Gully was entering Cerenis to very interesting sights. His morning had been rather uneventful. A breakfast that rivaled the previous nights dinner, and the breaking of camp had passed without any signs of other people. He thought that this close to the city there would be more road traffic that he could spy on from his small copse, but there wasn't a soul in sight. His horses had finally become accustomed to him and gave no fuss as he removed the hobbles, and tethered them together in a train.
The wisps of smoke from some recently burning buildings, and debris in the roads made it evident that Cerenis had recently seen a battle. There was no sign of soldiers on the road and he soon realized that the fight had been completely contained in the city walls. Most peculiar was that the guards policing the streets were working with Soot Wolves. Soot Wolves, out in the open, not hiding their presence, and often the guards were differing to them. This was not at all like things were done in Arca. Something big must have happened. Likely the Wolves would slip back into the shadows again, but whatever had happened, they had defended the city and were helping to keep order until the local officials could get a hold on things.
Once he had picked up what information he could through observation and eavesdropping from horseback, he sought out a Shadow Wolf to get directions from. Using the tone of a soldier, he commanded attention with the confidence of experience.
"You there," he pointed to a dark clad figure who thought himself hidden in nook in an alley, "Shadow Wolf, I have urgent news for Canis Rufus, and this is the last location I have for him. I am Gullius Dent of the Dun Wolves." The young man, looking a bit miffed, stepped out from his dark alcove. Gully caught a bit of movement further back in the shadows, likely someone running to inform Rufus of this man claiming to be a Dun Wolf and asking for the Red Wolf.
"All people asking for the Rufus are directed to the Cat's Paw," the Shadow said in a stiff businesslike tone. He gave Gully quick directions to the place he was to go. It didn't take him long to get there, it seemed the route he'd been sent along had been cleared of debris. There were still a few blood stains about, though they seemed to have been at least partially washed away. When he arrived at the brothel turned command center, he was expected, but the Red Wolf was not there. Instead he met a wily looking Scavenger Wolf named Kiefer, and an alluring Shadow Wolf , Dina. The two of them took his name and his news. Shortly after they were joined by Cecil, a Blood Wolf that was familiar with Gully, and they sent him on to another location where he'd find the leader of the guild. At this new location, Dragon Bile Tavern, he was greeted by name by a large, thickly muscled Blood Wolf.
"Welcome to the tavern Gully," the huge man put forth his hand and gave Gully a crushing hand shake, "I'm Chuck, this is Tegan," he gestured to a female Blood Wolf standing behind a greeters podium. "You will leave your weapons with her and I will take you to see the Red Wolf."
Luckily he had stowed most of his gear on the horses, that were taken away by a stable boy, and he only had his sword to stow. After Gully removed his sword belt and handed it to the puffy eyed, Tegan, Chuck led him to a back room where Canis Rufus was eating at a table covered in a feast, and there were musicians playing a pleasant allegro. Rufus looked up at his entrance and gestured for him to have a seat. The man ate like a noble, with perfect posture and manners. Gully had heard interesting rumors about his secret identity, ranging from prince to guard captain to assassin. Whoever he was, the man was a genius, and by Gully's estimation, fearless.
"I've heard about your encounter with the highly trained highwaymen in our territory. Is it true they killed all the other Dun Wolves to the man, but spared the caravan driver and his guards?"
For some reason Rufus made Gully feel a bit nervous. He was sitting with a criminal mastermind who was quickly becoming legendary. He was known for being fair, but ruthless. How those two things combined, he was not sure, but he could believe it. The air of confidence the Red Wolf gave off was like nothing he'd experienced before. He'd known generals who weren't half as awe inspiring.
"I didn't remain to check any vitals, but that is the truth to the best of my knowledge."
"Tomorrow we will set out to the location of this encounter," Rufus turned to Chuck and the big man stepped up to hear his leaders command. "Hansel, Derek, Geoff, and Ulrich will ride with us Chuck. Tegan?"
"She's still unstable sir," the Blood replied with a sad tone. Tegan had lost her sword sister only a few days before and was still mourning the loss. Sandra had died saving Rufus, and since she had no family, Tegan was given her death money.
"She will remain then. Have Cecil, Dina, and Kiefer, each choose one of theirs to accompany us," Chuck did not leave the room but sent a Shadow that had been standing by to issue the orders. "Master Dent," Rufus said, turning to Gully, "Welcome to the Soot Wolves. I think you'll do well in the Bloods with your history of soldiering and mercenary work. Now eat and relax today. Tomorrow you leave behind comfort for the road."