Legends of the Garou

"Eye of Anubis"

Birth of a Destiny

Life began underneath the crescent moon with the first few whining breaths for he who would be (eventually) called "Eye of Anubis." He had been born in captivity within the confines of a Southern Oregon wolf sanctuary, outside of the city of Merlin. From his very first moments it was evident that there was something special about this fledgling pup. Even the kinfolk handlers who tended the lupine kin saw and could feel that he was different.

His Garou father was a lupus-born Athro of the Silent Striders by the name of "Heart of Anubis," a Garou of great renown. In his few short years Heart had felled a great number of minions of the Wyrm. He was known for having a furor in battle unlike any other Philodox, rending and tearing with the savagery of a battle-hardened Ahroun and outwitting his opponents with the fierce cunning of a Coyote-born Ragabash.

Heart had been present at the birthing of his son who was litter-mate to four other siblings. There seemed to be something different about this one male whelpling, however... It was evident given the short, glossy black fur and his slightly misshapen features; jackal-like in their own right, that he was birthed with blood-recognition of his pure ancestry. Even as a pup, he had a shine to his coat like none other of his age. Another strange thing: very much unakin to other newborn pups, this one had been born with one of his eyes open, and apparently capable of seeing.

When Heart saw this, he beseeched a Kin-Fetch spirit to look after and protect this pup, who he would name Anub'ru until he was ready to earn his deed-name. He felt deep within his heart that while he loved for all of his children, Anub'ru was destined for greatness. The years that followed would turn out to prove Heart quite right...

The first year in his life was not unlike any other wolf pup's, save that Anub'ru was often seen growling or yipping at things that were unseen by the others. Even the Kinfolk handlers couldn't seem to make out what it was that Anub'ru was so interested in. He was marked for observation by the lead handler, as they felt there might be something wrong with this yearling, perhaps a mental deficiency.

Months of observation went by; he was taken into the medical labs to be scanned for any anomalies within his brain, he was tested with chemicals and he was psycho-analized by a number of handlers at the sanctuary... but nothing seemed conclusive. Finally, the lead handler decided that it might be a good idea to make contact with his "Furry Friends."

A phone call was placed to the local Sept. John, lead handler of the Merlin Wolf Sanctuary spoke with "Ghost Paws" - a Theurge who assisted the Eldest. Ghost Paws informed John that she would come by and have a look at the pup.

It was later that evening... Ghost Paws had decided to make her arrival in secret. She had instructed John to leave Anub'ru in the observation kennels inside. The Uktena Theurge slowly slipped between the strands of pattern-web that were kept taught, holding the umbral reflection of the building they were in together. Finally, when she had made it inside, she started to make her way to the kennels. The entire time she was peeking across the veil to locate this pup, but when she finally came upon him, she noted something very peculiar. Anub'ru was staring right back at her, crouched in a position as if readied to leap at her.

And then he did; he pushed off with his paws in a ferocious leap at the Theurge who remained still watching in amusement and wonder. As Anub'ru sailed through her umbral form, (as obviously he would since he was still in the material portion of the Tellurian) he tumbled onto the floor once again, seemingly startled and confused all at once. Ghost Paws had ascertained that Anub'ru was indeed seeing into the Umbra. This was when she decided to cross the veil again, appearing fully tangible.

Anub'ru's hackles raised as the intruder came into his cage. He began to snarl, growl and otherwise make quite a ruckuss; but then he heard something that caused him to immediately stop his griping.

"Be silent whelp, and answer my questions. I am Mother Ghost Paws, daughter of Great-mother Luna's Chosen. I am told that you see things..." She spoke to him.

Anub'ru seemed concerned that this woman was speaking in his tongue... but, he felt the words urged out from his muzzle before even he was thinking them. "Yes Ghost Paws-rhya. I see many things. Of which do you inquire?" His eloquence seemed alien to emanate from a Lupus Garou, especially one so young... and yet it was evident that he was not the only one speaking. It seemed as if an Ancestor was speaking through him, and yet Ghost Paws knew there were no known Ancestors of the Silent Striders. No... it had to be a past-life.

"To whom am I speaking?" Inquired Ghost Paws.

The yearling looked at her, cocking his head and perking his ears as if intrigued. "I am Son of Anubis, progenitor of Anub'ru's line... and I am Anub'ru. And I am his grandfather."

A look of awe crossed Ghost Paws' features as she thought momentarily this might finally be a connection to the Striders' past. She was a friend of Heart of Anubis, and he had sung many tales to her of the lost homeland of the Striders, and the loss of their ancestors from Sutekh's curse. Could it be that Anub'ru was a link to their past? "Son of Anubis-rhya, your presence astounds me... but this young ling, he is no changer. He is Kinfolk..."

"One begets the other. When the moon crescents on the night of the upcoming Blood War, he shall be known for his true nature. Bring him to the front." The otherwise young features of the yearling seemed to take on a wisdom of the ages with each word that was spoken. He seemed thoughtful, as if contemplating every word he spoke.

"Yes, honored Elder." Ghost Paws bowed her head to the young ling, just as John had come walking into the room. Of course, there was nothing for him to see, save for an Athro of the Uktena lowering her head in reverence to a simple yearling. There was confusion evident on the face of the handler, but he didn't say anything just yet.

Finally, the glint within the eyes of the yearling passed, and the demeanor of a yearling returned to the pup. He pounced at Ghost Paws, nearly sending her reeling from shock alone. A lot had been coursing through her head, and she knew she had a tale to bring to Heart of Anubis. There was much to do in preparation of this... but then it hit her. "War of Blood?" What in the hell was Son of Anubis talking about?

"Ghost-rhya?" Finally John spoke.

Turning a sharp glance toward him, which might have been slightly more impressive if she had not been sprawled out on the floor with a yearling sitting on her chest. "Yes, Johnathon?"

He looked at her, nearly choking back a laugh. He knew the Garou were not ones who could withstand humiliation very well, and since he didn't want to be on the menu any time soon, he utilized his willpower to remain unlaughing. "Uh, I was wondering if you had determined anything regarding Anub'ru? Is he well, or will he need special attention?"

Without even thinking her words through, she spoke, "He is well... and he will need special attention. I will be taking him with me."