Chapter 37: Competition
Kam suggested to Mike, "we either have extra sons to take over those packs or we have a contest to find those that have alpha spirit."
Mike laughs sarcastically, "sons die too easily in my line." His laugh shifts to a frown as he continues, "we risk everything for our people. I am shocked mine did not die pulling the same stunt that cost me a foot. I have already lost two older ones. I am not having any more. Contest sounds like the best plan."
Kam states, "champion adult fighter from each pack that can cower the most gets the strongest pack. Tie goes to the youngest. Repeated for every alpha needed."
Mike smile, "I like your style."
Kam explains the rules to the remaining soldiers, "we will have a competition to find new alphas. Each pack will find a fighting champion. Those seven champions will find an alpha command champion. They will be assigned to the Bow pack, second gets Winchester, third gets Holderness, and fourth gets Colebrook.
"We will make matches randomly by card draw. With odd number of wolves, the highest card rank and suit gets a bye. Ignoring soldiers assigned already, the highest fights the lowest, repeated until the round is complete. Each fight is a two out of three match. Wins are knocked out of the circle or held on the ground for a three count.
"Those seven stand in a circle. They once more pick cards for order and they each use their best alpha command voice to cause the others to sit. Those that react are counted. You may try twice and the higher count taken. Given that command increases with experience, the youngest of those with the highest count becomes Bow's alpha. They are removed and the next best is assigned the next pack."
The packs had between five and eleven soldiers left so three or four rounds found the winner. The first round was done that day. The other rounds the next day. All of the wolves watched the fights. The pack order of fighting for the day was selected, by the pack luna picking a card for order from Kam, first thing each morning. The luna spread the deck for their fighters to pick from before each round.
The third day had the alpha contest. Kam stated, "not many wolves get a chance to hear alpha command in their lives. You might have heard me use it during the beginning of the battle. But, with all the noise going on you might have missed it. SIT!!!" Kam demonstrated alpha command getting everyone to sit though Mike popped back up immediately. As others realized they sat, they got up. By ten seconds, everyone was moving to their feet once more.
"The fighter attempting to command gets two chances. Each of you will have two watchers. Those watchers will already be seated and will be looking for any muscle or eye movement. If seen, they will raise their hand. You must remain perfectly still for one second, after I say 'go'. I suggest blinking your eyes on my count down of 'three, two, one, go' so you will not blink accidentally afterwards. Their best count is used, but note the more used to the command the less the reaction normally is so the second attempt must be much more effective to get the same reaction.”