(11/5/10)
The long trek which called me ended today. I arrived at the city of Chicago. The days and nights of aimless wandering - the blind draw westward brought me here. Dreams of prophecy drove my search. Having told my Alpha and Shaman of my dreams they pondered the meaning with the other pack elders. They mediated in the presence of the great Totems. When complete they dispatched me to go forth and follow their direction. Their deliberations must have brought them to the conclusion that despite the pack's needs I needed to go elsewhere. Though they deeply regretted my leaving Camp Tempest they both felt that the calling of my dreams deemed it necessary. They ordered me to follow the call and bring glory and honor to the pack. I was released from the Ktaden Totem with the invitation to return if my calling brings me here once again.
So I ventured forth sometimes along the highways and back roads, but mostly in the vast stretches of forest and rural land of the country. The traveling itself would have been quite pleasant if taken more leisurely. I've spent most of my new life at Camp Tempest in the service of my tribe and pack. When I am on a mission I am married that mission and my duty. There is time for nothing else, so I've had little time to actually connect with anything aside from perfecting myself and defeating the enemies of the pack - always preparing myself with my pack mates for the final battle with the Pure.
When I first entered the city on the winter night I felt a correctness - that the draw had finally found its target. As I investigated for any sign of what may have drawn me or any wolf sign in this city I met the Shaman of a small pack in this city. The idea of a pack residing in a city was strange to me, but I've never really understood the Iron Masters. They apparently were recruiting. I spoke briefly with him and told him that I was searching for something that I felt was present in this city. It just seemed right that they were recruiting and I searching so I tentatively agreed to meet with their Alpha.
What I found I clearly did not expect to find. The pack indeed seemed small and in need of warriors. I don't believe I even saw a Talon among them. Their Alpha, as well, seemed - to be blunt - not Alpha material. I have nothing against females, I know their fighting spirit, but still I know warriors and she did not strike me as one. However though, one does not become Alpha without having fought for the position. So I remained vigilant - soon enough I would know what manner of woman was running this pack. One poor fool who also answered the call of this pack proved the demonstration of her skill. I was satisfied that this pack was commanded well.
As one needs more than just martial skill to run a pack I am still confident that this Kat's skill lay in other places than the battlefield. I have no issue with calling her Alpha. She seemed to have need of my skills as we spoke. So I agreed to remain and she agreed to consider me for inclusion with the pack. I still have no idea if this was the correct decision, but nothing outright was telling me that it was wrong. She also mentioned that she had friends who could use my skills presently. I had no reason to refuse and was truly itching at some combat; my journey allowing me little entertainment in the realms of battle.
These friends of hers were an odd lot indeed. When she said friends I anticipated fellow Uratha. I was not expecting two mages and a vampire. I was pleased to see at least one fellow wolf. He seemed knowledgeable in aspects of culture which I have spent little time dwelling on, so that was good. I believe that he's Shaman of some sorts. They all seemed to be sizing me up as well. I could care less about that. I truly just wanted to kill something.
Their mission did not disappoint. Again where we went was not expected. I could not explain how we got their either. It seemed something directly out of a fantasy novel. We just walked across the world in the blink of an eye. We appeared on an island with a little bunker underneath in the middle of some ocean. I think they said the Atlantic. I have stepped shadow before, but never experienced this. The mages were truly skilled in their arts. I was a little dismayed with the antics of the others. I thought this was supposed to be a serious expedition. However, when I stepped through that... thing I felt for the first time that was on the correct path.
These people are apparently looking for something and are somehow challenging some guy named Donovan. I still haven't figured what is going on yet. Whatever it is they apparently need a warrior and I fit that bill. So whatever it is they are doing they need a warrior for it and I like that. That is all I need to know.
My first challenge was some monster from the depths of the unknown. Some giant made of rock. It looked like it might be fun to play with. It gave a good hit, but it wasn't enough. The creature didn't take long to crumble beneath my onslaught. I think that the others wanted it explode from one hit from me, but I know better to commit a full strike to something unknown. I fight to win, but I will not fight foolishly. I defeated the thing that is all that matters. The challenge was nice though. I certainly feel the variety of opponents these people will throw my way will round out my skills nicely.
At the end of this little expedition we found ourselves at something asking us riddles. Riddles may not be my strong suit, but score one for the home team. I got one.
When we were done they took their little crystal figurine we came back home.
They apparently live in a warehouse. This whole urban thing is going to take some getting used to again. I've been away for far too long. Well anyway, it is a nice place. Not exactly what one would expect when looking at it from the outside, but I guess that is the whole point. For a reason which is becoming more apparent my potential new Alpha was there as well, dressed rather comfortably and acting rather leisurely. I hadn't realized how close these friends were to her. Now I know. The invitation to stay there was made. I was not expecting that. I thought that the mission was a one time deal, but apparently their need for muscle is a long term affair. I am happy to oblige I just wasn't expecting the offer so soon. It is a place to stay so I took them up on the offer.
They seemed to happy with me and they felt that I fit into their plans. Next item on the agenda was to visit the bloodsucking Prince of the city. I was fully aware that it would have been eventually necessary to visit the blood thief in charge of Chicago and tell him that I wasn't going to hunt amongst his herd like he doesn't already know that its a sin for me to do so. Yet again, a surprise was awaiting me. If I thought Kat at first glance was no Alpha then how could I accept this girl as Prince? On this accord I am still highly skeptical. Yes, I could sense power within her. Yes, she was probably some girl taken into their dark fold before she experienced her first true kiss, but I would respect her nonetheless. She spoke wisely like command was a second-nature for her. I truly have no concern for the power structure here anyway, it is none of my concern. I am a soldier that is what I do, let the wise ones lead. I just wish to hone my skills in honorable battle. So this Lady Abigail is Prince and while I am in her city I will abide by her command.
Now what awaited down below was another surprise, but of a more pleasant nature. Now I have seen all kinds, sizes and shapes of women before. I have never once met one actually bigger and taller than me. This was a first. Better than that she seemed a warrior too. I was quite impressed. I'm not saying that I know much about the world, but I have never met her like. She is the guardian of this Palace. Whoever chose her, chose well indeed. She also has a nice hot tub in the back... all the more interesting. I sensed the wolf in her, but more as well. Is she a sister or not? She spoke with a similar air that the Prince spoke with upstairs. She will warrant more investigation.
These past few days have been strange. I don't know what to make of all this. I don't even know if this is where I am supposed to be. However, if I am meant to be somewhere else, I may be disappointed. I met a fantastic creature, yet across the world again (Mexico perhaps), called the Karthak, His speech reminded me of back home. He has a respectable warrior's attitude. I can relate to it. His words spoke highly of the blood thief. His skill at arms will bear watching. The mages too impressed me with their usefulness in combat. This is a fine warriors party, albeit somewhat unusual. We have a shaman too, this is good.
I have no idea what their goal is, nor do I care. That may change over time. The spirits will make that decision, but if this is where I shall remain then so be it.