Howling Moon Clan's territory is shrouded in darkness.
Russell stood on the rock platform of Crescent Moon Valley, his blue mane already mixed with gray.
The lifespan of Gray-maned Werewolf is not long, only about fifty years.
Six years later, the former young chief has entered middle age. His hair is not as bright as before, but his eyes are still as sharp as knives.
In the valley, Werewolf Warrior are taking a rest.
They carry old and new scars on their bodies, some are left by Ogre before, and some are marks left by Hunt and internal fighting.
Russell It is clear that dissatisfaction within the clan is growing.
The young challenger Mane Fire has publicly questioned its decision-making at rallies more than once, while the life of the over-sixty-year-old Shaman is coming to an end. His mind is becoming increasingly blurred, his mind is gradually becoming chaotic, and he is no longer as stable as before.
Ouch! A low howl of a wolf came from the distance.
The patrol is back.
Russell jumped and galloped from the valley slope, returned to the territory below, talked with the patrol team, and understood the situation.
The news they brought back was not optimistic.
Ogre of the Jawbone Clan is still expanding, and I don't know when it will approach Crescent Moon Valley again.
Russell let out a silent breath.
It looked up at the night sky, as if waiting for something.
The Dragon Lord from six years ago promised to return, but time is wearing away the clan's patience. Some clan members have forgotten the power of dragons, and there are different voices in the clan.
Russell took a step forward and walked around the territory.
Deep in the territory, by the fire pit, several Werewolf Warriors who had just finished their patrol were tearing the leg meat of their prey, and the grease dripped on the charcoal fire, making a sizzling sound.
"Mane Fire provoked the chief again at the training ground today."
A young Werewolf Warrior spit out broken bones from his mouth and said in a low voice, "In front of everyone, it scratched half of the chief's battle totem carved on the rock wall."
Werewolf, nicknamed Mane Fire, whose parents initially opposed allegiance to Dragonkin, was personally defeated by Russell and became Giant Wolf.
Therefore.
Mane Fire holds a grudge against Russell.
After another six years of growth, this Werewolf boy with some talent became the most powerful Werewolf Warrior of the new generation. He no longer concealed his hostility towards the chief and wanted to challenge his status.
The old warrior sneered, revealing his incomplete canine teeth.
"Mane Fire was so frightened by Evil Snake that he trembled six years ago and only dared to hide behind his mother. Now he dares to point at the chief's sharp claws."
"But the chief is indeed old." Mother Werewolf lowered her voice and turned her ears warily.
"The last time we hunted Rock Ox, the chief's sprint was half a beat too slow. If Frost Fang hadn't added the spell in time, the prey would have run away."
The fire crackled and exploded.
The figure of Russell appeared on the other side. The young Werewolf Warrior shrank his neck and did not dare to answer.
Passing by several soldiers, Russell seemed not to hear anything and walked straight towards a stone house close to the cliff.
Around a bonfire.
Mane Fire is sharing the newly hunted wild boar with three of his henchmen.
While the fresh meat was still steaming, it was torn into bloody pieces by sharp teeth. It was eaten directly by them without being grilled or cooked. Young Werewolf Warrior preferred fresh meat.
Mane Fire is a tall and strong Werewolf.
Its blue-gray mane is mixed with a little red, and when it blows in the wind, it looks like a ball of fire, which is also the origin of its nickname.
While eating the fresh meat, Mane Fire's eyes fell on Chief Russell and watched as he walked into old Shaman's house.
"The old guy's prestige is getting weaker and weaker. Last time Hunt almost let his prey escape."
Mane Fire licked the blood between his claws, his hair flickering under the firelight, and said, "Its claws are no longer as sharp as mine, and its body is not as strong as mine."
Werewolf, who had a scar on his face, whispered, "The chief has been running to Shaman's house recently. Is he preparing some ritual to strengthen himself?"
Mane Fire slapped his paw on the rock wall, and the gravel fell down:
"Shaman is already unconscious and it is impossible to give it any reinforcement."
