The wolf beastmen ran as fast as possible. Their Chief Alpha was serious about getting to the white tiger clan and ensuring the lions would stand down for the princess's return. They knew the moment that they were spotted by a bear beastmen, that they would be working against time. If they wanted Princess Candula to be safe, they would need to call back the sworn protector to the royals.
Chief Alpha Kane had suspected someone in the bear clan was responsible for the clan wars. It was because of them that it all began and it all seemed very suspicious. He remembered his grandfather and eldest uncle were sworn protectors when he was still a pup because they had the seal in their chest. He heard stories through the elders that only the most brave, loyal and strongest could serve as the royals' protectors. He wanted to be one, but he never got the chance because he was told the royals had left the lands to protect them. Then as a young adult beast man, he started to investigate the root cause of their departure. He had tried asking Agatha, but she was tight lipped which made him envy her devotion to the royals. He wanted to be that devoted someday. When Anya began to show signs of things that aren't typical of a beastwoman, he began to go through his old notes and dig through his family's diaries. And finally, Misty told him the true identity of Anya. He was thrilled that may have the opportunity to become a royal protector. But he had to respect the princess' wishes.
The worries ran as fast as they could to the white tiger clan that when they got there, they almost collapsed and rolled in the dirt when they tried to stop. Alarmed, the guards at the entrance quickly pointed their spears at them. One asked, "what's the meaning of this!" The young wolf beastman was panting and said only three words, "Lotus Royal Guard." He continued to catch his bread. The rest of the warriors behind him were doing the same. One of the white tiger beastmen said, "What did you just say?" The young warrior repeated, "Lotus Royal Guard." The guards at the gate looked at each other bewildered until their commander arrived because someone notified him of five wolf beastmen when the gate arrived and blurted lotus royal guard. The commander examined the five warriors and asked, "Who calls for the white lotus royal guard?" The young warrior took a few breaths and said, "Chief Alpha Kane has called for the white lotus royal guard to fulfill their duty." The commander told the guards to lower their spears and asked for the wolf warriors to follow him.
They walked into an old hut where a elderly white tiger was resting with his eyes closed. He had a paw mark on his chest, a clear indication he was loyal to the royals. His ears perked up as he heard footsteps getting closer to his hut. No one really bothered him, unless it was for a ceremony that they wished to attend. He still had plenty of energy left in him, but he would refuse to use it unless it was important. When asked why, he said he is waiting for the return of the royals. So he preferred to rest in his beast state because it was more freeing.
The commander arrived and got on one knee with a bow. "Chief Commander, there are five beastmen from the wolf clan with a message." The elder white tiger kept his head on his paws with his eyes closed as if he was sleeping, but his ears would move to show him that he was listening. Then the commander continued to say, "the wolves claim that Chief Alpha Kane has called on the White Lotus Royal Guard to fulfill their duty." The elderly tiger opened his eyes and gave a look so piercing that it made the commander shake a little. Then the elderly time rose from his laydown position and his large majestic body could be seen better. He had broad shoulder muscles and large paws. He pulled a robe over him and transformed. When he turned into his humanoid form. He was a tan older man with long white hair and a full beard down to his chest. His body was muscular with a few scars. The paw print shifted to be placed above his heart. He covered up and tied a belt around his waste, then sat down again to gesture for the wolf beast to speak.
The young wolf looked at the commander and then at the Chief commander. The Chief Commander said, "He is my trusted pupil. It is because he knows the importance of what you said at the gate that he allowed you beyond our gates. You may proceed with your message." The young wolf warrior said, "Princess Candula has returned. The Chief Alpha has kept it hidden under her request, but he fears that danger still lurks. Without finding the real culprit behind the clan wars, he does not want to risk her safety." The Chief Commander asked, "what is your next move?" The young wolf continued, "To call on the protector of fire before they are deceived." The Chief Commander got up and said, "they can only be called on by the white tiger lotus royal guard. We will move right away." Then he looked at the Commander, "Frost, I'm taking the elite guard, make sure you prepare everyone to move to the wolf clan. Have everyone take only what they need and to move fast. If they ask why, remind them of who I am and to just listen." "Yes, Chief Godric," said Frost. Godric grabbed his bag and threw it over him as if he was waiting for just that moment. Then he said, "let's move out, we must go with haste."
Godric, his elite warriors and the wolf warriors arrived at the lion's clan gate. At the same time the bears showed up. Zodiac stepped forward and said, "Well, if it isn't the white tiger clan hero. Aren't you a little too old to be traveling?" Then Godric replied, "I would say the same, but you look like you haven't aged much. Zodiac replied with amusement, "hibernation helps, but sadly I haven't had much of that since someone entered out later. Godric rolled his eyes and said, "that same old story, I didn't buy it then, and I'm not buying it now." Then Zodiac looked past him and saw the wolf beast traveling with Godric. He then asked, "What is the meaning of this visit?" Godric replied, "It's none of your concern." Zodiac scowled and let it go because he had an idea already.
The guards at the wall asked, "state your business." Zodiac waited for Godric to answer first, but Godric remained quiet and stared at Zodiac. Then Zodiac said, "I need to speak with Chief Apollo." Then Godric said, "I need to speak with Leonidas." Zodiac narrowed his eyes and said, "on second thought Leonidas would be a better choice to speak with regarding my issue." Leonidas was the previous chief and he still held lots of influence over decisions. It was because of him that the lions held back during the altercation. Then Godric said, "Tell Leonidas it's Godric who wishes to speak to him privately. He will understand." The guard left and returned to relay the message, "Leonidas will see Godric and his elite, the wolf clan warriors must remain outside the walls." Then the guard turned to look at Zodiac and said, "he has asked for you to wait at the gate as well. He will be with you after." Then a few more lion beast men arrived at the front gate. One announced, "we are here to keep the peace. Violence will not be tolerated.
Godric was shown to Leonidas hut where he was just done with his meal. He was a blonde beastman with grays, a few wrinkles showing, his body was husky with an indication that he once had large muscles. Leonidas looked at Godric in surprise at his appearance. He asked, "how are you able to keep a toned body and so young looking for your age?" Then Godric responded, "I can explain later, but I'm here with urgent news. The protector of fire is needed for the princess to retake her throne."