Chapter 36: Saying goodbye
Humphrey and Kate slowly walked towards the crowd of wolves gathered in the center of the valley. Kate pressed herself against her mate gently. Humphrey hadn't spoken much that morning and Kate was begging to worry.
As they entered the growing group of wolves Kate noticed Snow, standing next to Tony crying softly as she stared at the body of her mate in the center of the group of wolves. Kate took a seat, followed by Humphrey, next to her mother and father. Tony stepped forward "We come here today, to honor the passing of a friend."
Tony continued with a shaky voice. "I knew Nitro ever since he was a pup." "He was always kind, he was always brave… and he was always there when in a time of need…" Wolves began to cry quietly throughout the crowd. "As most of you know by now, Nitro… was originally born in the South." "I welcomed him into the Eastern pack with welcome arms." "…and I am glad I did…"
Tears sprang to Tonys eyes as he continued "He…died a hero, protecting one of our own in an attack from the south." "He will not be forgotten, but he will be missed dearly, all of those who wish to say something before we proceed with the burial now is the time…" Tony stepped back, tears silently rolling down his cheek.
Kate watched as Snow stepped forward. Some looked at her with sympathy, and some looked at her with hostility. She spoke in her clear voice, her words focused on her dead mate alone. "I miss you my love" She said in a whisper, tears already streaming down her beautiful face. "Our pups…our pups will know you…" "They will know you through my words, and they will know you died a hero!" Yelled Snow, tears tearing down her cheeks but pride in her voice. "…What you always were to me…" She whispered before giving the body a loving nudge and stepping back into the crowd.
Sobs could be heard through the crowd. Flare and Faith stepped forward next, both offering quick heart filled goodbyes. Garth and Lilly stepped forward next, Garth muttering a soft goodbye, Lilly having much more to say. "You taught me so much Nitro; I will miss you with all my heart." A tear rolled down Lilly face as she spoke her goodbye and stepped back into the crowd.
Kate walked up next, a sad smile on her face. "Nitro… I will always be grateful for what you did for Humphrey." "You will never be forgotten…" Kate gave a sad nod and stepped back into the crowd of crying wolves.
Kate gave Humphrey an encouraging look as he stepped forward. "Thank you Nitro…for everything…" Humphrey wanted to say more, but couldn't find the words. Humphrey stepped back into the crowd surprising Kate with a sad smile. "He's in a better place now…" Kate nodded and gave him a quick kiss as he took a seat next to her.
Winston and Eve were the last to go up, both offering words of peace to the departed soul. After the words had been spoken, Nitro was carefully laid in the small grave. When the burial was over Winston and Tony took a stand in front of the two packs. Winston looked at Tony who gave him an approving nod.
"Today we mourn the loss of a friend, a friend who was taken from us by the Southern pack." Tears we replaced with angry growls. Winston's voice rose until he was shouting for all to hear. "NO MORE, WILL WE LET THEM RIP THOSE WE LOVE AWAY FROM US!" The wolves howled in agreement, some growling. "NO LONGER WILL WE OFFER THEM PEACE!" "IT IS TIME FOR THEM TO KNOW THE POWER OF THE EASTERN AND WESTERN PACKS!" "WE WILL RUSH FORWARD FOR THE BLOOD OF THE SOUTH!"
Wolves stood on their feet howling and snarling in agreement, hungry for the blood of their enemy's. Winston continued, "SO SHARPEN YOUR CLAWS AND TEETH!" A deathly calm came over Winston as he stared at the eager wolves around him and spoke in a confident voice "For now…we go to war."