Owen had been practising his weapons since dawn in the ranger barracks, he fully believed you could never be too prepared and always believed in sharpening his skills. He worked hard first with his sword then with his axe. After that he moved on to the bow and was just about to start shooting when Burrich entered the room.

 

“Good morning Owen, are we going to start on the next set of lessons today?â€

 

“Morning Burrich, it is good to see you are punctual, that is a trait worth keeping, I trust you are well rested and ready for the rigours of the coming day?

 

Burrich nodded his head, eagerness showing on his face.

 

The two men exchanged small talk, bringing each other up to date on carious events around the Stedding. Eventually, Owen strolled over to where a large wooden dummy was set up and climbed over the guardrail that surrounded it, he motioned for Burrich to stay on the other side of the rail. “Now this will be what you start on to learn how to fight without any weapons but your hands, feet and elbows. Let me demonstrate.â€

 

Owen punched out at one of the pads and as he connected he threw his opposite arm up to block the corresponding blow from the dummy. Owen kept this up for a while, using both his hands and feet until he was sure Burrich had the idea. “Now when you get more competent at this you will be able to move much quicker than I just did, and you will start to approach the level you need to pass this lesson. Watch and learn Burrich.â€

 

With that Owen started once more, only this time he did not hold back and went through his routines at full speed. He became totally engrossed in what he was doing, and his concentration was at such a pitch that he did not realise he had broken the padding on two of the arms, not until he stopped and realised what he had done.

 

“Well it would seem I got a little carried away there Burrich, help me to rebind the padding then you can have a go.â€

 

Once they had secured the bindings, Owen instructed Burrich on how to stand, making sure his balance was correct and his feet were not wider than his shoulders. “Do not hit with your fist, that is an easy way to break your hand. Instead use the heel of you hand like this.†Owen demonstrated how he wanted Burrich to hit with the heel of his hand. “Now remember Burrich, every action has a reaction, try and anticipate what will happen when you do something and be ready with a counter to that. This is a skill that will take you a while to truly master, and will I think leave you with many bruises and cuts, perhaps I should get a Sage to attend our sessions in the future, just in case.â€

Owen

 

The White Wolf

 

Ranger Leader

Hand-to-hand combat. Well, this would be good. So far his own size had kept him from having to fight very often, and his superior strength had saved him those times when intimidation didn't work, but he knew that wouldn't always be enough. Watching Owen go to work on the dummy Burrich was amazed how fast he moved.

 

Then, after helping fix said dummy, it was Burrich's turn at it. The dummy was much shorter than him so he would have to adapt the moves he'd seen Owen perform as they wouldn't work the same for him. That was probably best though as it would be the same in real life combat as well.

 

He started off with a punch to the dummy's outstretched hand and remembered too late that it would pivot around. He got hit squarely in the stomach and heard Owen snicker in the background. Well, he could learn from his mistakes. The next time, as he punched with his left he brought his right arm up to block.

 

Occassionally Owen shouted encouragement or advice as he went. Burrich soon leanred that his legs were much stronger than he thought and the dummy was knocked off its pedestal. Laughing, Owen helped him set it back up and he returned to work on it.

 

He started slow but soon fell into a rhythym as he learned how the dummy reacted to his strikes. Soon he was moving quicker and quicker through the moves Owens had demonstrated to him.

It was not that Owen did not respect the Sages opinion, but there were times when they could be like an old grandmother in the way they carried on, and this was one of those times. They knew how hard Riverwind used to push his students and Owen was not nearly as hard on them, mind you, Riverwind did not ask his students to blindly jump off cliffs in the middle of a snow storm.

 

“Sometimes, my friend, we have to push our recruits hard to avoid injury and mistakes later on. I know you may not agree with my methods but they do save lives and I know that is what is most important. Not avoiding a few bruises or strains now.â€

 

Owen was not really annoyed at her, but sometimes it seemed that she did not understand that there were no half measures in what he was teaching. “I appreciate your concerns, but there is no way around these training injuries and we just have to learn to accept them. I will assign him light duties for now, and we can review them in a few days time, is that acceptable?â€

 

