Page 78 of Father of the Wolf

“Because he would lose,” Sandulfr answered.

Neither Athair nor Sgrios responded to his egotistical comment, but they shared a look that Sandulfr must have interpreted as disbelief.

“I defeated his father before I was not much more than an adolescent. Bequlf has never had the skill to defeat me in a fair battle.”

“If he can’t win a challenge fight, then why does he continue to instigate trouble for your clan?” Athair asked.

“Only he can answer that. I suppose enough of the others support him that he believes he has the right to be Alpha. But if the clan truly wanted him, I would step aside. In fact, I would leave the clan and the area. I could never accept his kind of leadership.”

Chapter Twenty-Four

Taking a Stand by Force if Needed

Treacherous Voice

Athair watched Ella graciously welcome each member of the Bear Clan by name as they arrived at the secluded picnic area for the meeting. She treated the supporters of both Sandulfr and Bequlf with equal respect. Her only sign of distress came when Belquavir bowed to her. Athair stood close enough to hear the man’s quiet words.

“Ella, I am sorry to bring these troubles to your doorstep. Please forgive my part in this.”

“Bel, please don’t apologize. It is the follies of the young. We can only hope that in time, they will gain our wisdom.”

“Even with time, some do not have enough knowledge to choose the best path.”

“Truth beyond knowledge, and wisdom beyond years. That is the blessing of age. The acceptance that we are merely leaves cast upon rushing waters.”

“I miss days spent with you, Ella.”

“I feel the same.” She turned the conversation back to their current situation. “Is there any hope for success on this day?”

“I wish I could say yes, but Bequlf is deserving of his chance to lead and determined to force the issue. Sandulfr has brought this upon himself.”

“Sounds as if it is a matter for the Bear Clan. Why has the Eagle Clan been brought into the middle of this private conflict?”

“They were only asked to pass a test of faith, which they failed.” Belquavir tensed and stepped away from Ella. All warmth dropped from his expression. “How do you wish to begin?”

Athair didn’t hear Ella’s answer. Hope dug her fingers into his arm and stood tensely staring at the group around Bequlf.

“What’s wrong?” Athair asked her silently.

“Who is that man in the center?” She locked her eyes on him.

He followed her gaze. “Bequlf. Why?”

“He’s the one who attacked Dàn and Rath?” Hope trembled against his side.

He slipped an arm around her in support. “He and several of his supporters.”

“That man is the one who attacked me.”

Sgrios and Bequlf shared enough features that their resemblance could be confusing in a dark, terrifying situation, especially with the use of empathic blur. “That doesn’t surprise me. Hopefully he will soon find himself before the Council for his crimes.”

“I’m sorry that I accused Sgrios of my attack. I was wrong to doubt your judgment of him.” Although he sensed her heartfelt thoughts, he noticed that she never took her eyes from Bequlf.

“That’s quite all right, Hope. Your concerns were well founded. Sgrios is a dangerous man capable of killing. But he also clings to remnants of his old ways. And no matter what else… he will always be my little brother.”

“I wish I had known Sgrios before, because he scares the dickens out of me as he is now.”

“I know it’s hard, but you can still see the man who was Donnchadh. You just have to look beneath his pain and anger. Admittedly, that is not an easy task.”

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