Chapter 1: The Destiny of Kate
"Dreams are like stars...you may never touch them, but if you follow them they will lead you to your destiny."
~ Unknown
No wolf in Jasper National Park could have foreseen the turbulent times ahead. It was a time of ebullience and rapture. Jasper National Park always used to be engulfed in endless warfare, especially between the Eastern and Western wolf packs. With great strength and numbers, the packs fought over each and every matter. The situation took a turn for the worst after a caribou shortage in the East. But realizing that such conflicts only benefited other packs and caribou, the leader of the Western Pack, Winston, proposed a peace treaty to Tony, leader of the Eastern Pack—Winston's daughter, Kate, would marry Tony's son, Garth, and unite the packs. However, this was not to be. Kate and Garth both married their true loves—Humphrey and Lilly respectively. Still, despite the social differences between alphas and omegas, the packs were united.
Tony was elected to be the head of the new pack—the Grand Alpha, as the wolves called it, despite his old age. Lilly was bestowed the rank of Alpha and stayed by Garth's side. All the wolves were enraptured. They hoped that the marriage would bring peace and food. All their problems were soon to be solved—or so they thought. To honor the marriage and show their enthusiasm, the wolves built an entirely new palace for them. With the help of ice, an abandoned human double-decker passenger train car was painstakingly dragged into the valley. It was actually a part of the Via Rail's No.4 train, the passenger train involved in the Hinton train collision of 1986. The wolves decorated the rusted car with leaves and flowers. Marcel called the new palace "Versailles" after the palace in France. However, had he known the events that happened in France or what lie ahead, he would have probably chosen a different name. But the name stuck, and it was strangely appropriate, considering the amount of luxury that manifested. The inside of the train car was decorated with all sorts of luxuries—photos carelessly disposed by humans, leaves and flowers arranged into various intricate patterns, and even two old chairs that were dumped at the side of a road. The new palace was located near a cave of Howling Rock, the cave itself being an extension of the palace. From the palace, one could see both the mountains above and the valley below. The new "royal couple" (as Paddy called it), the heirs to the title of Grand Alpha, lived a life of luxury.
What about Kate and Humphrey? Well, Humphrey declined the title of Alpha. He was determined to stay a fun-loving Omega. They lived together in the Kate's den along with Winston and Eve. Relationships between them have always remained the same, but Kate never gave up the title of Alpha either. The couple was referred to as Alpha and Omega. Their adventures and unique status gave them fame throughout Alberta.
Howling Rock, near Versailles Palace
The moonlight howl was being held at Howling Rock. Ever since the unification of the two packs just a few weeks ago, Howling Rock has been an even livelier place. Wolves from all over Alberta and British Columbia gathered here to enjoy the splendid atmosphere and company of others. Winston, who was travelling to Versailles to meet Tony, was approached by two Alpha females he has never met before. Based on their looks, they were from a pack further down south, perhaps in Waterton Lakes National Park. The two Alpha females paused to look at him.
"How surprising!" one of them exclaimed. "It's Winston himself."
Winston smiled and nodded.
"Eh?" the other turned around and looked at Winston, "Ah, it is!"
"Hey, Winston," the first Alpha asked enthusiastically, "did you bring Kate with you tonight?"
"I heard she was really beautiful," the second Alpha said. "I was looking forward to meeting her and her mate tonight. I've always wanted to meet this couple."
"Well," Winston replied uneasily, "Well, they're together back at my den somewhere. Right now…"
Kate's Den
"Give it up, Humphrey," Kate yelled playfully, "you'll never beat me." Kate pounced on Humphrey, only to have Humphrey cleverly dodge the blow. The two were enjoying a game of roughhouse. It was good practice for hunting and fighting. The goal of the game was to attack the opponent without actually doing any harm.
Humphrey turned around and charged at Kate. "Aren't you supposed to show up at the moonlight howl today?" Humphrey asked, trying to distract Kate and win the game.
"But I'm having so much fun here," Kate replied, charging back at Humphrey. The two wolves were charging at full speed against each other. But just before colliding, Kate jumped up into the air and did a flip off of the wall. Humphrey was too shocked to respond effectively. Kate came down on Humphrey's back, and used her paw to strike Humphrey's right shoulder. Humphrey's front left leg collapsed under the blow, and he rolled on his back—an easy target. Kate placed her paw on Humphrey's chest and put her jaws around Humphrey's throat. She smiled at her helpless "target".
"Well, Humphrey," Kate said with an exhausted smile, "It looks like I won again."
"Okay, you won," Humphrey admitted, struggling to catch his breath. "Where did you learn to do that?"
"Alpha school," Kate responded with a smile. "Humphrey, you've gotten worse." She jumped off Humphrey's chest, did a back flip, and landed back onto the ground.
