From Max Roman's records of the Silver Syndicate;

We face many challenges in our lives as Uratha - duties we must perform and threats we must defend against. There are many ways to respond to these challenges - through war and combat, by careful planning and leadership, through the mysteries of the Shadow Realm, by adapting to modern technologies or by seeking out the strength of nature. The First Pack that ran with Father Wolf understood the benefits of each approach and today our Tribes of the Moon are blessed with the patronage and wisdom of those great Tribal Totems.

My pack does what it can to help the newly-changed understand their heritage and the truths of the world, but ultimately it is through the Tribes that they will discover their inner strengths and gain support from those with like minds. Each werewolf will have their own reasons for being drawn into a particular Tribe. Some see a chance to use familiar skills or talents learned before their Change. Some follow family traditions or are swayed by encouragement from ‘recruiters’ within the Tribes. Some, those who often win greatest renown, recognise the call of a Totem that pulses in time with the desires of their own blood.

It was always obvious that Forest Dweller would join the Hunters in Darkness. With his history as a Park Ranger and his clear distaste for the company of humans, the isolated rural life of Black Wolf’s Tribe should suit him perfectly. The fact that Iron Soul tolerated his presence on Sakendar Isi should eliminate any doubts that the Rahu has found the right Tribal home. I would have stepped back if he had sought a permanent place with Mountain’s Proud Children, but I’m glad to say that Forest Dweller was responsive to my approach. Whatever problems lie in Manitou Springs, I am sure that they will benefit from the touch of a Hunter in Darkness.

Dana is another whose preferred Tribe was never in doubt. Of course, she had some prior instruction and guidance from her aunt, but even in the short time that I have known her, it has become clear that Dana has a flair for the spiritual side of our work. My pack’s own Bone Shadow shares a grudging respect for Dana’s already impressive lore of the Shadow Realm. In the end though, the opinions of Amanda Lopez and Andrea Waters don’t count for much. The Cahalith would be judged on her own deeds if she was to impress Death Wolf and be initiated into the Bone Shadows ...

From the howls of Dana Truth -Seeker;

This story is true. Listen, spirits and brothers, to the tale of initiation into Death Wolf’s Tribe.

The Gibbous Moon held sway once more when I dreamed my first dream. I had been eagerly looking forward to the experience - knowing it to be a valuable part of what it means to be a Cahalith, yet at the same time I felt hesitant and apprehensive - knowing that the power of such dreams can be deeply disturbing while their true message often remains frustratingly elusive.

I dreamed of a well - a deep source of pure water in a rocky chamber or cave. It felt like I was below ground - no sun or moon shone from above, but all around I was surrounded by a dense wall of trees. Their thick boughs and hanging branches remained at the periphery of the dreamy image, but I knew that they were always there and I knew with just as much certainty that they were a threat - a powerful and oppressive force set against me. But it was the well which drew my dreaming attention. The water was clear and cool, apparently shining with its own beautiful light. I felt myself sliding nearer, but before the perspective could sink below the surface of the pool, the whole tone of the vision distorted into nightmare.

A low inhuman moan echoed loudly, bouncing and reverberating off the rock walls. The clear water became a deep inky black and the temperature of both water and cavern plummeted to freezing extents. Two faint dots of red light glowed from the water’s depths. They grew larger, rising closer until they resolved into the form of eyes, staring balefully from a haggard, tortured face. The chamber was quaking from the howling and the crowding trees were reaching and shaking their branches in barely restrained fury. The head and glowing eyes breached the surface of the well and shouted one clear word, “Release,” before the vision shattered and the dream abruptly ended.

It was a prophesy of things yet to come, of that I am sure, but its meaning escapes me for now. Was it a warning? A call for help? I did not recognise the location nor the face. I have faith that Luna would not have sent me the vision without purpose. I must simply hope that my limited senses unravel her greater wisdom in time to be of use.

