“The way he’s expressing it might be a little, uh, unique, but the basic idea is a good one,” she told the kids. “Weshoulddecide some core values for the pack. That way everyone will know what’s expected of them.”
“But we already have the camp handbook,” Nancy said. “Isn’t that enough?”
“More than enough,” Estelle muttered. “We already have way too many rules, if you ask me.”
“The camp handbook is a thorough and comprehensive document,” Conleth said. “I should know, since I wrote most of it. However, it’s there to ensure the smooth operation of the camp as a whole, not this group specifically. Only you can decide how that will work.”
Finley scratched the back of his neck. “So you’re saying we should write our own rules?”
Nancy perked up. “Like having a rule that we’ll go mountain climbing every morning?”
“I was thinking more like how we’ll treat each other.” Paige took the pen from Conleth. “To avoid arguments and help everyone get along.”
“Ithink we should all promise to always show respect to our counselors,” Beth said promptly. “Both of them.”
Archie growled, ears flattening.
“Thank you again, Archie and Beth, for demonstrating another important point.” Conleth said. “Paige and I aren’t going to force any of you to sign this contract. That would defeat the whole purpose. So whatever we all choose to put in it,everyonehas to agree. Not just some of you.”
“This is going to be a very short contract,” Ignatius said.
“I’m sure there are some things we can all agree on.” Paige surveyed the kids’ dubious faces. “Anyone?”
Rufus put up a hesitant hand.
“Rufus proposes, no yelling,” Conleth translated for the benefit of those who couldn’t hear the griffin shifter’s telepathy. “Anyone want to second that?”
“Yeah, that’s actually a good one,” Estelle said. “I mean, I’m not saying Beth and Archie have to agree on everything, but screaming into each other’s faces should be off limits. Otherwise we’re gonna be peeling Nancy off the ceiling every five minutes.”
Beth and Archie hesitated, eying each other.
“I don’t like it when people yell either,” Hetta whispered.
“I suppose I could agree to that,” Beth said slowly. “If everyone else does.”
The bear seemed to waver. Its furry outline blurred, and Archie was back, looking rather less certain than he had previously.
“But what if some gets real mad and can’t help yelling?” he asked, then added quickly, “I mean, someone in general. Not me.”
“That’s a good point,” Conleth said, as Paige wroteNo yellingon the flipchart under his neat heading. “Let’s say someone—not looking at anyone in particular—does feel at risk of screaming at a pack mate. What should they do?”
To Paige’s surprise, it was Ignatius who answered. “Walk away until you calm down. My uncle says a true alpha should never lose control in front of other people.”
“My compliments to Lord Golden,” Conleth said, taking the pen from Paige. “For once, sincerely. Any objections? No? All right, then. Anything else?”
Paige was even more startled when Hetta put her hand up next. At Conleth’s encouraging nod, the girl mumbled, “Can we have a rule that if someone doesn’t want to do something, people won’t bug them about it?”
“I think that’s a very good suggestion,” Conleth said, in a rather gentler tone than he’d used with the other children. “Part of camp is having the opportunity to explore new things, but no one should be forced into doing anything they truly don’t want to do.”
“Like spreadsheets?” Estelle said, and then yelped. “Ow! Beth!”
A slightly pained look flashed across Conleth’s face. “Which neatly brings us to a related topic. Feigned enthusiasm is not helpful in making sure everyone genuinely is having a good time. Perhaps we could also have a pack rule that you’ll all be honest about what youdowant.”
“I really want you to go jump in the lake,” Archie muttered.
“Archie,” Paige started.
“No, no.” Conleth waved a hand, not looking at all perturbed. “The campers should feel free to express their true feelings, Paige. Even if it’s not what we might want to hear.”
