Chapter 17: Chapter 17: The Tournament Begins

Ellie

“How are you, sunshine?” Her dad called as she met up with him in the clearing where the first contest would be held. He was bursting with excitement as he wrapped his arm around her neck. “Can you believe it’s finally here?”

“Everything looks great, Dad,” she said, hugging him back. It was clear he was proud of what he’d put together, and he’d done a nice job. The stands were packed with people ready to watch the first event, the log toss, as he father had been calling it. Many of the audience members were from her own pack, but she saw familiar faces from the guests’ packs as well. River’s mother’s face caught her attention. Ellie waved at Patricia, who was always so kind, and Patricia smiled and waved back.

“Now, I’m letting Beta Andrew run this contest so that I can just enjoy it with my beautiful daughter,” Michael explained.

Behind them, Cane chimed in. “And we’ll be watching to make sure no one cheats.”