Chapter One

Hammond is chasing Freja around a tree yelling, "You're it! You're it!"

Dahlia is just laughing while Calder is waiting for Hammond to trip over his foot so he can laugh at him. They finally have gotten away from their chores so that they could have some fun. A few minutes into their game, Eric, the oldest comes out to their favorite hangout spot in the forest to enjoy themselves. There were plenty of trees surrounding them and a big rock in the middle that made a great place to sit. Hammond notices his oldest brother has come to join them and says, "Hey Eric, I heard father the other day say that if something was to ever happen to him that you would take the throne!"

Eric replies, "Yes Hammond you are correct."

A frightened Dahlia speaks up, "I hope nothing bad happens to father! I would miss him so." She takes out a handkerchief that she embroidered and starts wringing it in her hands.

Eric puts his hand on her shoulder and says, "Don't worry Dahlia. Nothing will happen to father or any of us. We were only talking about that since I just became of age, that's all."

Freja adds jokingly, "Yeah, he's getting old." At this point, instead of Hammond tripping on Calder's foot, Freja trips. Hammond starts laughing at her and she gets up and starts chasing him again.

Crack. Eric perks up and listens but realizes his younger siblings are being loud so he shushes them. Another crack is heard and this time by everyone. It is coming from behind them. All the siblings surround themselves around Eric. He stands and yells, "Who goes there?"

A hardy laugh is heard and out of the shadows comes Jaegar Silverclaw, the leader of the Wolf Guard. He replies, "My, my… you children seemed to have grown up so quickly in a matter of time."

Eric stands firm and tall, not letting Jaegar know that he is scared to death. "Do you wish to speak with our father?"

"Actually, I just came to scout out the woods. I plan on buying them off of your father pretty soon."

"But we have no interest in selling our land to you. You serve us; you're our bannermen."

Jaegar looks at his two soldiers with him and laughs, "My, does the famous Logan Grimnar, Protector of the North, seek advice from his own children? I am taking this land whether force is needed or not."

Eric will not take another word from Jaegar. He feels his blood boil and feeling goose bumps on his arms at the same time. In the blink of an eye, he jumps up in the air and lands on his four limbs, transformed into a wolf humanoid. At this point Jaegar has no clue what is going on and Eric's siblings are scared of what has just happened to Eric. With just one growl, he sends Jaegar and his cowardly soldiers' running back deeper into the woods where they came from. Eric stands on his feet and transforms back into a human. Eric has no idea what just happened and shares the same feelings with his siblings who step back when he turns around to see them take steps back away from him. The youngest, Hammond, asks in a shaky voice, "Wh...wh… what happened to…to… Eric?"

Eric exclaims, "It's me. I'm here; I just don't know exactly what happened."

The children run back to the castle to explain to their father of what just happened. Calder starts to cry a little when he tells his mother that he was still shook up. Logan stands up out of this chair in his study to say, "Cassandra, fetch Ulrik. I need his council. I must send a raven to the Silverclaws to tell them to stop terrorizing my children. Until I can get things settled with them, promise me you kids won't go out and play in the woods. I don't want any of you to get hurt." They all nod and are pretty shook up themselves.

Eric speaks up and says, "But father, what about what happened to me? I turned into a wolf. It was like I was watching my body from up above."

Logan puts his hands on his shoulders and says in a quiet voice, "Let me do some reading and I shall tell you what is wrong with you." Now in a much louder voice, "Cassandra, take the kids to the dining hall. I shall join you all in a little while."

At this time Ulrik walks through the doors and speaks, "You wanted to see me milord?"

"Yes, there is something very wrong with our kingdom. The Silverclaws want to take over our land."

"Do you think that the, surely the Dark Angels at the Rock aren't behind this, are they?"

"I am afraid we cannot trust anyone… send a raven to them and tell them that I wish to have a council with them to discuss today's incident." Ulrik bows and walks back to the door, but doesn't make it there when Logan calls for him again. "Ulrik, there is something else that I must speak to you about."

"What is it milord?"

"How much do you know about the Thirteenth Company?"

Ulrik chuckles, "Only that they are the greatest warriors to ever been born."

"Is there any way that my children could be members of the Thirteenth Company?"

"Possibly so, Leman Russ was the first to turn into a wulfen while building the Wall."

"Eric told me that while Jaegar was provoking them he felt warmth in his stomach and the next thing he knew he jumped up and transformed into a wolf."

"Aye, his Canis Helix must have manifested… which is a sign that winter is coming."

"Well dinner must be ready to eat, Ulrik will you join us?"

"Yes milord. It would be an honor."

Ulrik and Logan arrive to the dinner hall just in time for the main course to be served. Hammond states, "Father! Calder and I saved some bread for you to eat. Freja was going to eat it all!

"I was not!" Freja exclaims when their mother tells them to hush and continue eating. Tonight on the menu was peasant marinated in sweet wine served with carrots, potatoes, and lentils. Last but not least, for dessert was Dahlia's favorite, lemon cakes!

Logan breaks the silence of the meal, "Eric, I talked with Ulrik today and we found out what happened today with you children in the forest."

Ulrik continues, "Eric, son, you have a Canis Helix that manifested today in the forest which caused you to turn into a wulfen. This is completely normal and nothing for you to worry about. It will cause you to be stronger and be an amazing warrior."

Dahlia asks, "Does that mean we all have it?"

"Not necessarily. There is no way that we can find out if you have it or not. It's just a matter of wait and see."

Eric who has been trying to make sense of all this says, "Father, I will fight for our kingdom against those nasty Silverclaws and anyone else who wants to see Fenris fall. Wulfen or not, I shall protect my family and my home."