As Dabrin departed, the Grand Alpha's thoughts lingered on the weight of his mortality, the fate of Horgara, and the uncertain future that lay ahead. Meanwhile, in a different part of the city, a new chapter was unfolding for the young heirs of the Seven Great Packs. At the Royal College, the students had gathered for their first lecture, unaware of the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead.
The students had just arrived for their introductory lecture, an unspoken tension thick in the air. The grand lecture hall, with its high ceilings and polished stone floor, seemed to amplify the silence. The walls, adorned with ancient tapestries depicting the history of the Seven Great Packs, loomed above the students, their intricate patterns seeming to watch with silent intensity. The only sound was the soft murmur of the students, a gentle hum of anticipation and uncertainty, as they shifted in their seats, their eyes fixed on the front of the hall.
None knew what to expect from the enigmatic Brasko, their instructor, whose measured footsteps echoed through the hall like a prowling wolf. The wooden floor creaked beneath his feet, and the students' murmurs died down as he approached the front of the hall. His sharp gaze swept across the room, his eyes lingering on each student before settling on one—*Vesairus*.
"You there," the Brasko commanded, his voice laced with quiet authority. "Stand and introduce yourself."
The sunlight streaming through the tall windows cast a warm glow on Vesairus as he rose, his bearing proud yet touched with the hesitance of youth. "My name is Vesairus, son of Sairus, heir to the great pack of Zuganis."
The Brasko's lips curled into a knowing smirk as he turned to the class. "Well, judging by your name, boy, it's hardly a mystery whose blood runs through your veins." A ripple of laughter flowed through the room, light but edged with anticipation.
"Now," the Brasko continued, his tone shifting to steel, "tell me—what are the names of the Seven Great Packs and their Frakazis?"
Vesairus hesitated, then spoke with measured confidence: "Windorous, the Capital, whose Frakazi is Rodivo—Wazili of Horgara. Zuganis, ruled by my father, Sairus..." His voice trailed off. A heavy silence followed. The Brasko exhaled, a slow, deliberate sound. "Typical son of Sairus indeed. All blade, no book. I suppose strength of mind was never your family's legacy." A faint, almost nostalgic smile flickered across his face. "Your father and I sat in these very halls once. Sit down."
As Vesairus lowered himself, the Brasko's gaze swept the room once more. "Who among you can finish what he began?"
A voice, clear and unwavering, cut through the silence. "Let me try, Brasko."
"Introduce yourself, then."
"I am Kaliana, daughter of Kazili, of the great pack of Kanujagu."
Vesairus's eyes snapped to her—the girl from the welcoming. A cold shiver traced his spine, though he could not look away. Kaliana stood, regal as winter's first frost. She was the third child of Kazili, the only female Frakazi among the Seven Great Packs. Her voice rang like a blade unsheathed: "The Seven Great Packs and their Frakazis are as follows:"
1. Windorous – Valaga Endosis (Family and Duty) – 15 pack tribes under Rodivo, Grand Alpha.
2. Kanujagu – Vrosia Enkinasi (Winter and Summer) – 19 pack tribes under Kazili, Great Alpha.
3. Aziba – Vazini Enkushati (Power and Glory) – 21 pack tribes under Blakizo, Great Alpha.
4. Zuganis – Kasiliki Enfrugani (Strength and Valor) – 20 pack tribes under Sairus, Great Alpha.
5. Varigoz – Aklodasi Enparindo (Mountains and Seas) – 19 pack tribes under Klando, Great Alpha.
6. Bonsaidis – Ovlahi Ensara (Wisdom and Harmony) – 14 pack tribes under Vela, Great Alpha.
7. Slavinda – Cronosia Enfluora (Honor and Service) – 23 pack tribes under Kimboku, Great Alpha.
The Brasko clapped, slow and deliberate. "Bravo. You've even included their mottos and numbers—impressive, though unnecessary. That question was meant for another." His eyes gleamed with something unreadable. "But then again, a daughter of Kazili was never one to do only what was asked."
Kaliana inclined her head, her gaze meeting Vesairus's for the briefest moment—a spark in the dark.
As the Brasko's gaze lingered on Kaliana, Vesairus couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration for the young woman who had so effortlessly recited the names of the Seven Great Packs and their Frakazis. The lecture hall fell silent once more, the students awaiting the Brasko's next move. With a nod, the Brasko dismissed the class, and the students began to file out of the hall, their murmurs and whispers filling the air once more. Vesairus, still seated, caught Kaliana's eye, and for a moment, they just looked at each other, the tension between them palpable. Then, with a slight smile, Kaliana turned and walked away, leaving Vesairus to wonder what the future held for him at the Royal College.
As Vesairus stood to leave the lecture hall, a voice hailed him from behind. "Son of Sairus!" Vesairus turned to behold two identical teenagers with warm smiles and outstretched hands. Their bright, inquisitive eyes sparkled with enthusiasm, and their dark hair was tousled in a similar manner, as if they shared a secret language. "I'm Jago, and this is my brother Jaho," one of them said, his arm slung casually over his brother's shoulder. "We're going hunting tomorrow and wondered if you'd like to join us."
Before Vesairus could respond, they added, "Some of the other guys are already in on it, and we're planning to head out to the Silverwood Forest. The hunting's supposed to be great there."
Vesairus hesitated for a moment, recalling his father's words about the challenges of forming friendships at the Royal College. Yet, the prospect of hunting, something he excelled at, and the opportunity to break the ice with his peers, proved too enticing to resist.
"I'd love to join you," he said finally, a smile spreading across his face.
The brothers' faces lit up with excitement, and they gave Vesairus a friendly pat on the back in approval.
As they walked out of the lecture hall together, the warm sunlight cast long shadows across the stone floor, and the sound of their footsteps echoed through the corridor.
"So, what do you think of the college so far?" Jago asked, his curiosity evident in his tone.
Vesairus shrugged, feeling a mix of emotions. "It's been... interesting. I'm still getting used to the whole thing."
Jaho nodded sympathetically. "Yeah, it can be tough to adjust. But we're glad you're joining us for the hunt. It'll be a great way to get to know each other better."
As they strolled out into the fading light, the evening air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers and the distant chirping of birds.
"I've heard a lot about Zuganis," Jaho said, his eyes wide with curiosity.
"Yeah, me too," Jago chimed in. "I've heard that a single warrior from your pack can take down five men from any other pack."
Vesairus chuckled, feeling a mix of flattery and amusement. "I've never heard that before," he replied, his composure unwavering. "But I suppose we're known for our strength and strategy."
The brothers grinned, their faces alight with excitement.
"We're looking forward to seeing what you're capable of," Jago said, clapping Vesairus on the back.
As they walked off into the distance, their voices blended with the evening air, fading into the silence of the approaching night.