Chapter 10: Fenrir!
Despite his status as merely a junior beast tamer, Kodiak stands as a pivotal figure within the ranks of the Silvermane tribe. His expertise, both as a beast tamer and a craftsman, is a rare and invaluable asset in the tribe's daily life and its overarching ambitions. In a world where talent is a scarce resource, especially for the smaller clans who lack the sophisticated training facilities of the larger tribes or the established academies found in human and elven territories, Kodiak's abilities shine even brighter.
Within the beastmen society, the tribal conflicts often hinder the exchange of knowledge and the nurturing of skills. Unlike their human and elven counterparts, who benefit from a widespread network of academies fostering talents across various domains, the smaller and medium-sized beastmen tribes such as the Silvermane must rely on self-taught individuals. There's an understanding among the Silvermane leaders that, should their power and influence grow, the establishment of a more formal and systematic training program for their youth will become imperative.
On a day marked by significant anticipation, Kodiak, with a mix of respect and curiosity, guided Chief Logan through the labyrinthine pathways of the tribe, eventually arriving at the warg enclosure. "Lord Chief, what brings you here once more at the wolves’ farm. Though you've ventured here before, today's visit seems imbued with new purpose," Kodiak mused, unsure of Logan's intentions. The animal pen, while familiar, seemed to hold secrets yet to be unveiled by the Chief.
Logan, with a glance that swept across the expanse of the enclosure, addressed Kodiak, "Tell me, Kodiak, how have the recent additions to our wolves’ stock fared under your care?" His tone was light, yet underscored with genuine interest.
The enclosure, sprawling over a generous area, allowed the wolves ample space to roam, its central area dotted with dens that sheltered the pregnant and the young. This haven, meticulously maintained by Kodiak, was a show of tribe's respect for their fearsome companions.
"Master Chief, the new wolves you've brought us have been nothing short of a boon," Kodiak began, his eyes scanning the lively scene before him. "For years, our pack has seen neither fresh blood nor vigour, leading to a worrying decline in both the fertility of our females and the survival rates of their offspring. It was a concerning trend, with many opting against the pains of motherhood. But with this new batch, there's hope anew for our beloved companions." His words carried a tone of optimism, reflecting a brighter future for the tribe's wolves, made possible by Logan's foresight and Kodiak's dedication.
"Should we fail to introduce fresh blood into our Wolf pack, I fear that within half a year, their lineage may wither away, extinguishing their capacity to procreate entirely," Kodiak shared, his gaze meeting Chief Logan's with an unmistakable urgency. His role as the overseer of the beast pens bestowed upon him not just authority but a heavy mantle of responsibility, particularly in matters as critical as the preservation of their pack.
Kodiak had tirelessly petitioned the tribal hierarchy for the introduction of new wolves, aiming to invigorate the pack with new bloodlines. Yet, his pleas often met with the harsh reality of the tribe's finances—summarized bluntly in responses that echoed the tribe's tight purse strings. The acquisition of a single second-level wolf demanded a price in gold that the Silvermane's coffers could scarcely afford, placing the idea of purchasing new wolves far beyond their current means. In the grand scheme, while wolves held significant value, their importance could be hastily overshadowed by the tribe's immediate survival needs.
"Yet, thanks to your recent endeavours, Lord Chief, to capture a new group of wolves, there's a renewed vibrancy within the pack," Kodiak said, his respect for Logan evident in his tone and demeanour. To Kodiak, the essence of his identity lay in his bond with these creatures; without them, his stature would diminish to that of an ordinary warrior within the tribe, his unique talents as a beast tamer rendered moot.
Excitement tinged his voice as he continued, "Lately, my team has observed promising signs of integration between the old and the new within the pack. Females from our original group have been seeking mates among the newcomers, signalling the dawn of a stronger new lineage."
"With this resurgence," Kodiak projected, eyes alight with anticipation, "we stand on the cusp of witnessing a remarkable increase in the number of wolf pups. This could very well herald a period of explosive growth for our pack."
Logan, absorbing Kodiak's report, nodded in approval. "That is indeed welcome news," he acknowledged, the potential resurgence of the warg pack offering a glimmer of hope and strength for the entire tribe.