The young Sage indicated her agreement and Owen bid her good day and made his way through the Stedding towards the Ranger Barracks, he wanted to see how Burrich was coping with the hand to hand training, if he had progressed enough, Owen was going to ask John to spar with Burrich. Owen found Burrich hard at work sparing with the dummy. Owen kept out of Burrich’s line of sight and was soon impressed with the progress he had made over the last ten days. Although both his technique and his speed still needed work, he seemed to have the basics memorised and had a sound defence, although his attacking moves still lacked complete conviction. Owen called Burrich over to him and started to explain to him that when in a fight if one wanted to win then it was necessary to commit everything to the stroke, in other words to attack without concern for ones self. “The first cut, punch or kick should be fully committed, it is no use saving power for later on, as there might not be a later on, understand?†Burrich indicated that he did and Owen told him to continue with his practice but on the next day he was to report to John, who would be taking an active part in the next round of training.

 

Owen

 

The WhiteWolf

 

Ranger Leader

 

OOC Burrich, Andu will post next, Owen will be present, but only as a spectator. You and Andu need to post twice each, then Owen will post,ok?

Nightsfire arrived at the training grounds early in the morning as the sun was just casting its golden rays across the stedding. Dew hung from leaves and coated blades of grass as he smiled seeing Owen there waiting for him.

 

“So old friend we are going to torment a new Ranger trainee.â€

 

The two men clasped hands in greeting, Owen’s eyes held a glint of mischief in them.

 

“You know me John I always take my students training seriously.â€

 

The straight look on Owen’s face cause Nights to chuckle as he began to stretch his muscles. Burrich was big and had the advantage of strength but Nights was fast and his skill in hand to hand combat was second only to Owen’s when it came to the Rangers.

 

It did not take long for Burrich to appear a smile on the big man’s face as he saw the two men talking and he obviously had no idea what he was in for.

 

Owen stepped back as he approached knowing what was coming and Nightsfire did not disappoint. When Burrich was a few feet away the Ranger dropped low and kick the big man’s knee buckling it sending him to the ground with a grunt.

 

“I thought Owen had been teaching you hand to hand combat Burrich? Are you sure he has not been teaching you knitting instead.â€

 

With a chuckle Nights dropped into a crouch and waited for the big man to rise and make his move.

The past ten days had been a grueling exercise in failure as far as Burrich was concerned. He tried as hard as he could, and gave it everything he had but just couldn't seem to complete the moves with the grace and speed that Owen had first showed him. Oh there'd been progress to be sure, but not enough. He tried to keep a positive outlook but he knew he was sinking into another bout of depression. Despite everyone around him thinking he was always happy, he'd been there before and he knew this wouldn't be the last time either. No, he knew clearly the what depression was like and he was exhibiting all the warning signs of being well on his way.

 

Storm was right though, he was being too hard on himself. He was pushing himself so hard to achieve in days or weeks what had probably taken Owen years to master. A grin broke across Burrich's face as he finished his morning chores at the inn. Truth was, if it wasn't for the influence of the wolf who'd become his brother he would have spiraled into the darkness days ago. As it was he had to admit that he had learned and was definitely making progress.

 

Not that Owen would admit to that. After a full week's worth of practice did Owen praise him for his progress? Certainly not, he had instead lectured him on the use of strength. But Burrich knew his strength much better than Owen did and he knew he had to hold back or the practice dummy would never make it. And he knew, despite what Owen might think, that he would have to hold back in any kind of spar with him or the other Rangers or the Sages would have his head.

 

He had completed his chores earlier than usual and was so focused on his thoughts that he found himself entering the Rangers training area. Seeing his current and former mentors together he couldn't help but smile. These two men had taught him so much, he didn't know where he be today without there help. He walked up to them and suddenly felt pain blossom out from his knee as his leg went out from underneath him and the ground rushed up at his face.

"I thought Owen had been teaching you hand to hand combat Burrich? Are you sure he has not been teaching you knitting instead."

 

So that was why John was here huh? Very well. Burrich feigned his recovery taking longer than was strictly neccessary, giving him the chance to gauge John's exact position and distance. Then he raised himelf up on one of his arms and used it as a pivot point, using his added height to make up the distance and sweep John's feet out from under him.

 

At least that's what he tried to do. Reality was that John was too fast for him and he ended up once more on the ground but this time on his back. He saw John move, and though he didn't knwo what was in store he knew it wouldn't be good so he somersaulted back over his head and came up crouched to protect himself as much as he could.

