THE TRAVELS OF DAN LION

That night, Dan met the King in his private study to discuss the details of the mission. As Dan predicted, the King had given him impossible negotiation goals. From a 100 year treaty to not pick up arms to a political marriage where Alpha Henri must accept a human as his mate - and not just as a consort, but as his luna - it was like slapping the wolves in their faces.

Dan too, took the opportunity to give the King some realistic timelines. Of course the King was disappointed that he would have to wait at least one and a half years to see results, but the King had to make this mission seem realistic to Dan so he agreed on the timelines, and budgets, and manpower.

Dan also played his part in taking this mission realistically and worried at length about not being able to get the wolves on board with the terms, "I'm afraid I will likely fail you, my King."

"Don't worry about the results, Old Friend." The King answered, "It is good enough that you are taking the mission."

"Since the King thinks so highly of me, I will do my best to meet his majesty's expectations." Dan bowed.

"Good, good." The King was satisfied.

So was Dan. He had secured everything he had hoped for. He was surprised the King had agreed so readily to his requests. It was kindness on the King's send him to his death with so much fanfare. It was nice to feel appreciated.

The next morning, Dan left the Three Kingdoms with a parade of horses, carriages, precious gifts, and trained guardsmen and servants. It was such a pity, they were even less likely to return alive than he was. Dan knew this by experience. Like him, they were expandable pieces on his King's board.

His first stop was at Snow Moon Kingdom which was located in the same Blue Lands as their Three Kingdoms. The Snow Moon Kingdom was unique because it was a Lycan-Human Kingdom which was a fascinating concept to Dan when he first learned of it. A kingdom where Lycan and Humans could co-exist in peace and equality. It was unnatural.

Dan had studied its political and social structure but could only conclude that it would be impossible to recreate if not for the rather peculiar and specific events that took place in the Snow Moon Pack's Alpha Household. Within a generation, everything was turned upside down and inside out just so Snow Moon Kingdom could exist - but as with all unnatural things, it could only exist within the magical bubble of Snow Moon Kingdom's influence.

To most humans, and certainly those of the Three Kingdoms, Snow Moon Kingdom was really a lycan Kingdom, and Dad suspected the lycan felt the same way. Since their previous king had handed the crown and scepter to his alpha son, it was a wolf pack running on a human system. It was unnatural, and Dan did not know how much longer the kingdom would be able to hold up the farce.

Still, the Grand King River, and his lovely Grand Queen were the logical first stop for Dan. Firstly, because they were the closest lead Dan had to the Green Packlands, and because Dan knew he would be welcomed in their home.

Dan had been introduced to the Grand King River when he was Prime Minister and River had become one of his key connections to the rest of the lycan world when he became a diplomat. River was a firm supporter of diplomacy. Perhaps that was why the Snow Moon Kingdom lived in relative peace while the Three Kingdoms convulsed with wars. Perhaps it was due to the Snow Wolf spells that protected the kingdom from aerial probes and attacks. Perhaps it was the four Pillars whose fortified towns and castles made it impossible to march an army through to the Capital. Or perhaps it was the Grand King River himself, for even though he was human, he bore great magical powers.

Perhaps it was only the powerful people like River who could bear lofty ambitions and genuine emotions. Weak humans like Dan could only hope to survive. Alas, it was a pity. Dan would have liked to be a good person too, but look at him now, running for his life, and most likely the trigger to the next war. He was just a piece on the board. Perhaps not a pawn, but even the Queen piece would be sacrificed if it would ensure a certain victory.

Dan Lion stayed about a month at Snow Moon. He had left the Three Kingdoms before he could finalize his travel plans and resource allocations, so he took advantage of the hospitality King River afforded him. While there, he made full use of the opportunity to strengthen the diplomatic ties with Snow Moon Kingdom. He had meals with King River and accepted every invitation to meet both lycan and human nobles and business leaders. He attended tea parties, card games, and their Summer Balls. He offered gifts and investments as tokens of his sincere appreciation to all his previously helpful contacts. This was probably his last diplomatic trip.

In networking, meeting the right person was seldom straightforward. Case in point, King River - greatest magic wielder in the Blue Packlands, previous king of Snow Moon Kingdom, and respected father of the current Alpha King. His lovely mate is none other than the most loved sister of Moon Bell's founding Alpha. BUT although he would warmly welcome Dan and personally support Dan's diplomatic missions, although he would readily bring Dan to any ball or club to grow his network, he was a dead end lead when it came to obtaining entry into the Green Packlands.