Wolves are not just the pride of our Wolf Cavalry; they are the very bedrock upon which the strength of our tribe rests," Kodiak began, the weight of his words underscoring the crucial role these creatures played within their society. He was acutely aware of the vast chasm in military might that separated a tribe endowed with a formidable wolf cavalry from one without. The disparity was not just significant; it was transformative, altering the very fate of a tribe in the face of conflict.
"Master Chief, would you like me to gather the wolf pack for you?" Kodiak inquired, his voice carrying a blend of respect and a subtle familiarity. In his eyes, Chief Logan harboured a warmth and approachability that his predecessor, Logan's father, perhaps lacked. This accessibility made Kodiak feel more at ease when discussing matters of the tribe or the wolves.
Logan, intrigued by the proposition, couldn't hide his curiosity. "Indeed, I'd like that. I'm eager to see how our new companions from the Black Wind Mountains have settled in," he said with a smile that hinted at both his leadership's softer side and his genuine interest in the well-being of the wargs.
These creatures, having chosen to align themselves with the tribe out of their own volition, held a unique place within the community. Logan understood the fragile nature of this allegiance; like any being of intelligence and will, the wolves could choose to depart if they felt mistreated or constrained. It was a known reality across tribes that monsters, despite their loyalty, would not hesitate to abandon their human allies if pushed to the brink. This understanding stressed the importance of a respectful and symbiotic relationship between the tribe and its magical beasts, recognizing their intelligence and the necessity to treat them with care far beyond that afforded to ordinary beasts.
"Very well," Kodiak responded with a nod, signalling his readiness to fulfil the Chief's request. Retrieving a diminutive bone horn from his belt, he lifted it to his lips and sounded a call that pierced the air, a clear, commanding tone that echoed towards the warg enclosure. The horn's cry, brief yet potent, barely faded before the ground began to tremble with the approach of their response.
In the distance, a formidable wolf emerged, leading a procession that soon swelled to include over two hundred of its kin. They advanced towards Logan and Kodiak, a living testament to the tribe's might and the deep bond shared between the Silvermane and their warg allies. Logan watched, a smile spreading across his face, as this impressive spectacle unfolded before him, a vivid illustration of unity and power that few could witness without a sense of awe.
The sight of two hundred wolves, poised and powerful, would undoubtedly instil a deeper sense of awe and intimidation than their horse-mounted counterparts. As they surged towards the fence, their varied sizes and piercing gazes fixed on Logan and Kodiak, a palpable sense of curiosity and anticipation filled the air.
"Is that the alpha, the one leading the pack?" Logan inquired, pointing towards the most imposing of the wolf, its presence radiating the strength of a seasoned warrior, and turned towards Kodiak for confirmation.
"Yes, Chief, that's Kava. A formidable leader with the strength at the fourth level, not just a mere wolf but a bonded companion under my care," Kodiak explained, pride evident in his voice at the mention of this unique bond.
"Ah, your bonded beast? This must grant you greater insight and control over the pack," Logan mused, his gaze then drifting towards the rear of the pack. A smile tugged at his lips as he observed, "It appears the integration of the new members with our existing pack isn't quite complete."
Indeed, the gathering of wolves was visibly divided, the newcomers and the veterans forming distinct clusters, an unusual sight that did not escape Logan's observant eyes.
Kodiak, momentarily caught off guard by the Chief's observation, quickly recovered and acknowledged, "Yes, there's an ongoing rivalry between the two factions. Yet, intriguingly, Kava hasn't clashed with the newcomers' alpha. It's peculiar; neither has restricted their members from intermingling or mating."
"This is indeed an anomaly," Logan noted, puzzled. "Despite their intelligence, wolves, like all creatures, possess a natural instinct to defend their domain and kin."
It was then that Logan called out, "Fenrir, come forth!" His voice cut through the tension, attracting the focused attention of every warg, but only one made a deliberate approach towards them.
"Fenrir," he addressed the oncoming warg, a hint of surprise lacing his words, "I hardly expected you to be on the cusp of reaching the fourth level so soon after our last encounter."
Fenrir, distinct from the others and recognized by Logan, was the wounded leader from the Black Wind Mountains, now bearing the promise of evolving into a formidable alpha under Logan's guidance.
Kodiak, taken aback by the revelation of Fenrir's imminent advancement, could only watch in astonishment. After all, it was he who had tended to Fenrir's injuries, a fact that made this moment of recognition all the more profound.
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone