The morning sun finds you on the southern green, surrounded by at least forty wolves buzzing with nervous energy. The murmurs of the crowd form a dissonant wall of whispers that rises to an almost fevered pitch before settling down into a unifying theme: "Where is Ahote?"
The pack's question is answered soon enough as Ahote emerges from the elders' offices, shrouded in a brown-and-red tribal cloak rumored to have been passed down between pack elders for generations. Richly woven depictions of the pack's history cover every inch of the fabric, lending it the illusion of constant movement, a living, breathing symbol of the pack's legacy and tribal freedom.
A shadow looms in the darkness of the doorway behind the older wolf, emerging into the light with squinted eyes and a tightly drawn face.
"Haken?" a wolf next to you asks, incredulous. "If Ahote can bring him over to his side, maybe we have a chance with the humans after all!"
Ahote takes his place at the front of the line, raising his hands to the air. A sudden silence blankets the crowd. Lowering his hands, the old wolf takes in the pack with a glance that radiates the power of absolute authority. "We've come together today to honor the spirit of our ancestors and the heart of our tribe. We were once a free people, and one day we will be again."
Haken nods, a tight smile on his lips.
Ahote gestures in the direction of the military compound to the east. "The humans have overstepped their bounds, pushed us too far into the pit of subjugation. Today we will show them that we are not cattle to be prodded nor are we wild beasts to be put down. Today we will show strength, but this strength will be tempered by civility and a willingness to reason. We will show them our true forms, and we will know no fear!"
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