The Broken Wolf
Chapter 23

“Tell me how to get to the witch?” Seth demands.

“It’s about a days walk each way, and there’s no roads to get back to her. But there are treaties in place now that will complicate things.” He says, pinching the bridge of his nose. I don’t know if I’ve ever seen my dad look this stressed before.

“I’d need go, sir. What do you think would be the best way to go about this?” Seth asks and I can see dad’s eyes glass over for a moment.

“Let’s wait for Robert to get here. Since he’s the Alpha now, we’ll have to start there.” Dad says, and Seth nods in response.

“Molly, tell me about your wolf!” Mom says to change the subject and I happily oblige.

“She’s small,” I begin to tell her and she’s listening intently and smiling brightly at me. “She’s gray and has one white paw! Her fur is soft.”

“You could feel her fur?” mom asks cautiously.

I frown in confusion. “Is that not normal?”

“No, Molly, it’s not.” Seth says. “But there’s not much about you that is normal.” he says with a smile.

“Molly, please don’t touch the wolf next time until we figure out what happened to you.” Seth says and I nod. From what they said happened to me and when, I think they’re correct in their thoughts that the events were related somehow.

“I don’t understand how something in a dream can effect me like this though.” I muse, not really directed at anyone in particular.

“It’s not exactly a dream, though,” Mom begins. “It’s more like an area in your subconscious, which makes it even more strange that Seth’s wolf could be there.”

I can hear and smell Robbie entering my suite and he hurries to the bedroom. “What’s going on?” he says quickly, looking around at us.

“Robert, we have a bit of a situation with your sister and since you’re the Alpha now, you’ll have to make the decisions,” Dad says to him. Robbie starts to say something but dad holds his hand up to quiet him. “I think I have worked out the best way to handle this, but I need you to hear me out.”

“OK, Dad.” he says and turns to me. “You’re ok, though. Right?”

“Yeah, I think so.” I tell him and he nods, turning back to dad.

“Years ago the majority of the kingdom was at war with the Rogues. There was an Alpha whose pack had been destroyed and he attempted to organize and create a pack within the Rogues. Obviously, our pack backed King Peter and since we were on the border, our lands were the primary access point to their lands. Eventually, once things settled, treaties and laws were put into place to clearly define our territories. They’ve only been breached once since then, when I went to find the witch to check your sister.” he tells him and mom and Robert both nod at this information like they already knew it, and Seth doesn’t seem surprised by it either.

“How were you allowed on their lands?” I ask, confused.

“You were found near the edge of the pack lands, but on our property. You looked like you had been there a while, so we reached out to them, but also all the other packs. There were no reports of a missing girl. The Rogue King, as he called himself, allowed me passage so I could meet the witch, but told me I’d never be allowed back again- I would only get one chance. He was very serious and I don’t want to start another war, so I think it’s best if Seth and Robert go, if they’ll even grant passage.” Dad tells me, looking at me with sympathy in his eyes. It’s always bothered him that no one was looking for me when he found me.

“I’m happy to go if Seth is,” Robert says and Seth nods in agreement. “You can stay and run the pack in my absence, but how do we reach them? I was under the impression that there was no known way to contact them.”

“Years ago I stepped over the line to the property and back onto ours. There were wolves there in a matter of minutes and they took my request to their King. But Seth, you must be the one to step over this time. The treaties are in place to keep the packs out, but as the heir to the throne, you’re still their future king.” Dad tells them.

“The treaties didn’t block us as well?” Seth asks, confused.

“The wording came to us directly from him. Those from the Royal Bloodline or mated to them may pass into their lands with notice. But he didn’t provide notice as to how to give the notice. It doesn’t make a lot of sense, but your dad signed off on it.” Dad shrugs. “At the time, they were meaningless details but at this moment, I think he knew something we didn’t.”

“Do you think I should come with you all?” I ask Seth and his eyes almost pop out of his head at my inquiry. “If it’s that far to travel she may not be willing to come here. If I’m with you, she can check me there.”

“Absolutely not, Molly. Rogue lands are dangerous. You need to stay here, where you’re safe.” Seth tells me and his voice tells me there’s absolutely no room for discussion on the matter.

“Rob, we’ll head to the boundary in the morning”, Seth says and Robbie nods at him. “Celeste, will you stay with Molly? I don’t want her left unprotected and Randall will be upstairs running things while we’re gone.”

“Of course, Seth. You don’t even need to ask.” Mom tells him, reaching across me to squeeze his hand.

“Robert,” Dad says, “I would like you to catch Albert up regarding the situation and assign him to guard your sister as well.”

“Do you think the rogues will really attack the pack while we’re on their lands?” Robbie asks dad, confused as to why I would need more protection. I’m glad he asked, too, because I’m also confused.

“No, it’s not the Rogues I’m worried about.” He tells him with a sigh. “If I’m right, It’s King Peter we may need to protect her from.”