"Next Full Moon Rite, I will challenge Russell in front of the whole clan." It showed its white fangs. "When the time comes, I will become the new chief of the Howling Moon Clan!"
Old Shaman is dying.
Frost Fang, the daughter of Russell, who was chosen to inherit the position of Shaman, is currently just an immature young Shaman. Without the prestige of the old Shaman, she does not pose a threat to it.
Mane Fire made up his mind.
Be sure to replace it with Russell.
Russell's claws gently opened the animal skin curtain hanging at the door of the stone house, and what came to his face was a turbid stream mixed with burnt herbs and the smell of decay.
Old Shaman's house is darker than it was six years ago.
It was curled up on the bed in the corner of the room, its rickety figure almost blending into the shadow.
There is also a slightly smaller female Werewolf sitting next to her. She has bright white teeth, her mane is braided into small braids, and she wears an animal bone necklace around her neck.
Frost Fang Beli, the daughter of Russell, is also the successor of Shaman.
It was grooming old Shaman and patiently picking out fleas. When it saw its father's arrival, it stopped and retreated outside the house.
Hearing the footsteps, old Shaman's turbid yellow eyes slowly turned, and his pupils were gray and lifeless.
"Russell You are here"
Old Shaman's voice seemed to be squeezed out of a leaky skin bag. He spoke slowly and snored with phlegm in his throat.
Russell nodded and squatted beside the fire pit in silence.
Six years ago, this stone house was the clan's most sacred place, and old Shaman's prophecies could be accurate to the time of the rainy season.
But now, only some skinny shrubs and branches are burning in the fire pit, and even the firelight is weak.
"I can't hold it anymore Mane Fire."
Russell sighed, with a little fatigue on his brows, and said, "It has excellent talent and is growing very fast, but I have already passed my peak."
Mane Fire has a ferocious temperament and will retaliate, and he does not have the structure and vision to lead the ethnic group.
As a warrior, it is excellent, but if it becomes the chief, it will be a disaster for the Howling Moon Clan. However, Howling Moon Clan advocates the strong. If Mane Fire defeats it according to the formal challenge process, it will not be able to prevent it from ascending to the position of chief.
"No, it's okay. Dragon Lord is coming soon."
Old Shaman said with a smile in his cloudy eyes.
Russell was slightly startled, with a lot of sparkle in his eyes, and asked, "Is this true? Are you sure?"
Old Shaman was like a flashback. After coughing lightly, his voice became clear and continuous.
"My life is coming to an end. Fortunately, perhaps because of the blessing of Ancestor Spirit, I have a glimpse of the future."
"What future?"
Russell asked.
Old Shaman did not answer.
The future will not be static. Leaking the prophecy will not only bring backlash to yourself and those who listen to the prophecy, but will also affect the future.
Every Spellcaster or Shaman who knows the art of prophecy is an excellent keeper of secrets.
Old Shaman raised his skinny claws, gripped Russell's arm, and said word for word, "You must, you must follow Dragon Lord! No matter what happens, your loyalty cannot be shaken! This is Howling Moon Clan's most important opportunity."
Russell nodded solemnly, and then saw old Shaman slowly closing his eyes.
It feels a little sad and sad.
This respected elder still passed away and snored. The snoring sound came from old Shaman's mouth, interrupting Russell's sad mood.
It turns out that it just fell into a deep sleep and was not dead.
Old Werewolf was afraid of the wind and cold, so Russell covered old Shaman with the quilt.
Boom!
Suddenly, dull thunder sounded from far away to near.
It's like the breath of a giant beast, and like the sound caused by flapping wings.
Old Shaman, who had just closed his eyes, suddenly opened his eyes again. His eyes were no longer cloudy. After Russell was startled for a moment, his expression immediately became excited.
The cubs born in the last few years did not understand what this thunderous sound meant.
But Russell and the old Shaman are both very familiar.
"Hel me up!"
Old Shaman supported his body and said.