Other matters occupied my immediate thoughts. A gathering of Bone Shadows was called. We met in the upper room above the Nevermore bookstore, home to the Three Sisters pack. Five were there to test me: my aunt and her two packmates, Andrea Waters of the Silver Syndicate, and a male I didn’t recognise from a pack calling itself New Hope. It was a comfort to see Amanda again, although after initial greetings she remained distant, making it clear that although I was still family, I was now a werewolf not of her pack. I was also glad of Andrea’s presence. She has become a friend and the young Cahalith spoke in support of my bid to join their Tribe with greater eloquence than I could manage.

The elder of the Three Sisters, Park Sun Ae, started gently, asking me why I wanted to join the Tribe and enquiring about my dealings with the Shadow Realm. I answered honestly, knowing that I was still inexperienced and not nearly as wise as these others, but hoping to prove myself not wholly ignorant. The Korean’s whispered voice from the room’s shadows was disconcerting. Her interrogation became a series of rapid snarls, bombarding me with question after question and often interrupting my answers with a short derisive laugh. I could feel my anger growing at such mocking treatment, but kept myself in check and tried to keep up without shaming myself. I was stumbling over my words at the end, certain that I had been made to look a fool, but when her questions were done, Sun turned to Amanda and gave a curt nod. A faint smile of respect may even have flickered in her dark eyes.

A challenge was set for me. There are many choirs of spirits and many variations of spirit within each choir. My task was to discover four different bans attributed to the spirits of Fire. There were no other instructions or restrictions. The path to these secrets was to be of my choosing. When the four bans were known, the Tribe would gather again to judge my success.

For the next two weeks I pursued this search, chasing down clues and snippets of information as surely as we hunt any other prey. All of the Uratha who knew me were aware that I had been set this test. They would give no direct answers, but shared the long held songs and histories of our People. I studied the legends of how ancient shaman trapped Fire in their first fetishes and learned a secret of the spirits bound to campfires: such a spirit of the Hearth could not leave as long as it remained hungry and was dutifully tended by a faithful chiminage of daily fuel.

The saga of long past battles held another answer. The wars against forest fires sweeping the west coast were won when werewolves allied with spirits of Water and Earth. Wise Hunters in Darkness warriors exploited another ban: spirits of the Infernos were stripped of their defences when faced by their elemental cousins.

My continuing search took me into the Shadow Realm. I sought out representatives of the other elemental courts. I placated them with great offerings of Essence and swayed them with persuasive words. The spirits of Air held close relationship to Fire. They neither loved nor feared the Flames for they knew a long held ban of dependence: Fire needed Air to live, no spirit of Flame could completely consume a spirit of Air.

The fourth and final ban was much more difficult to obtain. Over five nights I followed the Fire Department across the city, watching from the Shadow Realm as they fought their Blazes. The raging spirits feasted as buildings burned. Of course, the fire fighters’ efforts could not harm these spiritual creatures, yet before each night was done, the spirits ended their rampage by destroying themselves in self-sacrifice - scattering their corpus across the spiritual landscape. It took much investigation, but I finally deduced the meaning of this peculiar ban: these Blazes could feed freely until they were full, but then must discorporate - lying in slumber until they rose again in a renewed frenzy of starving hunger.

It seemed that even Park Sun Ae was impressed when I revealed my new knowledge, but I had one more test to pass. A naked male was dragged into the room. His filthy body was burned in many places and deep claw marks were gouged into his flesh while one arm hung at a distorted, broken angle. A thin thread of silver had been wrapped about the immolated torso. Amanda growled and forced him to his knees before handing me a small vial of salt water, “This creature is Ridden by a spirit of Arson. The human host is long broken. Now, summon your magic and send the filth back to where it belongs.”

Despite its injuries, despite being surrounded by powerful werewolves and bound by potent magic, the Spirit Thief struggled and spat curses and insults as I worked. I grew to Dalu height and, in the First Tongue, spoke the sacred words of banishment. It was a battle of wills and I could feel the spirit desperately trying to cling to its stolen anchor to this world, but I would not be thwarted in my purpose. My voice rose in anger and with my last intonation of command, a twisted scream of defeat came from the being’s throat. The human shell convulsed once before collapsing, the room’s heated air rushing as the rite was completed and the spirit expelled.

