Tithe

It had been heart wrenching for the knight. To call into question the leadership of his Alpha, to ask others to truly consider who they were following and the direction they were going. He had noticed the life of his Alpha, the yearning in Roman’s eyes. There was a different sense of loyalty and a different sense on honor that had made Tithe raise his voice in challenge to Roman.

He had noticed the man’s wandering spirit, he had seen the boredom grow in his eyes. He had remembered the dances they had witness with the gypsies and the stories Taika had told of their adventures. Around him he watched the pack turn stagnant and freeze. And so he sang, he questioned, and he waited with bated breath while the other voices rose into the sky. His heart lifted with every new voice, no matter which name was called into the sky. Be it Roman, or Tithe, the knight merely wanted the challenge voiced. Step up to rule, or step down to roam. He wanted his ruler to be happy with where he was, to find the home within himself before finding a home elsewhere. It was not until the final votes were known and Roman’s call rang out that Tithe’s eyes widen with surprise.

You weak. The voice of his mother hissed through his mind. Your mercy and your love will be your downfall.

I will not destroy a good man. He thought back, silencing the whispers of history.

When Roman approached, Tithe’s lips pulled into a smile, his tail wagging once to break his usual guarded expression. He trusted this man, they were brothers in arms and nobles at heart. He listened to the words Roman spoke with a respectful bow of his head. “Your people do love you, Roman. They will continue to love you until the end of their time. Whether the mountains remain your home, or you leave completely, you and your family will be welcome wherever I am with open arms and hearts. Whether you leave or stay, I hope your demons find their death at your fangs.”

Iron eyes watched his companion step forward and with another small wag of his tail, Tithe followed suit before picking up his pace to a fast lope. He ran beside his friend keeping his pose and posture equal to the former emperor until they came upon the rest of the pack where his lifted himself to his new title. Greeting his pack mates he still looked back at the man. “There will be nothing but peace between you and me. I hope you find what you are looking for, and consider staying by my side here.”