The Blessed One

Chapter 5

***Allue***

“How could I be the savior for our kind? I'm just a girl. When? When is this supposed life event happening?” Mark ruffled my hair which only annoyed me further.

“Though she be but small, she is mighty. You are stronger than you know. You have so much more love in your tiny body than most people can even fathom in their entire life. As far as when this cosmic event is supposed to happen…. She didn't say. She made it seem like it was when you were older. I know for sure it will be when you have your wolf. But you being the key for our salvation is why everyone was happy to sacrifice themselves for you. We don't know that everyone died, some may have escaped...That is why I need to train you. To make sure their sacrifice was not in vain. And so eventually you and your brother will be ready to claim the pack back. Build it back up again. So starting tomorrow, before breakfast every morning we meet on the beach for training. I will train you without mercy. Just like every other wolf I have trained, so be prepared.”

He got up and slowly walked away to leave me with my thoughts as I buried my toes in the sand listening to the water crash against the shore.

I couldn't believe this. How were we expected to save the world? Save it from what? I guess with time, I'll find out. My heart was still melancholy thinking of my pack, and my family, but I knew I couldn't live like this. I knew I would need to celebrate their lives instead of mourn them. But it hurt so much that they weren't here with me.

I stood up and looked to the sky. As if they were listening to this conversation I felt a warmth surrounding me and I just knew that it was my parents.

“Okay…” I said aloud as if they could hear me. It was like they were pushing me to believe the tale, pushing me to trust Mark, not that I didn't. But I felt this urge to do as I was told. I felt the urge to train and become stronger.

“I miss you. Both of you.” I whispered and walked away.

As I was walking back to the cottage something buried in the sand caught my eye. Lowering myself to my haunches I slowly uncovered the item. It was beautiful.

I dusted the sand off of the shell and rinsed it in the water. It was a soft pink and the outer portions were smooth and shiny. It reminded me of polished marble. I snatched it up and stuck it in the satchel I had draped across my chest.

On my way back I took in my surroundings, trying to figure out what would be my new home for the foreseeable future. Despite there being a beach, the dunes had tons of tall grass on them. In the distance I could see the forest we ran from, the field in between that was filled with wild flowers and bushes. It truly was beautiful. The cottage in the daylight truly was stunning, though it was not the size of the castle I grew up in it seemed comfortable. Justine was sitting in a wooden rocking chair on the terrace reading a novel while basking in the sunlight.

“I'm sorry for pushing the subject earlier. I didn't realize how serious the situation was.” She looked up after marking her place and setting the book aside. “Trobhad, little moon.” she held her arm out and I walked a bit closer and she took my small hands in hers.

“It is alright. I almost expected more fighting out of you after all that has happened. All is forgiven because there is nothing to forgive.” she smiled and her graceful features lit up. She was truly stunning with her auburn hair as straight as a pen.

“Where are we anyways?”

She looked around almost as if she was scanning the area for listening ears. “This cabin is what your parents spent time building when they went away for pack business. We are hidden in the dunes on Camusdarach beach. We are about 3 hours from home give or take.”

I remember telling mom how I wanted to visit the closest oceans. I always felt calm and at peace in water and when in nature. I felt called to it almost.

A short while later Damien joined us on the terrace. There were plants growing wildly up the pergolas and it provided a nice shade from the blazing sun. Damien shielded his eyes with his hand before sitting down, “Well, it's about time sleepy head.” I joked and he stuck his tongue out at me.

“Have you spoken to Mark yet?” I questioned and he nodded. “Training at 6AM tomorrow. Not looking forward to it.” he groaned and I almost laughed. He sounded so young and carefree at this moment. I almost forgot what our life had become in a matter of a few short hours. And with that thought my mood turned sour. It's only been 24 hours Allue, you are allowed to grieve.

“I was thinking we can all go foraging today for some herbs and things to make some of your soaps and creams. Is that okay?”

I asked, trying to cheer up my own self. “That sounds wonderful. Damien, would you like to join us or would you like to Join Mark for a hunt?” his face lit up but he scrunched his nose.

“I don't have my wolf yet. How can I?” he asked puzzled. Oh lord, even I knew this. He must really be out of sorts.

“Consider it more training. Before you master your wolves you need to master your human side. It will be good practice. Either one you choose will be. Whether scouting for plants and herbs, tracking and reading the forest or hunting, you are learning.” she said and I never thought of us going scavenging as training, but I guess she is right. Any kind of knowledge is power.

“Allue, do you know what this one is?” she asked crouching low. Mom had started teaching me about some herbs and plants the year prior, I wish I would have paid more attention, but this I knew.

“That's thistle!” its purple spikes give it away.

“Deagh obair! Thistle is commonly used to reduce swelling in your joints!” she plucked a few from the ground and stuck them in her basket before searching again.

So far we had found heather for some tea. Justine had told me that you can use it to calm your nerves, calm your headaches, and help you sleep better, the possibilities for this herb were endless and some still unknown to us. We found rosemary to use in cooking and medicinal paste for inflammation, She also taught me that Rosemary can help you focus and stay alert.

I was learning so much from this journey and I wanted to learn more. For some reason I had a feeling I would need this knowledge later on. We found chives, Lavender, the list was endless, however after a couple of hours the basket grew full and heavy, so we decided to turn back.

I thought back on our journey and loved how I felt included, I loved how Justine tested my knowledge while also teaching me at the same time. She reminded me so much of my mother.

As we were putting our treasures away Mark and Damien burst through the cabin doors with smiles as large as Scotland. Mark was carrying a large Buck while Damien had 4 rabbits, 2 in each hand.

“I see you both had a productive day. Skin and clean your kill and we shall start dinner.” Mark leaned in and kissed Justine lightly while looking at her in adoration.

I couldn't wait to have that one day. A mate who would cherish and love me. Look at me like I was the sun and the moon, the reason for existing. I want a mate to love me the way Pa loved mama, and the way Mark loves Justine. Though to act my appropriate age I fake gagged and giggled.

Justine pulled away scrunching her nose at me. “Oh if you think that's gross watch this!”

He dipped Justine back unexpectedly causing her to yelp and kissed her passionately. The picture perfect moment showing his devotion. I almost wish I had a canvas in front of me so I could sketch it all. I'd have to talk to them to see if we could potentially find a way for me to get some Canvas and I could make some Paint with the leftover herbs, plants and flowers we found.

After dinner, with our bellies full and our energy levels dropping we said our goodnights while I went to my chamber. I hadn't noticed it last night, but there was a small stone fireplace built into the wall next to my nook. I gathered a few logs and placed them on the hearth and efficiently started the fire.

The soft embers started growing brighter and brighter while I grabbed the black and white fur blanket and curled up on my nook looking out the window at the sky. A wolf plushie was sitting on the bench next to me and I softly stroked the fur attached to it. So much had happened today, so much information had been loaded onto me.

“I hope I can be enough to save us all. I hope I can be strong and kind enough to help this race. I hope….I just hope I'm enough.”

I felt a lone tear roll down my cheek before wiping it away and curled up on the cushions. I fell asleep thinking of home. Of my pack. Of how many people survived. I vowed myself in that moment that I would find them, that I would protect them, that I would do everything I could to avenge those who died for me and Damien and I would seek justice for those who were robbed of their life far too soon.