One more rite was performed that night. My aunt’s own claws traced runes of blood upon my flesh as I swore to Death Wolf and the watching Lunes. They named me Truth-Seeker and now I proudly walk as one of the Bone Shadows. I am Hirfathra Hissu.

From Max Roman's records of the Silver Syndicate;

... I’m still disappointed by Danny Walker’s decision. The speed with which he has adjusted to his new life shows an impressive ability to adapt and, from what I know of his previous existence, I was hoping that he would join my own Tribe of Iron Masters. He seemed interested any time we discussed the subject, but he was also asking questions of the rest of the pack. I have to respect an Elodoth that considers all available options, even if his final choice wasn’t the one I would have wanted. Walker approached me last week and announced his preference to seek out a place among the Storm Lords. He has been with the Echoes of Thunder pack ever since.

My disappointment has got nothing to do with Rachel Snow’s standing in Winter Wolf’s Tribe. The fact that Subtle Storm remains in my pack should be proof enough that not all Storm Lords are as short-sighted as Snow when it comes to cross-tribe cooperation. Walker has enough independence to form his own opinion about my proposals, however strongly Rachel may try to exert her influence on him. My disappointment is due to the weakness it may leave in the pack being sent south. Unfortunately there’s no time to find an alternative Iron Master for their ranks. I can only hope that whatever strengths got Danny through the ordeals of his trials will end up benefiting his pack mates ...

From words carried by Luna's Choir of Secrets;

Unsworn Ghost Wolf stood before proud Echo of Thunder, dominant alpha of Skolis-Ur's Honourable Tribe, "So what makes one of Roman's lap-dogs think he deserves a place among the Storm Lords? Why should we waste our lessons on a weakling pup?"

Thihirtha Numea rankled at the goad, "I'm no lap-dog. I'll take whatever knowledge Roman gives, but I'll live by my own decisions. And I've passed every challenge thrown at me so far. From what I've heard, I believe the ways of this Tribe are best. Strength must be shown to master our instincts, to lead our packs and to tame the spirits. I believe I have that strength within me."

"We'll see." Echo of Thunder glared her challenge, gesturing to towering mountain face before returning to sturdy car, "You'll be taking the long way up. We'll wait at the summit until dawn. If you can make it to the top with the touchstone intact then maybe you do have some potential. Don't expect a rescue party if you fail."

The pack drove off, young werewolf left alone at mountain's base. Sky overhead was dark with cloud, obscuring Amahan Iduth's much loved face. Cold winds howled and snow blew down, Skolis-Ur's brood watching from the Hisil. Elodoth surveyed the rock, patient judge choosing his path with care. Steady began the climb, slope and boulder no problem to man or wolf. Muscles warmed to the work, Uratha health not troubled by the biting chill.

The ascent continued, rope and spike now needed to scale the rising face. A greater strain, but determined werewolf pushed on, until, at halfway mark, familiar whispers spoke to spirit senses. A nahdar was near, inside half-hidden cave, a locus formed and shaped by Refuge. Uratha entered, glimpsing through the Gauntlet to spy the guardian who lurked within - Wolf That Strikes Alone, totem to Echoes of Thunder and test to Iminir’s resolve.

Elodoth stepped across the Zathu's veil to be greeted by spirit's offer, "You carry precious dulesh’na - touchstone filled with Essence. Give it to me, Thihirtha Numea. Forget your quest for Storm Lords' power and I will teach my secret Gift."

"I can't do that," Uratha knew his course, "The Essence of the touchstone is not for bargain, but I will gladly trade of my own ulal as chiminage for your Gift."

The wolf snarled, "Coward! Craven fool! Skolis-Ur will not accept such weak blood in his fold. Turn back - you waste my time and his."

