Page 100 of Moon Craving

were worthy of that faith, but not today.

Talorc instructed Airril and Fionn to face the four humans.

Then he nodded toward the leader Chrechte. "Come face your challenge, boy."

"I am no boy."

"You are no alpha either, not yet."

He could tell his final two words had given the young soldier pleasure by the

expression that flitted across his face before seriousness settled back over his features.

"My name is Circin."

"And I am Talorc, laird of the Sinclairs and pack leader to my Chrechte brethren."

Then he waited, letting Circin make the first move. Talorc countered it, glad when it

took some effort on his part. He would be sorely disappointed in the Donegal laird if the

man hadn't seen to any training in the young Chrechte warrior under his care. Talorc

made his own move, explaining why it was a good counter, but how it could be better.

Circin's eyes widened at the instruction, yet he did not allow the flow of words to

splinter his focus. Even so, it was obvious he was listening to everything Talorc said. And

in doing so he earned another measure of Talorc's esteem.

He allowed the sparring to continue long after the human boys had been defeated

and submitted to Airril and Fionn. He could have taken Circin down to forced submission

at any time. However, he wanted to teach the young wolf moves usually reserved for the

Chrechte because they required greater speed, strength and stamina than most human

warriors possessed.

Circin showed his appreciation in voluntarily baring his throat when Talorc pulled

him into a nearly unbreakable hold. The younger soldier could have held on to his pride

until Talorc forced an acknowledgment of his superior force. The laird was glad to see the

boy understood how to take dignity in defeat.

It was a lack in that respect that had led to their people nearly wiping themselves

out in the past.

Talorc had allowed Circin to fight long enough that there should be no shame in his

loss of the challenge. Yet the young man's honor should be fulfilled as well, since he had

fought for right to the land and lost.