"Oh yeah?" Humphrey asked, "Well, let's have a rematch. I won't let you get away so easily this time."
"Let's go," Kate responded with a smile.
Inside Versailles Palace
"Grand Alpha," Hutch announced in a booming voice, "Alpha Winston has arrived."
Tony was already facing the door and looked pleased to see Winston.
"It's been a while, Winston," Tony said, "Come here." Winston slowly approached Tony.
"Concerning your long-standing request about the Commander of the Versailles Guards," Tony stated, "I believe you know that my nephew, Jerome, is also nominated as a candidate. But I don't play favors here."
"I hear that he is a good fighter," Winston stated. Before the unification of the packs, Jerome was a name feared by the Western Pack. He was one of the best fighters—and strongest Alphas—in the Eastern Pack. "Still, my daughter, Kate, is second to none."
Tony smiled. "How about a match with Jerome and whoever wins gets the post?"
"That'd be great."
"I have high expectations for having Kate as the Commander. I want her to guard exquisitely over the royal couple and protect them."
Winston's eyes opened wide. This was a golden opportunity. Seeing the expression on Winston's face, Tony smiled and continued, "The match will be held at noon tomorrow in front of Versailles. Be sure to show up on time."
Kate's Den (ten minutes later)
It was almost midnight when Winston returned to his den. Humphrey was out log-sledding with his puphood friends, and Eve was busy hunting. Kate was the only one in the den. Winston slowly told Kate the deal he made with Tony.
"What do you think, Kate?" Winston asked, "The newly-formed Versailles guards need a new leader, and there is no duty more renowned than this one. You'll have to win a match with Jerome, but I have no worries about that. You fought well in Alpha School."
Kate's expression did not change. It remained calm and stolid. Humphrey was out sledding with his friends, and Eve was away hunting. "I don't want to babysit my sister."
"What!" Winston yelled, shocked by Kate's response.
"I just don't want to babysit my sister. That's all." Kate began to walk outside the cave. She wasn't scared of Jerome, and she wasn't lazy. She just simply didn't want to babysit Lilly. Deep in her heart, Kate held some contempt for Lilly. Kate loved Lilly as her sister, and she approved of her marriage with Garth. However, Kate disapproved of the fact that Lilly, an untrained Alpha, would one day lead the pack. Lilly was untrained, innocent, and relatively carefree. She had a sweet personality, but she frequently dithered over decisions and was always ready to be convinced by the last wolf she walked to—not the best qualities for the leader of one of the most powerful packs in Canada.
Winston ran forward to catch up to Kate. "Kate, this is a very important job. The match is at noon tomorrow. Keep in mind that even Grand Alpha will be there. Kate? Are you listening? Kate?"
Kate walked outside the cave into the moonlight. She quickly disappeared into the darkness. Winston did not chase after her, knowing that he'll never catch up.
Versailles Palace (the next day)
A large crowd was gathered in front of Versailles Palace. Nearly everyone who Winston knew was there. The Versailles Guards sat in a line, carefully guarding the entrance to Versailles. A military drumbeat was made by banging rocks together. Everyone watched in anticipation of the roughhouse match.
"Sir," Hutch reported to Winston, "There are more than six hundred of us gathered here right now. More are en route. This will be the largest gathering in Jasper since the unification of the packs. We still have 30 minutes before the match begins. Kate is nowhere to be found. Are you sure she's coming?"
"I think so," Winston replied with a hesitant voice. "No, I'm sure that she's coming." Winston took up a more defiant tone. "She is definitely coming."
I never thought that they'll be so many people here, Winston thought to himself, Hurry up, Kate, hurry up.
A small road to Versailles
Two wolves were slowly headed in the direction of Versailles Palace. They were Jerome and his servant. Jerome was a young Alpha wolf, but he was still a bit older than Kate. He looked like a cross between Garth and Humphrey. He was about the size of Garth, but he had light gray fur of Humphrey and long and flowing manes. He almost looked like an "Alpha version" of Humphrey, although the two were easily distinguishable. He was the only gray Alpha in the Eastern Pack. Also, perhaps as a testimony to his skill, his body bears no scars from his numerous fights. His servant, an Omega, resembled a deeper-colored version of Mooch with finer features.
"Jerome," the servant stated with a worried look, "it's almost time."
"No need to worry," Jerome stated in a cool, deep voice, "We are almost there."
"You don't seem to like it," the servant noticed.
"Of course not. Fighting a girl is nothing to be proud of. Why do I have to attain the position in such a dishonorable manner?"
His servant nodded but said nothing. As the two rounded the top of a hill, they noticed something. There was a tan wolf sleeping under a tree ahead of them. The two males slowed down, careful not to make any noise that would disrupt the sleeping wolf.
But just as they were about to pass the sleeping wolf, she opened her eyes and sat up. It was Kate.
