Chapter 7 – Brave Wolf Speaks, All Shall Listen “These cowards forget what they are,” said the black wolf, his eyes burning gold in the moonlight. “We are guardians of this forest.” For a heartbeat, silence clung to the clearing. Then the circle broke into noise—growls, protests, excuses. “The men carry iron—” “Our duty is here, not in their wars—” “One rat cannot—” Each defense tumbled out, but Brave Wolf’s voice cut them down like falling axes. “Enough! Iron? Have we not broken traps with tooth and claw?” “Enough! Duty? The forest does not end at your dens!” “Enough! One rat? Then shame on us, if a rat shows more courage than wolves!” The pack faltered under his fury. Even the boldest lowered their eyes. His gaze fell on Kind Wolf, and the clearing stilled. “Daughter,” he said, his voice heavy with disappointment. “You above all should know better. I taught you the oath myself. Will you let fear silence you?” Kind Wolf trembled, her ears pressed flat. “I only wished to keep the pups safe.” “You will fear for them still,” Brave Wolf said, softer but unyielding. "Hiding will not save them. The king’s hand will reach even here. To guard them, you must stand. That is the way of wolves.” Kind wolf lifted her head with a look of determination “Then I will stand.” A murmur passed through the circle. Another wolf stepped forward. “And I.” Then another: “And I.” The tide turned. Voices once filled with doubt rose now with resolve. Brave Wolf lifted his muzzle to the moon. “Then it is settled. The Council of the Fang shall rise. Together, we will fight for the forest—and for the boy.” Howls split the night, fierce and wild. Excalibur’s heart surged. No longer alone, he had the pack at his side.