 

He had no idea how fast John was but he soon found out as they continued sparring. His strength and endurance allowed him to absorb many more blows than a smaller man would be able to handle and that was good since no matter how he tried inevitably John continued getting hits in. Now he knew what Owen meant. He knew his only chance was to hit John with all he had. All he needed was one good hit and John would go down. John of course knew this just as well as he did and was allowing him little oppurtunity to score such a hit as they went round and round the circle.

 

But Burrich's own speed had often been underestimated and he knew if he kept his wits about him and show John and Owen both tha he was worthy of the training they'd provided. All he needed was one oppurtunity, and if one didn't present itself soon he'd just have to make it.

 

OOC: So, I wasn't really sure how far to take it and thought I'd just end here for now.

Nights was impressed with what Burrich had learned from Owen. The big man’s size made him underestimate his agility at first. Nights had to alter his fighting style slightly to avoid those big meaty paws that kept trying to get a hold of him.

 

The two men stalked around the clearing each looking for an opening. Nights skill and experience allowed him to score hits and break through Burrich’s defenses. The size of his opponent absorbed the blows as if they were nothing though.

 

As the battle wore on Nights training was paying off as he began wearing the other man down. Owen shouted encouragement to Burrich and criticism as well as Nights blows continued to strike home.

 

Feigning to the left Nights misjudged and Burrichs foot caught him in the mid section sending him backward. “Light the man was strong.â€

 

Bounding to his feet he quickly re established his defense and set to probing Burrichs once more. In the end Nights endurance would probably win out but another blow or two from Burrich could spell trouble. The Ranger had to be on his guard as he landed a blow to the stomach that struck home.

John was fast, there was no denying it. Try as he might Burrich could block only so many of John's attacks before some got through. Luckily, he was strong enough to absorb several of these blows before they started to truly effect him. He was proud to say though that he was holding his own in the fight. He would not be the pushover he was when he was younger, that much was sure. He probed John's defenses and finally saw an oppurtunity.

 

John made a feint to the left before pivoting to attack and Burrich found his opening. It seemed this one time John forgot to block and Burrich was not going to let the oppurtunity pass. He kicked out with all his strength. He was worried that he might actually harm John, after all his legs were incredibly powerful, but he'd taken Owen's advice to heart. If he could win the fight here and now with this one kick it would be worth it. The kick was aimed sure and true and sent John sailing through the air to land on the floor several feet away.

 

But despite all he'd put into it, the kick wasn't quite enough, John was still in the fight and was coming back for more. They went round and round, testing each other out. Mountain knew all he had to do was score a few more hits but all he could do was scantly hold onto his defenses. Soon enough John scored a powerful hit to Burrich's stomach. The wind knocked out of him, Mountain stumbled back warily.

 

This was not working. John was too fast and too well-trained. In a fair and equal fight Burrich didn't stand a chance. But Owen hadn't said this needed to be a fair and equal fight. In fact, if the beginning was any indication, the goal here was to win no matter the cost and worry about honor later. He had to find a way to score those few neccessary hits to win this and he would never get them if he continued trying to stand toe-to-toe with his old mentor. So he did the one thing neither of the two Rangers would ever expect him to do, he ran. Their experience with him would tell them that he would never run from a fight but he had learned long ago that a tactical retreat could win a battle.

 

He used every bit of speed he had to get around teh corner of the building. He worried that John would be too fast and this wouldn't work, but he planned to have disappeared before John rounded the corner behind him. His extra height gave him the reach he needed to jump and grab the roof of the barracks and the agility none expected of him allowed him to pull himself up. Turning back to look, he saw that he'd arrived only just in time, he saw John came running around the corner and skid to a halt as he noticed Burrich was missing.

 

But Mountain didn't give him time to recover and search but launched himself from the roof as soon as John stopped. With his size and the help of gravity this should be the end of the fight.

 

OOC: Up to you here Andu whether John gets squashed or dodges and lets Burrich fall on his face.

Burrich’s unexpected tactic caught Nights momentarily off guard. What was the man doing running from the sparring area? The answer was obvious of course, he needed to level the playing field.

In time Burrich would be able to hold his own in a fight but for now the big man knew he could not stand toe to toe with Nights.

 

Not waiting Nights broke into a run before Burrich could gain some advantage that would let him make use of his girth.

Blood pumping in hi sears Nights gave pursuit as his quarry disappeared behind the wall of the barracks.