"I've been waiting for you, Jerome," Kate stated in a low voice, "I'm Kate, your opponent for the match today."
Jerome's eyes opened wide. His ears stood up at attention. "I've only heard rumors, but you're indeed beautiful. Let's hurry up then. There are plenty of Omegas out there eagerly waiting to see your face." Jerome continued walking, only to be stopped by Kate's calling.
"Wait, Jerome," she called out, "I don't want to be the Commander of the Versailles Guards."
"Really?" Jerome responded with delight. He could hardly believe his good luck. His opponent was forfeiting the fight. "That's a wise choice. I'll tell the judges that you have forfeited."
"But I'm not quitting because I'm afraid of you. I want to prove myself at the least. Let's have a match here."
Jerome and his servant both laughed at the idea, but Jerome full-heartedly accepted it.
"Ah, how can I deny such a beautiful face?" Jerome said with his eyes closed, "If you wish, we can do the match here. But how can I possibly point my teeth at your beautiful face?" But when Jerome opened his eyes, he realized that he was starring straight at Kate's pointy teeth.
"What are you doing to my master?" Jerome's servant demanded, growling at Kate, "Get away from him."
"I see where this is going," Jerome stated with a laugh, "We Alphas have a source of pride. This is the only way of protecting it." He took a few steps back. "Sebastian," Jerome called out to his servant, "Go to Versailles. Tell them that we'll be arriving a tad latter than planned." Jerome's servant—Sebastian—didn't need to be told twice. He quickly ran in the direction of Versailles.
"Ready?" Kate asked Jerome. Jerome responded with a nod. Kate let Jerome attack first. He leaped at her, but she managed to deflect the blow with her paw. Jerome tried attacking from the side, but Kate quickly turned to meet the threat. Jerome's energy seemed to be infinite. Kate was dodging all of his attacks, but she was losing ground fast.
"As expected of a female your size," Jerome muttered, "You're so agile." The roughhouse seemed to be a stalemate. But then, Jerome made a fatal error. Determined to strike hard at his opponent, he put all his energy into one last lightning-fast pouncing attack. However, Kate foresaw this move. She lunged at Jerome, who could not change direction mid-air. She rammed him in the chest. He lost control and spin into the ground, momentarily becoming disorientated. Kate leaped onto Jerome's belly and looked down at Jerome's shocked face. Kate couldn't help but smile at another victory.
"Thank you," Kate smiled, "I'm satisfied now. I've never met a more capable opponent." She turned around and walked away.
"Wait," Jerome said, dusting himself off, "This match isn't over yet. Rematch!" With this, Jerome leaped at Kate. Kate dodged again. Kate began to gain respect for Jerome. He was a good and determined warrior. With him in charge, Garth and Lilly would surely be safe.
Versailles Palace
Meanwhile, at Versailles, tension was high. Tony, Garth, and Lilly were watching from the roof of Versailles. Winston and Eve, who both sat close to Versailles, could easily see the impatience on Tony's face.
"What's taking them so long?" Tony demanded, knocking his paw on the steel roof of Versailles, "Why aren't they here yet?"
"Kate usually isn't late," Lilly stated in a calm tone.
"Neither is Jerome. Don't worry, Lilly, I'm sure that they're coming," Garth said in a reassuring tone, "As a matter of fact, I hear someone coming now."
Attention turned to the entrance to Howling Rock. However, instead of seeing the lean figures of Kate or Jerome, they saw a chubby and clumsy Omega running towards them. For his size, Sebastian was quite fast. He charged right through the crowd and then through the lined-up Versailles Guards. The guards only managed to stop him just a few feet in front of the entrance of Versailles.
"It's an emergency—a duel," Sebastian shouted, "Kate was waiting for my master and challenged him."
A murmur rumbled from the crowd. Winston saw Tony's bored expression turn into one of anger.
"What is the meaning of this, Winston?" Tony demanded, pointing at Winston from the car, "Why won't see accept this position?"
Hundreds of pairs of eyes concentrated on Winston as he scrambled to find an answer. "Well, um," Winston hesitated, "Eve, can you help me out here? Eve? EVE!"
Eve has already fainted besides him. Winston felt a sinking feeling in his chest.
Kate's Den (late that afternoon)
When Winston and Eve got home, Kate could see the disapproval in her parents' faces. They only glanced at her and said nothing. No doubt, Sebastian has told them the story. They had always let Kate choose her own way. Her father even allowed Kate to choose her marriage, despite putting his pack at risk. Her parents were a lot more understanding than most parents. They travelled deep into the dark cave. Kate did feel bad for them, but…
"Pssst, Kate," Humphrey whispered from outside the cave, "Come here."
Having nothing better to do, Kate walked out the cave to meet Humphrey.
"I heard about what happened today. Maybe we can walk together and talk a little," Humphrey suggested.