"I want to help you, but I can't Dan." River had told him quite firmly when Dan had found an opportunity to explain his latest mission to him, "Not on this one. Moon Bell is kind of off limits to outsiders right now, and you know I like you and personally consider you my friend, but you're representing the Three Kingdoms, which hasn't really been the friendliest with lycan packs."

Dan nodded. He knew very well about his Three Kingdom's misdeeds among the lycans, "I understand. You have already been very generous to allow me stay under your sponsorship."

River shook his head, "Don't mention it, like I said, we're friends."

Friends. River often used this word, except unlike his King, the word friend did not imply any strings attached.

"But don't give up. Where there's a will, there's a way!" River told him.

"Perhaps I should drop by at Silver Mountain too." Dan thought aloud.

River made a face, "I don't know… even if you gave them all your money, I don't think you'd get anything from them too. Hen's got a lifelong alliance with Sam or something, so unless one of them dies, their pack isn't going to sell you any intel on Moon Bell."

Sometimes it was strange to hear the names of legendary existences being bandied about. Because wasn't "Hen" the Elder Alpha Henry of Silver Mountain - only the wealthiest alpha family in the whole continent. Their family income was probably equal to that of a small nation's GDP.

And of course, only King River could get away with calling the Blue Founding Alpha of Moon Bell "Sam".

Dan smiled and shook his head, "Thank you for your concern. I know my place. I only meant to stop by to ask about any business dealings my King might invest in."

Which was Dan's current plan of attack - both Snow Moon and Silver Mountain made large scale trades on behalf of Moon Bell, particularly in human currency transactions. Gate City would be Dan's third stop, but Dan was going to sniff out some kind of connection through business dealings. He just needed a lead, someone who would be able to introduce him to Moon Bell's business networks.

It was really a tiny side gate, but the main gate to Moon Bell was obviously closed to the likes of a human diplomat from the Three Kingdoms. This way might lead him to meet a Delta wolf or two. He would have to work his way up from there. It was really a long shot, but it was currently Dan's most viable shot.

While playing cards at one of the gentlemen's clubs, something unexpected happened. At first it started because there was some kind of stir among the wolves on the other side of the room. Someone noteworthy must have passed through the hallway.

"Who was that?" Dan asked as casually as possible. He pretended to be more interested in the cards on his hands before placing down a pair.

"Oh!" The wolf across him said, but only because he had a match.

It was the wolf next to him, the elder snow wolf Beta Glenn who answered calmly, "Lord Wolfgang, the Fire Pillar."

One of the Pillars of Snow Moon - the only one Dan had never personally met, actually. Dan considered it briefly, such a wolf might be extremely difficult to meet, and it would seem he was difficult to befriend based on how the other wolves had reacted just at his passing shadow.

Furthermore, if Dan had never met Lord Wolfgang in his official dealings with Snow Moon as Prime Minister, it was very unlikely that the Fire Pillar would have any helpful leads for him.

Should he ask for an introduction anyway?

Dan was quite sure that if he had asked, the retired beta would be able to make the introductions. Of course, he might also refuse, but not without reason. Despite his large frame and frigid expression, Beta Glenn was a very reasonable wolf.

But it was King River who stumbled into the card room, his minders rushing after him. The wolves around stopped their game at the commotion, but King River was too excited to notice, "Quick, Dan! I found your man!"

Dan was dragged away from the card game. Wilhelm (one of River's minders) took over for him,

"Lord Wolfgang is here!" River informed Dan as he dragged the other man up the stairs to the second floor, "I can't believe I didn't think of him sooner!"

"I had never met him in person." Dan informed River as a matter of fact. River was obviously excited and Dan needed to find out why before deciding how to meet the Fire Pillar.

"No? Really?" River frowned, not remembering, "Maybe he wasn't around. Wolfgang is abroad most of the year anyway. It's actually pretty lucky that he's in town. I can introduce you, no problem."

And then River hesistated, "It's just that… Wolfgang can be a little difficult to get along with."

Which was a problem, but ah well, Dan had expected as much. He'd just have to give it a try. You'd never know. River said the same thing about Beta Glenn many years back, but now they were card partners whenever Dan visited Snow Moon.

"You need to make a good first impression. Be careful not to say the wrong thing." River informed him, "Wolfgang is kind of traditional, but he might be just the man to get you into Moon Bell."

Dan took pause at that. Barring the question of how the Fire Pillar of Snow Moon could possibly have such a power, "I thought we agreed you wouldn't help me enter Moon Bell?"

"It's not because I don't want to." River said, "I just can't."

"But Lord Wolfgang can?" Dan asked, not quite understanding. How was it that the Grand King River could not, but a Lord Fire Pillar he had never met could?