 

Rounding the corner Nights came to a halt. All trace of Burrich had vanished. Suddenly Nights senses screamed at him and he looked up only to see a huge shadow descending on him.

 

Pivoting on his left foot the Ranger quick tried to back away but it was too late. The mans weight crashed down on him pinning Nights to the ground. Laughing Nights waited until Burrich had rolled off.

 

“Good thinking Burrich.†He said as he stood brushing himself off. “I won’t underestimate you again.â€

 

The two men shook hands as Burrich grinned pleased his deception had worked.

Owen had observed the spar between Burrich and John and although Burrich gave a good account of himself, Owen was not pleased to see the Guardian holding back. Owen had one belief when it came to fighting, strike first, and strike hard, you never got a second chance and any blow had to be made with the whole of your skill and strength, even when practicing. Eventually the spar was over and Owen thanked John for his efforts and said he would see John at the Hole in the Wall later that evening. Once John had left, Owen turned to Burrich.

“It is good to see you have absorbed the lessons so far, but I feel you still have not learnt the most important lesson, you must commit to your stroke, or blow, and commit fully.†Burrich started to respond but Owen held his hand up, indicating he had not finished. “I know what you are going to say Burrich and I can appreciate your sentiments. But, if I had wanted you to go easy, I would have told you so. John is an experienced Ranger who can hold his own against most opponents. Whereas strength can get you out of problem situations, that is not all that we are about here. Take me, for instance, you are considerable bigger and taller than I am, but do you think you could best me in hand to hand, or with a weapon? Of course you could not, you do not have my experience or my training, so what is the point of you holding back? The purpose of training, and the reason why we train so hard, is to avoid injury when we fight. If you do not put all of your strength and soul into what you are doing, there may not be a second chance.â€

Owen stopped talking; he wanted his words to have an impact on Burrich, because if they did not, and if the young man did not change his attitude, he would not be around long to learn by his mistakes. “Your opponents will not go easy on you, especially because of your size, so your only chance is to strike first, and to strike with all your might. If you do not, then I believe you will not be long for this world. So, tonight I want you to think deeply about your choice of profession, it could be that this is not right for you, and you need to rethink your choice. If you want to continue your training with me, then we will meet tomorrow morning at Riverwind’s Folly. If you do not know where that is then ask around, any of the Rangers will be able to tell you how to get there.

Riverwind’s Folly had been named through respect and admiration for the old Ranger Leader, the reason being that it was such a devious invention that no one had ever completed it on their first few runs. Looking it over, Owen remembered his first attempts through this, and wondered at the way he was totally unprepared for how hard and taxing it was.

 

Looking around, Owen realised there was no one in the immediate area and so decided to have a few runs on the course himself. It all started off with an 80-foot climb up one of the largest trees in the forest. Once at the top there were several walkways that had to be traversed, each one a different length and width, and if the wind was strong enough then the sway of the trees added to the difficulty, especially when one had to climb over branches or through leaves.

 

After the tree walk, there was a rope slide that lasted for 150 feet and the end was a sheer drop that took perfect timing to avoid the rocks below. Then came the stalking phase, this was a part of the forest that was set aside for this particular test. The only people allowed into this part of the forest were those that had qualified for the Rangers and knew what to look for here. There were many traps, trip wires, hidden pits and the like, all with one design in mind, to catch the unwary student.

 

If, and it was a big “IFâ€, you survived that part of the course then the next part involved a 200 foot climb up a granite cliff. Then the last part, the only way down the cliff was to “surf†down the water flume that eventually fed the lake near Wolflovers cottage. Although many found this part to be quite daunting, Owen had secretly enjoyed it, and had never had a problem with heights or the feeling of being out of control as you surfed the water flume.

