Em-Ran was a young Child of San-Tarah, a brown and black furred cub. His pack felt that he was ready to join the Great Hunt, but the Ruling Pack disagreed. Em-Ran's pack challenged the decision.

Me-Larr, leader of the Ruling Pack and greatest warrior among the San-Tarah, personally accepted the challenge and fought Em-Ran in single combat. If Em-Ran was able to draw first blood before the first sun of San-Tarah set, he would be victorious. While Em-Ran failed to do this, he was able to stay in the circle with Me-Larr the entire time. Impressed, Me-Larr reversed the decision, allowing Em-Ran to join the Great Hunt. (GKN novel: A Good Day to Die)