Direwolves

Early the next morning, Samuel decided to do something he had not done in years; exploring the forests around the mountains. "Hey Sam, before you go, there is something I need to tell you", Bernard said. "What's up dad?" Samuel asked as his father walked up to him.

"For a few months now, whenever your mother and I take our usual walks through the mountain, I always see something like a large shadow in the trees tailing us. At first, I thought I was going crazy but after your mom noticed it too, I realized we were indeed being tailed. I thought it was a stalker by a journalist but I figured no one was dumb enough to crawl through such infested woods just to get a picture, even if it was their job and besides, this shadow was on all fours", Bernard informed.

"It was probably the wolves. I asked them to keep an eye out for you, mom and Betty. They were probably following you to keep you guys safe", Samuel suggested an answer. "No, I don't think it was them. I've seen your wolves, the shadow was bigger; way…way bigger", Bernard said gesturing with his hands.

"I'll have to check around for it. I'll let you know if I find anything that matches the description you gave me. If there is a new creature like that in the forest, it could disturb the balance", Samuel said as he walked out of the house. "I'll take a look around and be back by lunch", he said as he morphed into his prime emergence form and shot off into the sky.

'Let's first check on the wolves. If anything is different in the forest, they should be the first to know', Samuel thought to himself as he flew towards the wolves' territory.

Seconds after he entered the wolves' territory, Samuel began feeling something different in the atmosphere; something extremely dangerous but somehow still familiar. "Time to call Drogo, he'll know what is happening", Samuel said as he stopped flying and slowly descended to the ground. He took a deep breath and let out a massive roar that spread out through the entire forest.

A few seconds later, there were howls that were almost as loud as his roar responding to it. The ground started to shake as if a herd of rhinos were charging straight for him. The sound of trees being knocked down grew louder and louder as the cause of the shaking got closer and closer.

Samuel opened his eyes as multiple wolves standing on all fours at the outstanding height of four feet emerged from behind the trees. Leading them was a wolf that stood out at a height of five feet. There were dozens of these giant wolves and Samuel could not come out of his shocked stupor.

The bigger wolf stood before Samuel, gazing in his eyes as it wagged its tail happily. "Drogo, is that really you", Samuel asked, finally getting over his initial shock. The wolf before him barked in acknowledgement and started jumping around playfully. Samuel laughed in return, "You've gotten so big. What the hell happened?" Samuel asked and Drogo tilted his head showing that he had no idea.

Samuel flapped his wings twice to clear the area of debris and then proceeded to sit on the ground. He then patted his lap hinting his desire to the large wolf. Taking the hint, Drogo barked out to the dozens of giant wolves around them and they all laid down on the ground. He then quickly lay down as well and placed his large head on Samuel's lap.

"So, you've become the Alpha huh? I knew you could do it. And judging by your size, I doubt any other could challenge you", Samuel said softly as he stroked his best pal's giant furry head. Drogo gave a soft bark in response. Seeing how Drogo was enjoying being petted, the other wolves started wagging their tails desiring a turn to experience the bliss of being petted by a superior being.

Samuel took out of his device, "Lisia, please scan Drogo and tell me what happened to him and his pack", Samuel said as he held the device over Drogo's head. "ACKNOWLEDGED! INITIATING SCAN!" Lisia announced as a faint red light shot out of the device and scanned Drogo's entire body.

"REPORTING! THE SUBJECT DESIGNATED; DROGO, HAS EVOLVED AFTER ABSORBING HUGE QUANTITIES OF MANA DUE TO YOUR BLOOD IN HIS VEINS. WITHOUT AN ABILITY TO DISPERSE THE MANA, THE BODY KEPT ACCUMULATING IT CAUSING IT TO EVOLVE IN ORDER TO HOLD MORE. THE CASE IS SIMILAR FOR THE OTHER WOLVES OF HIS PACK. THEIR CLOSE PROXIMITY TO THEIR ALPHA MADE THEM PRIME CANDIDATES FOR THE EXCESS MANA DRAWN TO HIM DUE TO YOUR BLOOD TO BE ABSORBED BY THEM AS WELL. THEIR NEW SPECIES DESIGNATION IS A DIREWOLF", Lisia announced.

"You hear that Drogo; you and your pack are Direwolves now. Not even a bear can challenge you now. You are basically the rulers of this forest now", Samuel informed. Drogo barked happily and gave a loud howl. The other direwolves joined in the howl creating a loud symphony that started to be a challenge even for Samuel.

After the choir of howls ended, Drogo lay his head back unto Samuel's lap. "Drogo, there is something I must tell you. I'll be leaving for the city soon, my presence here will reduce considerably", Samuel informed. Hearing this, Drogo's ears drooped as he whimpered sadly.

"Don't be upset, I'll be away just for a little while. I'll be sure to come back here regularly", Samuel said trying to placate the big baby on his lap. His assurances seemed to work as Drogo changed back to his happy self. "Before I leave, I have a task for you to complete", Samuel said as Drogo's ears perked up and it lifted its head to pay attention.

"The forests of these mountains stretch for miles in each direction. There are a lot of other creatures out there that we are yet to see. As of this moment, I'm making you and your pack the rulers of these mountains and forests. I am charging you with the duty of keeping the balance between all the creatures and letting the forests flourish".

"After I leave the forest, I want you and your pack to subjugate each and every predator out there. Every other wolf pack, fox kit, a sleuth of bears, prides of big cats, whatever they may be, subjugate them all. Make them obey you if you must. There may come a time I'll have need of all of you in battle. I want you to create the greatest and strongest pack ever, and I want you to rule this pack. Will you accept this task", Samuel asked finally.

Drogo jumped up, his tail wagging in excitement as he gave a loud howl in acknowledgement of the task. The other direwolves jumped to their feet and joined in the howl. They relished the challenge of ruling the entire mountain range and with their new forms, they had confidence in their success.