 

After Owen had finished, he jogged gently back to where Burrich was and once Owen had dried himself he lead him towards the start of the course and gave him a quick run down on what was expected of him. “Now remember Burrich, this is not an easy challenge and there is no way you will complete this the first time out. Your purpose here is to practice the course, familiarise yourself with all the problems and dangers, then when you think you are ready come and let me know and then I will arrange a time when you will demonstrate your ability. But before you start there is one thing you should know, when the time is right and you consider yourself ready, there will be one addition to the stalking part of the course, what that will be you will not learn until the time arrives, if you have no questions you may start when ready. I will stay here for a couple of hours, then it is up to you to practice this course when your other duties allow you the time.â€

 

Owen

 

The White Wolf

 

Ranger Leader

Owen's criticism after the spar hurt more than Burrich cared to admit, but he fought to keep any of it from showing on his face. How could Owen think he had held back? Burrich had thrown everything he had into that fight. And if John had held him off for way too long before he'd succeeded? Well, wasn't John expected to win? Wasn't he higher trained and more experienced? And yet, Owen spoke as though he'd fully expected Burrich to have not only won but won sooner and easier. Had he truly disappointed this man so much? He respected the Ranger Leader so much it hurt to think he'd let Owen down.

 

A year or so ago such criticism would have sent him spiraling into a bout of depression. But first finding Storm Hunter and then coming to the Stedding had taught him that his life has value and that he had friends who cared for him and wanted him to grow. He knew now that any criticism Owen might give would be given with the goal of helping Burrich to grow, in his fighting skills and in his character. So he listened to what Owen said and took it to heart, vowing to improve and not let his new leader down again.

 

Dismissed with the order to meet in the morning Burrich gathered his things and made his way into the forest. He found a large tree near the lake and nestled down into a hollow between its roots. This was his favorite place to go when he needed to get away from the crowds of people that lived within the Stedding and find the silence he needed to focus his thoughts. Storm joined him silently, offering his companionship when he knew words would not be enough. They stayed there until nearly dawn when Storm reminded him he had chores to attend to before his next training excursion with Owen.

 

His body had long since adapted to sleeping outdoors and he no longer suffered any ill effects from doing so. In fact, he now woke just as comfortably after sleeping in the roots of the tree as he did after a night in the inn. After his regular chores to help Wall keep the inn running smoothly he ran through the strength and fitness workout he'd done everyday since his arrival and then went back to the common room for a quick breakfast. He found John there speaking to some other Rangers and asked the group of them for directions to Riverwind's Folly. These he received amid knowing grins and laughter that served to tie his nerves in a knot.

 

Well there was nothing for it but to go and see what the fuss was all about. It seemed this was a rite of passage they'd all been through and if they could make it then he could too. The directions ended with the instruction to find the largest tree in the area and await Owen there. Even the words 'largest tree in the forest' didn't quite prepare him for the sight of the massive tree that he found at the end of his short journey. It was incredible how large and tall the tree stood.

 

Owen found him there as he was gazing up in wonder and gave him a quick overview of the challenges he'd be facing. So it was an obstacle course was it? Very well. The course seemed difficult but not impossible, he was confident he could complete it. Not to say he was arrogant enough to think he could do it in his first attempt, he believed Owen not to be a man to exaggerate, but he knew with determination and practice he would succeed.

 

After providing an overview and a few pieces of advice Owen stepped aside and Burrich was left to negotiate the course on his own. He began the climb without any hesitation, glad to have found a tree strong enough to hold his weight as he practiced a favorite pastime of his youth that had been denied him once he’d reached full size and discovered that none of the trees in Illian could sustain him. This tree was large enough and tall enough that even the branches that held the start of the tree walk were thick enough that Burrich worried not of falling. Ordinarily heights did not bother him but crossing the first walkway he soon discovered the wind trying its best to push him off and he looked down and saw his death in the fall that would result.

 

Gathering his courage Burrich kept his eyes off the drop and concentrated instead on traversing the various wooden planks that spanned the gulfs between trees. Some were large enough that two or more could have shared them while a few were narrower than the width of one of Burrich’s feet. Most feel somewhere in between these two extremes and though the wind blew thunderously at this height and made the trees sway to and fro Burrich made it safely to the final point of the tree walk and grabbed hold of the rope to begin his descent to the ground.

 

Owen had warned him of the rocks at the end of this rope slide but he was unprepared for how suddenly he arrived. He hit the rocks hard, twisting his right ankle painfully, and feared he may have broken a few ribs on his landing. He groaned and rolled to his feet. He progressed with a limp now and had some trouble breathing, but he was too stubborn to let that slow him down. He had now entered the stalking phase of the course. What kind of dangers had Owen planned for this test? What kind of trouble would he find here? Hampered as he was with his injuries he knew he wouldn’t have to worry about rushing through the course too fast and missing something that way, but there were other things that could lead him to trouble.

