard from all around the clearing, and there wasn't a cloud in the sky.

____________________________________

~I hope you all enjoy this series.  Pack Mentality will Return on January 4th 

~Please feel free to comment and follow this blog, and if you are compelled follow me for Behind the article updates and news.  Also follow me on instagram for pictures from Europe.

~If you are going to be in any of the places listed on the tour dates page, I would love to meet you.

~My thoughts and prayers are going out to those who were affected by the wildfires in Gatlinburg, TN.