Our numbers are thinning were Maksim's bitter thoughts as he paced back and forth beside a pair of large, flat slabs of stone. Many had left and only a few loyalist stuck by the Baranski's side. Naia, Lachesis and Bastet were the oldest remaining members, and the agouti regal was eternally grateful for their loyalty.

Yet, it was not enough. There were pups to feed and care for. To protect. With no guardians on his land, not including himself, the territory could be vulnerable. Something would have to be done about that. There would have to be a discussion, to decide the best course of action. Perhaps push the others to attempt more recruiting when they stepped over the borders into unclaimed lands. All Maksim knew was that things couldn't continue this way—were there really that few trustworthy wolves in Relic Lore?

There was hardly any movement in the pack lands, too. Idle chit chat and activities felt flat to the king. Perhaps they all needed a moral boost? Hell, even he had been slacking when it came to patrols; a dangeorus thing to do indeed. A hunt would most certainly help with restoring energy. The cubs, his children, could watch from the sidelines, too, to see how pack wolves thrived on synergy and teamwork, to learn the ways of the wolf. Someday, they would experience the taste of a prey's blood against their tongue, warm and enticing … but they were much too small for such a big task. For now, at least. Their chance would come though, he would make sure of it. They would be prepared for their time.

And so, deciding that a pack discussion was necessary, the leader of Cut Rock River tipped his muzzle back, releasing a long, summoning howl. All that needed to be known was laced into the call, its very meaning obvious to all River wolves. Everyone; meeting, at the flat rocks. Lowering his crown, and in order to pass the time, Maksim leapt onto the smooth surface of one of the enormous stone slabs, lowering himself into a sit as he looked out for his followers arrival.

The first to come to the king's call was Karpos Slayer. The agouti wolf really did have to hand it to the swarthy lad; the boy was certainly dedicated to the pack. He had much potential, most likely he would mature into a skilled Guardian—perhaps, even a Sentry. There was no doubt in the regal's mind that Karpos was a great addition to Cut Rock River … well, despite his time spent with the Hollow wolves. The thought of those vile cretins brought Maksim to momentarily wonder how Naia was doing on her outing. Would she return soon? He hoped so. The Mackenzie leader had smilled the small Timber. Her presence was always appreciated, and she was the wolf he trusted most, quite frankly.

“Karpos,” Maksim offered in response, nodding his head slightly. He glanced at the pink scar that etched across his follower's eye, unfortunately obvious against the thinner, darker fur. Who had done such a thing? The agouti wolf couldn't help but snort internally—what did the other one look like?

Then came Lachesis, the once timid Medic who had certainly come out of his shell. Still gangly as ever, which for some reason pleased the Baranski. At least, that had remained the same. Bastet and Adsila then arrived, and the king knew that this was the size of his audience; this was his and Kisla's pack.

Slowly rising, the River leader glanced between the wolves before him. “This,” he began, “is our pack. This is what Cut Rock River has become. A few wolves, abandoned by those who swore their alliance, only to break our trust in mockery.” Maksim watched them for a moment, gauging their reactions. Had they known? Or had this slow crumble been lost to them as it had once been to the king? “Naia is currently running an errand, so our lacking numbers become even more obvious to me. I do not doubt you four; I do not doubt your capabilities. But we have cubs to protect. We have a territory to defend. What we need now are members. Wolves we can trust.”

After all, you never know when some wolf with a grudge will lash out.

“So I will address a few things. Firstly, Bastet. I would like to place the role of Scout to your name. You have served me and my mate well, and we appreciate all you have done for us. I expect you will work well with Naia.” He offered her a slow nod as he spoke, his tail giving a small wag before falling still. “I have no doubt you will actively take part in my proposal.” Once again, the leader's tail stood erect as he made his next statement.

“We need to make an effort to recruit. If you come across a wolf whom you feel is of a nature that would fit well, tell them of this place. Wolves of the River make no effort to hide; we must be bold and we must thrive. We cannot wither.”