Chapter 5

            Sunlight broke through the window, angling directly onto Night Eye's face. He opened his eyes, and sat up. He yawned, and stretched, loosening tight muscles. He was careful not to disturb Autumn as he got out of bed, who slept in lupus at the foot of the bed. He wasn't sure why she had decided to sleep in his room, but he was grateful for the company. He looked at the Storm Klaive, hidden in the tattoo across his forearm, and could feel the spirit stirring.

            Good morning.

            Yes, it is, isn't it?

            Night Eye pulled on some clothes, and quietly left the room, searching out some breakfast. Breakfast had been one of Sergeiv's favorite times of the day, and was always held in the meeting lodge, where kinfolk cooked for the entire Sept. The smells coming from the lodge made him even hungrier, and he hurried in. Tables had been set out, where Garou and kin were all socializing, and eating. He got a plate and sat down at an empty table. As he began to eat, the table suddenly filled with young Garou, all probably just out of their Rite.

            "Hey, good luck in the fight tonight." One said.

            "Uh… thank you." Night Eye replied, trying to talk around a mouthful of biscuit.

            A young girl nodded in agreement. "Yeah, the whole Sept is rooting for you."

            One, who looked like he could stand to loose a few pounds, remarked, "Everyone wants you to win. No one likes Nikolai, but you probably know that, right? Especially after what he did to Aaron's pack."

            "Wait, what did he do?" Night Eye asked.

            "Oh you didn't hear?" Threw in another boy. "Nikolai killed them. He heard they were going to find you, and he had them all murdered."  Night Eye looked sharply at him.

             The girl piped up. "Yep, killed in their sleep. I'm surprised Aaron didn't tell you."

            "He told me Nikolai killed some of his friends, but he didn't tell me they were his pack."

            "Oh yeah," Said the thin boy. "Everyone's kind of concerned for Aaron now, especially since he managed to find you. If you do lose, Nikolai will probably kill him himself. And Aaron is too proud to run away."

            Night Eye finished eating. "Well, I just wont have to lose then." He pushed his seat back and stood. Night Eye walked back outside, where he saw Autumn padding toward him. "Morning. You want anything to eat?"

            She licked her lips, and wagged her tail. "No thanks. I already caught a rabbit."

            "Hey, Night Eye!"

            He turned around to see Aaron walking up to them. "Hi, Aaron."

            Aaron smiled. "Come with me for a minute." He turned and walked toward the living quarters. Night Eye and Autumn followed.

            They came to a small room. Aaron opened the door and motioned Night Eye inside, and closed it behind him. The room was small, the only light coming through the window. There was incense burning on a small table near the bed, and in the bed was someone he hadn't seen or even talked to, since he underwent his first change. He pulled up a small stool next to the bed and sat.

            The small woman in the bed was nothing like he remembered. Her hair was now gray, and her skin wrinkled. But, her eyes still danced, and shone with life. She smiled at him and spoke in a soft, weak voice. "Good to see you again."

            A lump caught in Night Eye's throat. "Good to see you too, mom."

            "How have you been, after all these years?"

            "I've been good."

            She smiled again. "Doing your duties?"

            He nodded. "Yes. I'm sure you've heard about all that's been going on around here lately."

            "Of course. Aaron keeps me company sometimes, and we talk about many things. I'm sure you'll put that nasty fellow in his place. Teach him how we do things here at your fathers caern." She held a tiny hand out to him.

            Night Eye grasped it. "Don't worry. I've heard about the things he has done, and he probably won't live through the night."

            "Good for you. Go tell Aaron to fetch Elsa." His mom smiled again.

            Night Eye walked over, and opened the door. "My mother wants you to get Elsa."

            Aaron nodded, and began to walk down the hall. Night Eye returned to his chair. "Who's Elsa?"

            His mom patted his leg. "She's your sister."

            "My sister?!" He almost shouted.

            "Yes. Your father and I thought to keep her a secret from you. But, I think it is time for you to meet her."
            "Why would you keep her a secret from me?"

            "It was really your father's decision. He did not want anything to interfere with your training and new life under his guiding hand."

            The door opened and in stepped a small, black haired girl. She had a petite frame, but a strong, willful demeanor. "You wanted me, mother?" He voice was soft, but strong.

            "I want you to meet your brother, Night Eye."

            Night Eye stood to greet her. She looked at him with her deep, blue eyes. "You are my brother?" She sounded a bit awed.

            He inclined his head. "I am. Did you not know our father?"

            She shook her head. "I never met him, or was told who he was."

            "Your father preferred to keep relations between kin and Garou separate, the reason you never knew each other. He could be strange at times."

            Night Eye nodded. "But he was very kind, and honorable."

            Elsa smiled. "Would you like to go for a walk, get to know each other better, and catch up on missed time?"

            Night Eye looked at his mother. "Go ahead." She said. "I need to take a nap."

            Night Eye and Elsa talked for hours. Telling stories of when they were young, childhood adventures, loves, likes, dislikes, and just about everything as if they had known each other forever.

***

            That night everyone was preparing for the fight. The moon was almost at its zenith and then it would begin. Night Eye was polishing his klaive, still talking with Elsa. His pack was with him, and they were all joking around. Eventually Elsa left to help preparations, and when she got out of earshot, Schrenko turned to Night Eye. "Dude, your sister is HOT!" Frost fell to the ground, laughing.

            Night Eye paused. He looked back at him. "Touch her and die."

            Schrenko grinned, and Autumn did her best not to smile. "You agree with me, don't you Frost?" Schrenko pleaded. Frost stopped laughing for a moment to put on his most innocent looking face, and then busted out laughing again.

            Night Eye groaned. "Not you too! Come on, she's my sister!"

            Schrenko looked at Brik. Brik threw up his hands, "I'm not answering that."

            Frost got control of himself, and sat back up. "So, when is this thing supposed to start?"

            Night Eye looked to the moon. "Not much longer. I guess we should all get to the courtyard."

            A few moments later the entire Sept was gathered at the courtyard, where a large area of ground had been cleared for the fight. A circle of stones indicated the boundary of the arena, where Nikolai and Night Eye stood. The Master of the Challenge was standing off to one side, overseeing the battle. "You two know the rules. Fight until one of you gives up, or dies." He looked at both of them. "Let this battle begin."