Keeping the face of the previous day was not complicated, although the conversation with Nero had changed the way they saw the pack. It was easy to inform the rest of the group, but not with Blanche. It was evident that none of them intended to share the mental bond they had with their friends, or at least to speak at times like that. That they had such a tool would have made their task much more manageable, although it was clear that they would not take that step.

“I think it’s better to leave things as they are,” Blanche said, forcing a smile. “My thoughts and those of Ark or Kali are enough for me. I doubt I could stand hearing five more voices.”

It seemed like madness, expressed with such words, although neither Finnian nor the rest would force something like that. They well knew that it only worked if the other minds were receptive, and although they could not read the thoughts but send what they wanted to share, they assumed it was too much for Blanche. Therefore, in the end, they simply warned her to be careful with the pack until they saw what action their interaction took.

They dismissed Themis and the rest of the replanters shortly after breakfast and undoing their camp. There was still work in that area that did not correspond to them. Perhaps they would have stopped the day before to help in what might be one thing, but there were extremes they were not going to exceed. As much as they enjoyed their company, they could not forget that each present had different goals, which led them to go their separate ways.

His journey through the so-called Sea of Grass continued as it began. They had left behind the mountains that protected the Galya, and although the silhouette of the great tree looked ever further away, looking back was the worst they could do at that point. After all, they were unaware of what would appear on that new path they were travelling. And that’s just what led them to the following change.

“If until now we have gone unnoticed, it has been your work.”

Although Finnian approached Braunah with respect, that phrase could not be further from reproach. Contrary to the previous day, they decided to go at the same pace as the alpha. While none of those present prevented it, they did not add anything, not even a comment.

The great wolf looked at him, keeping in touch while they continued on their way, perhaps enjoying the show because for every step she took, Finnian had to give several more to keep up, and he was not alone.

“It took you a day.”

“Less, but it wasn’t going to be a conversation we had at night,” Finnian said.

According to Ead, Braunah’s leadership did more than lead the rest of the wolves. Her position as a boss made them work together, even though each elthean had their own characteristics. It was not a hive mind, but when it came to advancing and protecting themselves, that lupine mantle made any pursuer think twice before attacking them.

“It’s more than just a show of power, but attitude,” Braunah said. “You learn fast. I grant you that.”

And although a compliment like that didn’t seem ill-intentioned, it gave the impression that none of those present had much more to add. It was clear that his encounter with Flicka had not been ignored by the pack, but it was not he who took the issue out. Neither was he fond of talking about the weather nor would he offer an opportunity to be used as a puppet.

“You surprise me. I would have expected you to prefer to stay with the regrowers,” Braunah said.

The wolf continued their path and maintained that talk that could seem casually, even if both were testing what the other might be thinking.

“As much as we would have liked to help them,” Rune began to say.

“There are issues that we must resolve far from here,” Leith added.

“Any details you would like to share?” Braunah said.

“Nope. You never know who might be listening,” Aer said.

It was not a personal matter against them, and she knew it. Had she revealed to them the reasons to be near the Galya? Or why did they decide to accompany them? Just as confidence between Blanche and him should be encouraged, so would their allies, if they could call them as such. Because their encounter, however fortuitous it would have been, left room for too many doubts to overlook.

“Then I’ll use the time wisely before you change your mind,” Braunah said. “There are many we can help if we continue to Alder.”

It was a territory that the Lord of Calamity had added to his domains. They had it marked on their map, as it was an excellent place to gather new information. They could alter the course and avoid as many cities or towns as possible to not reveal their location to anyone. But the wolf was not going to allow it, even when that ‘suggestion’ sounded like an imposition.

“Calamity is not there. He has left a small force to secure the settlement. That’s why it’s our chance to get it back,” Braunah continued.

“Since when do you know?” Finnian inquired.

“It was yesterday, right?” Blanche said. “You wouldn’t have tried to recruit him if you didn’t have that information.”

Frowning, Finnian felt the desire to look at his partner. Where was she when they agreed to be careful with the pack?

Even though they decided not to comment on anything about the night before, Blanche again agreed to one thing and then did what she wanted. Nevertheless, her intervention caused an effect on the wolf, making her not answer immediately, a gesture that he imitated, waiting to see how she acted.

“After your response with the regrowers, I expected you to be more receptive, even if Flicka thinks otherwise.”

“A conversation may or may not mark the course of a story,” Finnian said with such seriousness that he was even surprised by his attitude. “If we had a real talk, we would be having a different conversation, instead of why this was not done otherwise.”

Alder was more than a strategic place. Its location and structure made it a good meeting place for all types of elthean. Trade flowed, life also did, as few had the power to conquer it. It was not comparable to a dorean, but that town was a valuable asset. They knew it, even when they hadn’t had yet the opportunity to visit it.

The march stopped in the same way that their conversation was started. Several wolves watched how they behaved while his partners kept an eye on whether anyone decided to intervene in any way possible.

“So, I have to share to the rest that you prefer not to intervene in the fight against the Lord of Calamity?” Braunah said.

“Would it be necessary, seeing that everyone listens to us?” Rune said.

“We’ll help. We’ll do what we can,” Aer said.

“Although we’re going to make one thing clear,” Leith said. “Don’t manipulate us again to do the dirty work for you.”

It was more than that. Two days on their journey did not make them distrust, but how they had to behave with each other. That their world was in crisis could not be seen as an excuse. After all, when wasn’t there a problem to solve and a fire to extinguish? Neither on Earth would they be free from it, nor anywhere else.

“You asked me for my power, and all you will get will be us,” said Finnian, opening his arms to refer to his friends. “Don’t dare to turn me in just a tool. You would be surprised at how bad things can end.”

“Is that a threat?”

“On the contrary, it’s a warning,” said Finnian. “Yesterday, you made it clear that you do not intend to step aside from the battle against Calamity or the Eroder.

Good for you, really, but we make our own decisions and how to use our power. You are not our alpha, don’t tell us how to work, and we won’t do the same with you.”

Finnian ignored if that was what it meant to be a leader and make the choices. He was used to a quiet life on Earth, away from the dangers and decisions he had there. But Ailfryd’s, Lunaluz and many others teachings, along with their hopes, were placed on him. Was he really going to forget what he was presented because wolves forced him to do things their way? Definitely not.

“It’s all said, then,” the leader whispered. “There are issues that we must discuss, especially about... how you while facing danger.”

They would have to prepare a lot of things. He doubted that Braunah was with her paws empty to go blindly into such a mission. However, a whisper came to his mind as clear as the daylight.

“She expected such a reaction,” Ead said.

“Is there anything this wolf doesn’t see coming?” Aer intervened.

“Two steps ahead, whatever we do,” Rune said.

“Don’t make a mistake,” Leith said. “It is a facade. There were only two options to end this conversation, and we were aware from the beginning.”

They could refuse or accept, limiting in two also how they reacted. Each group would have the possibility to continue on its path or face each other to test its convictions. However, the reality was that enough destruction was being given to fight with the few allies one was on the way. They might have communication issues, but the intelligence of both was not to be underestimated.

“I guess our path needs to stop,” Finnian said. “Tell us about Alder. Everything you know.”