"You will learn some manners, spirit," Envoy knew when words were done and force must rule the day. With Urshul's strength he leapt and set his teeth round totem's throat, "I will keep the touchstone and pass the Storm Lords' test. And you will submit to teach your Gift or face my greater ire."

"Better! The pup has fangs after all. Very well, open your soul and receive the power of my magic. Then go in strength, your climb is not yet done."

Slower progress now, as mountain's cliffs grew higher, Dalu's sharp claws needed to dig for much sought grip. Winds howled louder, cold grew freezing, snow fell thicker, as bold spirits materialised to exert vindictive influence. Even werewolf suffered from the elemental onslaught, in danger of being torn from rock and thrown down to death. But newly wakened Dominance gave Uratha courage, his Warning Growl echoed through the peaks and drove the spirits back.

Strength all but gone, at last the summit was reached, weary limbs dragging numb body to the crest. The Storm Lord pack waited, sharing admiration - though trial was not complete. "Now, come forward," alpha commanded, "Swear the Oaths and bring me the touchstone. Let Winter Wolf see the mettle of your heart."

“The wolf must hunt. The People do not murder the People.” A punch from Crash of Thunder struck initiate in the chest as first pledges were made to observing Lunes.

Shrugging off the blow, the young werewolf continued in his vows, “The low honour the high; the high respect the low,” and Quiet Steel rammed fist into his flesh.

Marla Price added blow to blow, but though Elodoth swore and paused for breath, his solemn promises would not be stopped, “Respect your prey. The Uratha shall cleave to the human.”

A clubbing strike from Lightning, the passage and vows near end, “Do not eat of the flesh of man or wolf.”

“The Herd must not know,” finally he stood before Echo of Thunder, confident in success. The alpha’s hand drew back and when she struck, long claws slashed across the youngster’s face. Blood was drawn, the pup surprised, yet his Rage was held in check.

Blood pounding, breathing harsh, the werewolf forced himself upright. He raised his voice and howled his final Oath, "None shall see, nor tend me in my weakness!"

The howl was taken by the winds and thunder rolled above. The blizzard swirled and Winter Wolf was pleased. Echo of Thunder grinned in satisfaction, her clasp a sign of welcoming pride, "You have power to overcome adversity, the will to achieve your goals. Truly we have seen your Honour. Remember this night, Storm Lord. In battles to come, remember your strength and lead your pack to triumph."

From Max Roman's records of the Silver Syndicate;

... However disappointed I may have been by Danny Walker’s decision, at least he has made one. It has been over three months and I’m getting more and more frustrated by Natasha Macavoy’s prevarication. The foolish girl has shunned most of our offers of aid and seems determined to live wild on the streets of Denver. We’ve kept an eye on her and tried to guide her towards a suitable Tribe, but with no results. Maybe she will settle if I can get her into new territory and reunite her with Walker. It’s unusual to have the chance of renewing a friendship from before the First Change, but then it’s unusual for two friends to both discover that they have Uratha blood. Walker has a wise head. I hope for Macavoy’s sake that he has more success with her than I have done.

The fifth member of the new pack is a young woman named Nadine Keller. She comes from a small family from the Arkansas Ozarks. Her father responded to my call for fresh blood to repopulate the grounds lost in our recent conflict and Nadine should already be on her way to Colorado. She’s taken a place in the Storm Lords, like Walker, and, also like Walker, her Change took place under the Half Moon.

I remain convinced that young multi-tribal packs are the best way to build a strong future for our People. It’s not easy, but for every fractured pack like Jagged Sky’s, there is a shining success like the New Hope. Things aren’t working out quite the way I would have planned for this latest group - no Iron Master, no Blood Talon, an extra Storm Lord and a stubborn Ghost Wolf. With more time I would wait for a better balance, but the Meers’ land in Manitou Springs has been left untended for far too long. I sense an evil lurking there. The young pups will need to show strength and courage if they are to overcome whatever opposition waits and make the territory their own.