provide for them... before myself... I will never abandon my clan... even if faced with certain death... I will strive... to be an example... for others to emulate... I accept this charge... willingly and without coercion... so be it.... until either I... or this world passes away into the night... and we be joined with Aniu forever… This I so swear by the blood of Aniu herself."

          Dash repeated each phrase. Once again his mind slipped back into the past, not too long ago, when he’d thought his sister gone forever.

          Aleu smiled. “I hereby name you, Dash, Alpha of the Talbourne.”

          She stepped back and left Dash on the shelf. “Thank you Aleu.” He said. “I know that you all have heard me say those words before, what seems like such a long time ago. We were faced with certain destruction then, our faith shaken, our resolve empty. We overcame that threat, together we helped Aniu defeat Lytion and his Shadow Clan. We rose above our tribulations and came out on top and for that I thank you. Though we have defeated our enemy; the fight is not over. Our Clan is still in danger. Many of you have heard of the skirmishes taking place outside the cave each day. I assure you I am working to find out who these wolves are, and what their motive is, so that I may ensure your safety. Aniu herself visited me last night.”

          A murmur went through the crowd as a wave at this mention of the Great White Wolf.

          “She told me that I needed to have faith. We all say that word each day in our prayers to her, but do we know what it really means? I thought I did, and I found that I was wrong. To have faith is to be sure of something, even when the evidence points the other way, or even is non-existant. We have faith in Aniu, a blind obedience and trust that she will care for us and protect us from the evil that threatens to swallow us each day. I can now say that I do in fact have faith in Aniu. In speaking to her I was filled with a resolve unlike any other I have ever experienced. This clan will not fall. It will not falter and it will not fade into history. We are Aniu’s voice, and we are here to stay.”

          The wolves all cheered.

          Dash smiled. “Aniu has told me to trust her, and that is what I will do. Every move I make will be guided by her, so that it is not truly I who lead you, but she through me. Remember this if ever you are called upon to do something that you do not think you can accomplish. Aniu herself calls each of us, and by Aniu we will answer her.”

          The wolves all cheered again.

          Dash let this continue for a moment before he held up one paw and the cheering died away.

          “Now, many of you know of the difficulties that faced one of our most prominent members, Shadow, in the last months. Due to these difficulties he is stepping down from his position as leader of the Defense Force and taking the position of Lieutenant of First Unit. It has been decided that Aleu will stand in his place.

          Dash motioned for Aleu to step forward and she did so.

          Aleu, as Leader of our Defense Force you truly represent our first line of defense. I know you will do well as you have proven yourself time and time again as Alpha, both as a diplomat and a warrior. I have complete faith in your ability to carry out the duties that are being assigned to you. I ask you now to take the oath of the office of leader of our Defense Force are you prepared to do this?”

          Aleu nodded.  “Yes I am.” She said.

          Dash nodded back. “…very well, if you would repeat after me. I, Aleu… do solemnly swear my complete allegiance to the Talbourne and swear to do everything in my power to protect the same. I will forever be diligent in my duties and will strive to do everything tactically possible to ensure the safety of those placed under me. This I swear by the blood of Aniu herself.”

          Aleu repeated after Dash and then stood there, silent.

          “Aleu, you are hereby named Leader of the Defense Force, effective immediately.”

          She nodded and stepped back.

          Dash smiled. “…with that I wish you all good-night and sound sleep. You are dismissed and may return to your chambers.”

          The wolves all started to walk away, all of them talking. Their voices filled the chamber like a great rushing wave.

          Aleu excused herself and went down to the members of the Defense Force still waiting to be dismissed by their new leader.

          Dash looked out over the crowd of wolves and where once he had felt unsure and afraid he now felt confident and strong.

          Timbre walked up to Dash then. “Hey Dash, got a minute?” He asked.

          Dash nodded and walked down to his friend. “What’s up buddy?” He asked.

          Timbre sighed. “I… hate to bother you right now, but I was scouting the guard positions when I came up from patrol earlier and I’ve found a few that I think we should move to a more tactically sound position. I wanted your input before I did it though.”

          Dash nodded. “…alright, but that’s Aleu’s job now. You should talk to her.”

          Timbre nodded. “I know, but I think that you should come and check them out. Aleu will be busy in the next few days and I think this needs to happen as soon as possible.”

          Dash nodded. “Alright, let’s go then.”

          Timbre shook his head. “I can’t right now. I’ve got to take Fourth Unit out on another patrol, but I’ll be free tomorrow.”

          Dash nodded. “Alright, tomorrow then, just come and get me.”

          Timbre nodded. “…sure thing.” He said.

          He turned and left Dash standing at the base of the shelf.

          June walked up to him then, a smile on her face. “…so, my mate, the Alpha of the Talbourne.”

          Dash smiled. “…not like anything’s changed.” He said.

          June shook her head. “…oh but something definitely has.” She said.

          “…what’s that?” Dash asked.

          June nuzzled him. “…you.” She said. “You’re so much more confident now… I’m very proud of you.”

          Dash smiled and looked around the chamber. “While everyone is distracted what do you say we try to dodge them and make it up to our chambers?”

          June smiled. “…loving it already.” She said.

          The two of them turned and walked quickly into the crowd of wolves, disappearing in a sea of moving bodies.

          Dash and June were laughing as they sat in their chamber.

          “…you’re too funny Dash.” She said. “…didn’t you know your own Lieutenant?”

          Dash chuckled. “…well it was dark, and he didn’t answer my challenge. …it was probly quiet as a mouse anyway. It was my first time on guard duty and I was sure some possessed wolverine was going to leap out of the bushes and tear me apart.”

          June started laughing again.

          Dash smiled. “Though I do have to say it was pretty interesting to see his face when I pounced on him ha ha.”

          June couldn’t stop laughing. “…I’d have spent a day on duty to see that.” She said finally.

          Dash smiled. “…learned a lot since then.”

          June smiled. “Yes you have. Did you ever think