To the North lay the neighboring Redwood pack. A neutral ground for many tribal packs. A peaceful trading village sprawled the walled city of Centervale. The wealthiest of merchants lived in the upper east side. The north was homes of the council elders. To the South was the homes of admiralty, generals, and marines. The city way known for center of learning, shipbuilding, and trade. Farmers, fishermen, and practitioners of husbandry held lands outside the city and employed their own guardians and protectors.<br/><br/>It was rare any confrontation between packs occurred. Treaties rarely were broken; as theRedwood had provided protection for 100 years; and welcomed foreign packs, as long as they paid taxes or tribute; and obeyed by treaty terms and conditions. New packs joined an ever-growing alliance. The elders planned on renewing alliances in the spring. The council of elders were dying and new blood was needed. Head of household of all families made up the governing body. Both men and women were involved in politics and commerce. Each family held office depended on their expertise. Disputes were often resolved by adding or subtracting items for sale.<br/><br/>This was the year called Early Snow preparations for the winter began with stockpiles of fish, grain, and canning fruits and vegetables. It was early September Snowgem and her brothers and sisters were out shoveling snow on the walkway and driveway. The all made a gigantic pile that later would be made into snow people and snowball fort. Today all had to attend school in an hour. The eldest son, Wolfgang would carpool the younger siblings to Centervale Elementary. The older kids attended Centervale Prep School.<br/><br/>After shoveling snow the small family of Wolfburgs ate breakfast with their parents, both traders in pelt, hides, and game meats, and leathers. All the children worked in the family business and they lived outside the walled city. Mr. ans Mrs. Wolfburg tannery and shop were in the middle of the city. They had customers from all classes and three days a week Snowgem and her older siblings made deliveries to customer's homes and shops.<br/><br/>On this early fall day, Snowgen was given a list of names of new customers. She was told the neighboring wolf village would share resources. Snow set about preparing sales slips and schedules for new arrivals. When she finished, she and Wolfgang drove five miles to the neighboring town. It was 10:00 am when the two siblings arrived at the town gate. They stopped the delivery truck and handed a guard an envelope describing who they were and they were from "Centervale Fur and Hide Traders".