 

He crept through the forest, picking his way carefully with all of his senses on the lookout for the dangers he’d been warned were here. He noticed the light twinkling peculiarly off something ahead and crept closer for a better look. It was a tip wire stretched taut across his path. Grinning to himself he stepped over it carefully, only to land in a hole that had been covered over with leaves. The hole wasn’t terribly deep but he twisted as he fell and came down hard, his knee crumpling underneath him. The pain was terrible and he screamed out in agony before he could stop himself. This was not going well. Owen had warned him that he would not find success on his first attempt but he had not expected to fail so miserably either.

 

Burrich crawled out of the hole and searched around. A few feet away he found what he was looking for, a dead branch thick enough to hold his weight. He used this as a crutch to pull himself up. He now sported a twisted right ankle and a left knee that he couldn’t put even the slightest bit of pressure on. He stumbled forward and continued on. Just a few feet further though he fell to his face. Perseverance would only get only got him so far before his bones and muscles simply gave out on him completely.

 

Luckily Owen was still nearby and saw him fall. With the Ranger Leader’s help Burrich made it back to the infirmary, he was done for today.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

That first day didn’t go well but Burrich was not one to give up so easily. He returned early the next day and went straight to the spot he'd been injured at the day before. Taking his time and progressing very slowly he eventually made it through the gauntlet Owen called the stalking phase. Unfortunately, by now it was too dark to see and he had to call it a night as he was smart enough not to attempt the climb up the cliff in the dark.

 

Dawn on the third day of his ordeal found Burrich about a quarter of the way up the cliff wall. He had started as soon as there was light enough for his enhanced vision to see by and he'd had little difficulty thus far. Barring any accidents he probably could have made it to the top in an hour or so but he was purposely taking his time and proceeding with extra caution. Slowing him down further was his method of climbing for he did not progress straight up the cliff this time around. No, this time through he was searching for every possible hand or toe hold along the way. He intended to be so familiar with this cliff face that he could succeed with little effort on the day of his trial, even if circumstances between now and then changed the cliff face to varying degrees.

 

He reached the top around dusk, taking many hours longer than neccessary but pleased with the knowledge he'd gained. He was now intimately aware of every nuance of the cliff face and was confident he could climb it blindfolded if needed. Now came the fun part. The water flume would be dangerous, full of hidden perils he'd have to watch out for, but he couldn't quite keep the excitement out of his mind.

 

He was like a little kid again as he surfed down the rocky flume on his way to the lake. He landed with a huge splash and made his way to the camp he'd made himself near the beginning of the course. He had many days left before he'd be ready to stand trial on this course, but he knew he'd succeed soon.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

He returned every day for the next week, spending hours on end working through the various stages of the course. Eventually he was able to make it through the course in its entirety and not just the separate sections. Finally satisfied with his progress he found Owen one morning practicing his weapon work outside the Rangers barracks. “I am ready for your test Owen. I am as familiar now with the course as I can be, aside from anything you might add to it that is. If you’ve the time, I’m ready to prove myself.â€

 

OOC: wasn’t sure if you wanted to post before he does his test or not. If you don’t, then let me know, and I’ll just add on to this.

Owen scanned the wreckage of his house, ever since Iris had disappeared he had not been able to bring himself to do the mundane things around the house, even eating was a chore now, whereas before it had been a chance to spend time with ‘Ris, catching up on what she had done during the day while he was about his duties. Now, the food tasted like ash, and his appetite was about as ardent as a two years olds interest in lessons.

 

Sighing to himself, Owen walked out of the door, not even bothering to close it behind him, and descended the tree, not even bothering to use the steps he had made for ‘Ris. His spirits lifted briefly when a large snow-white wolf ambled over to him, followed by a slightly smaller, darker coloured one. Owen greeted Ice and Shadow and started to walk towards Riverwind’s Folly , today was the day Burrich was going to demonstrate his ability to complete the assault course without any mishaps. With grim determination Owen made his way through the Stedding, ignoring the hustle and bustle, and being ignored, most of the Wolfkin knew better than to speak to him when they saw that expression on the Ranger Leader’s face. Just as Owen arrived at the start of the assault course, the dark, threatening clouds unleashed a torrent of rain to accompany the stiff wind that had been plaguing the Stedding for some time now. A smile, more of a grimace, made it’s way onto Owen’s face at the thought that this weather would add to the difficulties Burrich faced this day.