Kate nodded. The two slowly walked out onto the mountains surrounding Jasper. Just as they watched the sun set, the winds picked up. A flash of lightning zoomed across the sky.
"It's a spring storm," Kate commented. Rain quickly began to fall. Fortunately, there was a tree nearby. Both rushed under the tree."
"It feels great when you're completely immersed in running," Kate said, "But when you suddenly stop and look down at your own feet, you wonder where you're heading to. Has that ever happened to you before? You're probably wondering why I don't take the post as the commander of the Versailles Guards, aren't you?"
"Your parents talked to me about this," Humphrey said, "I understand their concerns. But I didn't want you to restrain your life because of that, so I said nothing." Humphrey waited for a reply, but Kate only looked at him with a sad look.
"It's not just that," Kate replied, "somehow, I sense misfortune ahead. The throne of Grand Alpha will only bring misfortune to my playful, carefree, and naïve sister."
"The same applies vice versa."
"I understand my parents' decision. The marriage was desperately needed to secure peace, and the two really do like each other. They do make a good couple, and I'm happy about that. Still…"
"You must consider the security and prosperity of you pack. You're an Alpha—a leader. Without the marriage, we'd probably be still fighting over scraps and bones. There was never a good war or a bad peace."
"But now, the fighting will be within our pack, Humphrey. Fighting my own pack seems a lot worse than fighting some other pack. All wars are follies—very expensive and very mischievous ones, but wars within packs are even worse."
Humphrey nodded but said nothing. Could Kate actually be right? No, it was impossible. Now that conflict between the packs stopped, food ought to be easier to find. With peace, anything is possible. Kate's just overworking herself. Kate's just…
"Kate! Humphrey!" a familiar voice yelled below them, "Kate! Humphrey!" Kate and Humphrey leaned over the cliff. It was Hutch! His fur was wet from the rain, and he looked as if he had just sprinted fifty miles.
"Oh, there you are," Hutch said, "Thank goodness that I managed to pick up your scent." Hutch jumped onto a rock and climbed up the cliff. Humphrey helped pull Hutch above the cliff and under the tree.
"Why the hurry?" Humphrey asked.
"I've got good news," Hutch said, still panting from the rapid climb, "Grand Alpha Tony was really upset over the turn of events. But Jerome, who Kate wounded, suggested that Kate is the only one capable of commander of the Versailles Guards. Tony's mind was moved, and he forgave Kate for her offense." Humphrey looked back to catch Kate's reaction. It was one of shock, confusion, and chaos.
"So Kate," Hutch continued, "You're now the commander of the Versailles Guards. It's an order from Grand Alpha. Jerome and I will be your two subordinate officers."
"Hutch," Kate commanded, "Go back and tell Grand Alpha that I'll report for duty tomorrow morning. Ready the guards for an inaugural review."
"Yes, commander," Hutch said, backing off and running back in the direction of Versailles. As he disappeared into the darkness, Humphrey moved next to Kate.
"So, are you actually going to go?" Humphrey asked.
"Humphrey, you can't just evade a direct order from Grand Alpha." Kate replied.
"It's still not too late. Now is the time to become an adventurer again. We can hop on the Canadian Express one day…"
"No, I'm staying no matter what happens. I have a feeling that something bad is going to happen, and I'm staying here to protect my pack."
"And I'm staying by your side." Humphrey leaned against Kate.
"Good choice," Kate complimented, "But now, let's get some rest back at the den. The rain stopped."
The two, walking side-by-side, walked back to Kate's den.
That day, Kate and Humphrey both left their puppyhood. They both entered the brave new world of adulthood. Without knowing that a wave of destiny and fate was awaiting her, she boldly ventured out into history. They were both only one-and-a-half-year-old.
So guys, what did you think? The actual events of the French Revolution won't be happening for a while. On a historical note, during the French Revolution, the royal couple was King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette. The marriage was arranged as a form of peace treaty between France and Austria, who have long been waging war on each other. Louis was only 15, and Marie was only 14. (That translates to about 1.5 years in dog years). Right now, I'm considering adding another OC couple as a compromise between historical accuracy and character personalities. Marie's mother, Maria Theresa, was unconfident in her daughter's ability to rule, but she felt that peace was desperately needed. However, unlike Garth and Lilly, Louis and Marie held little interest in each other. The title of "Grand Alpha" in this story is the human equivalent of "His/Her Highness". Alphas in general, represent the nobility. The Omegas are the commoners. The Hinton train collision will be continuously referred to in the story. It was a train collision between a Canadian National freight train and a Via Rail passenger train. More than 30 million dollars of property was destroyed, and 23 people lost their lives. Jasper National Park was only 16 miles away. Please comment and review!
And, by the way, just to keep your attention, I like to put "quote searches" in my chapters. Can anyone find the hidden quote by Ben Franklin?