It was the start of the summer season, hot and unseasonably dry. Cerdic and the Council were holding their weekly meeting when a shifter dashed into the Audience Chamber. Without preamble he said, “Your Majesty, there is a lightning storm north of our pack lands and the forest is on fire. Help us.”
Cerdic sprang to his feet. “You…” he pointed to one of the guards standing by the doorway, “find Tony. We will need him to help transport Leofric, Pilore, and Itham there to deal with it.” The guard quickly left the Chamber.
“I will let the other mages who can control the elements know they are needed. At least the ones here in the city.” Leofric pressed his fingers to his temples to telepathically summon them.
“How many?” Wulf asked when Leofric had finished.
“Four, which should be enough.”
