56. Making Warriors
56. Making Warriors
Sol Pov
I stood there having the pack lineup. Over dinner the previous night I had told them what was going on and what had been dictated by the goddess herself in my dream and why we must do this. None of them seemed enthusiastic about fighting, but they all were willing to defend what we had built here, and it gave me some hope.
“Every day the first thing you will do is form up in lines like this.” I said loudly. It was easier to command when they were not just standing randomly about, but in a formation. I could see clearly this way and walk between the spacing and watch their movements should I need to.
“We start with stretches then we warm up with 5 mile run after that then we get to push-ups, sit-ups, Burpee’s, after that you will all pair up for combat training. Once I see your skill level during this exercise, I will be the one pairing you up for future training.” I said I had a plan.
It would be horrible for all of them, and I knew it. But I also knew hardship formed deep connections. “Before we start, I have a few words.” I spoke loudly addressing the pack. “I know it will seem like I may hate you. That is not true. I care for each of you deeply and as individuals, however we will either be under attack in the spring, or we will begin hunting and taking down the coven that we’ve been commanded to by our goddess.”
I took a deep breath and went on “I want all of you to survive what is to come and with that being said it’s going to be a very harsh winter. I began calculating our training schedule and every second of the day will be accounted for something. You’re only free time will be about an eight-hour window for sleep. What you choose to do during those eight hours is up to you. Occasionally and without warning, I will be banging on your den door, letting you know we are forming up randomly so you’re aware and ready for any situation that is to come.”
“We will be eating all our meals together. We will be doing training altogether. No one will be left out of the Hunt. The only exception however is if you are generally injured, and then the recovery time is limited. All of you have experience at surviving having been rogues and out on your own. All of you have that in common. Bond with each other over it. I may say things that hurt your feelings, but know, that all of this is coming from a place of wanting you to survive and us to do as we commanded by our creator.”
“If you work hard and do as I tell you and put in all your effort, you will have a fair shot at surviving. All of you have already sworn to blood-borne pack in sworn me as your alpha. You will do as I commanded without question, I will not be making you into rogues again. Should you defy me? The consequences will be death.” I knew that sounded harsh coming out of my mouth, but that’s what it came down to. I needed them to listen, and I needed them to prepare and realize the severity of what we were doing.
“Now as I see people who would be good leaders, I may promote you to higher positions. Those positions though can also be taken away. Should you not be able to handle what I give you. Before we start any questions.” no one said anything or raised their hands or anything like that. “This is your last chance to speak freely on what is to come so I advise you to think before you stay silent.” no one again spoke. “Very well. So, we begin.”
I went through drill after drill wore them down all day. I knew the following would be rough. Our muscles were unlike that of humans being stronger and easily fine, but I made sure that I had worn them down so thoroughly that they would be feeling it for the following day I needed them that sore. With such a small pack they needed to get used to being uncomfortable, it is what would make them fight through things instead of fleeing. We needed every single person to be on top of their game without fail.
Quentin was not very pleased that I had him clearing a field. His mate was not allowed to help him with it. It was just him and Kimi. I thought it would take a whole week to clear the field completely and I hopped they finished before the weather changed. But I wasn’t lucky the storms started to come, snow was falling, and everyone was dreading the training that was to come in the harsh weather.
This was a good thing. I thought this will make them tougher. Cold weather made them stiffer more tired wore them down. Every day as they trained and we’re getting the hang of the new rough schedule. Cassius he was out tracking the natural wolves in the area, befriending them. I hated that it had to come to this, but there was no other way, and I knew it. I would do what the goddess commanded of me and my pack and in the end, we would live, my parents would be back, and I would have my vengeance.
Finally, after nine days, even with the snow that was now coming down every day, a pure field had been cleared out of the forest that surrounded our woods. It wasn’t close to our homes. No, I insisted it be somewhat at a distance from the little cabins. I wanted the pack to run to it and I didn’t want it to be close. I didn’t like the idea of open fighting. Should we be attacked but with the snow coming almost every day and sticking to the ground I knew we had one season before things released started to turn bad there was no way that anyone was going to risk coming up through the woods out into the wilderness with snow constantly coming down.
From what Cassius had told me, Venus said Quentin and I were the last white wolves on the continent. Maybe perhaps the world I had no idea about that, but with that being said, everyone would stand out in the snow except my cousin and I and Kimi. It would be too risky for someone to attack with a white blanket. They’d be easily spotted a target, wolves or witches. It didn’t matter. With fresh snow falling every day and a giant open space finally cleared we could really get to work.