 

It was not that Owen had any problems with Burrich, he had no problems with any of the Wolfkin, they were all part of his extended family and always would be. But a test was a test, and bad weather had never been enough of a reason in Owens’ mind to postpone the event. Sheltering under one of the large oak trees, Owen and the two wolves waited for Burrich to arrive, Owen’s hand idly stroking the hilt of his ever-present sword.

 

Owen

 

The WhiteWolf

 

Ranger Leader

Hey cub are you ready?

 

As ready as I'm gonna be. And really Storm I've told you before, I've been a full Wolfbrother for nearly a year now. You can stop calling me Cub now.

 

Oh, but you'll always be a cub to me Mountain. Now get up little brother, Whitewolf is expecting you.

 

Aye, he is. Will you be there watching or are you going out again?

 

I'll stay to watch.

 

Really? Why? Is Snowpaw ignoring you again?

 

And with that friendly gibe Storm Hunter tackled Burrich, resulting in several minutes of playful wrestling before they got back up. Storm Hunter was from Illian just like Burrich, but unlike Burrich he had had no difficulty making friends in their new territory. In fact his size and cunning had gotten him readily accepted by the local wolves. More than accepted really. Lately, Snowpaw in particular had been alternately ignoring Storm and inviting him to join her on hunts. Burrich couldn't help but wonder where this would lead and never missed an oppurtunity to tease his 'big brother' about the she-wolf he'd been spending so much time with.

 

Alright Storm, we'd better go now or I'll be late and I really don't think Owen would appreciate that.

 

He was a few minutes away when the rain started. That was certainly the world's greatest understatement. This wasn't just rain, this was a torrential downpour. It was as if the sky had simply opened up and poured the contents of the entire lake down upon him. The way the clouds had rolled in ever so silently, it was so close to the picture used to describe Storm Hunter that Burrich had to smile despite the gloomy weather. And there was Owen, waiting patiently under the moderate cover of a large oak. Seeing the scowl on Owen's face Burrich tried to lighten the mood, "Well, this rain ought to make things interesting." Well, that didn't work.

 

Without a word being spoken Owen pointed up and Burrich began his test.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This was insane. It was hard enough climbing up a tree the branches of which were just beginning to get wet as the rain made its way through the leafy cover. But, traversing the wooden walkways strecthing between the trees was like wading through a river that moved under his feet as it swayed violently in the wind. It took all his care and concentration to negotiate his way through the eighty foot high obstacle course to the ripcord that would bring him speeding back to solid ground.

 

Only the rope was so slick he flew through the air much faster than usual, and nearly missed letting go in time to avoid the rocks that littered the ground threatening to tear his body to peices. But he did release in time, tucking his head between his hands and rolling to a stop just in case. Standing he broke into a run as he entered the stalking phase of the course.

 

His senses on high alert he soon discovered that his suspicions were right on the money. Owen had moved every trap and even added a few new ones. There were trip-wires, snares, and pitfalls aplenty and even a few blades set to remove the legs of or decapitate an unsuspecting victim. Those were pretty nasty but Burrich took it as a compliment that Owen felt he was ready for such tests of his senses and reflexes.

 

If he'd thought the rain had complicated matters on the the other portions of the course it was as nothing compared to the extra dangers he found himself faced with when he confronted the face of the two hundred foot high cliff he was to climb next. And it wasn't just that the rain was making it hard to keep his grip, though that was certainly hampering his progress. The rain was coming down with such force he felt as though he was being pushed down the whole time he climbed. That, and he was having to climb by feel alone as the rain had increased and now he couldn't see more than three inches in front of him.

 

Even pushing himself to go as fast as as he possibly could he knew he was taking longer than any of his practice runs had and pushed himself even harder. Eventually he made it to the top and ran to the pool that formed the start of the flume that would take him back to where Owen awaited him. He loved the water and during practices this had been his favorite part of the course, but now the flume was a raging torrent that was more of a death trap than a slide.

 

He jumped in and immediately the water took his feet out from under him and he was off. His body was rocked back and forth and several times he nearly drowned but his body was more than capable of sustaining such blows and his extra large lungs helped sustain him through the worst of it. At the bottom he tumbled out into the lake and swam ashore. Running back to the start he walked in circles with his arms above his head to cool down and awaited the Ranger Leader's criticism that was sure to come.