Chapter 10
∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞ The forest was silent as the two hunters made their way through the undergrowth, keeping low and sticking to the shadows. Radiance constantly kept her eyes on the white warrior, wondering if she had actually chosen the wrong hunting partner.
Typical me! Choose a WHITE wolf to go hunting with me. It’ll be a miracle that he keeps that bright fur hidden from prey’s eyes. Radiance rolled her eyes at Storm beside her, just enough for him to notice, then moved away quickly to sniff at the ground at the base of a tree. He watched her move away with confusion.
“Is… everything alright princess?” He questioned as he padded back to her side. “I’ll back off if you want. I just wanted to make sure I was close enough just in case we spot something.” Radiance kept her attention to the ground, acting as if a certain scent interested her.
“How do you hunt, um…?” Great! I forgot his name!
“Storm.” He supplied.
“Yeah,” Radiance looked up. “How do you hunt with fur as white as yours, Storm? Wouldn’t it make it easy for prey to spot you?”
He smiled, which sent a shiver down her spine. Storm was a handsome wolf, there was no question about that… and his smile was the topping to the cake. “Of course my white fur makes it easier to be spotted, by prey or enemy alike. That’s where true skill comes in. To be able to blend into your environment completely and almost vanish, no matter your size or color of your fur. If you can do that, then you can hunt anything.”
“So can you do all that?” Radiance tipped her head to the side, critical.
“Of course,” The Knight nodded and backed into the shadows of the brush until he completely disappeared. Radiance narrowed her eyes and walked forward with her nosed outstretched searching for his scent. He’s still in the bushes. There’s no way he could have moved without me noticing. With a sly smirk, Radiance leapt into the bushes expecting to crash into Storm, but instead landed on her chest.
Surprised, she quickly got to her paws and glanced around the brush. She pushed her way to the other side, then to the left, then to the right, but there was no sign of the white wolf ever being there. He had truly disappeared. With awe Radiance backed out of the brush back to the tree. How…?
“See?” A voice whispered by her ear making her jump forwards with a yip. As she whipped around Storm came out from behind the tree with a great grin on his face. She stared at him. "How-"
“How did I get from there to behind you?” Storm laughed, “Skill.” He winked.
“Right, right…” She turned away, but couldn’t help but smile. “Come on, we have until Midnight to catch something and I’d rather it not be last minute.”
“Of course, princess.” Storm caught up beside her, his nose to the ground.
“Storm?” His golden eyes glanced up at her. “You may call me Radiance, please.” He nodded and continued forwards checking for a scent. Radiance followed him, and it wasn’t long before they reached the river. As he still searched, she broke off to stand at the river’s edge.
She stared into the water watching the ripples as it flowed by. Not too long ago she had been drug into it and it had terrified her, but now as she watched it slowly flow by it didn’t seem intimidating at all. The trees on the other side reflected like a mirror; like another world. Suddenly a dark shape formed in the water’s reflection, causing her to look up. Nothing was on the other bank but leaves and grass.
“The other side of the river is where it gets more dangerous,” Storm came to stand beside her, looking into the water then to the forest beyond. “Have you ever been past the river bank to the other side?”
Radiance shook her head. “Never; I hadn’t even been to the river really except for a few times… and when those rouges attacked me.”
“I heard about that.” He glanced at her. “If you ever do go over there, do not go alone. Not much further where the Pines start is also where Outside lands begin. An untrained Kingdom wolf would stand in incredible danger alone.”
Radiance growled narrowing her eyes at the land across from her. “A future queen should not have to fear her own Kingdom because of the dangers of the outside boundaries.” She stared at Storm accusingly. “You Knights are supposed to keep the borders strong and safe. Are you not doing your job?”
“Of course we do. Diego tries to go on daily patrols,” He rolled his eyes. “Not that they always go well. The Rouges somehow slip through our paws… they have even- well… never mind.”
Is he holding something back from me? We really should be hunting but… what else have those scum done? “They have even what, Storm?” She asked.
“Nothing,” Storm stood and began to head back towards the trees.
He turned his back on me! Feeling disrespected she bared her teeth and bounded to cut Storm off, standing in his way. “Storm, if they have done something else to another wolf I want to know. I am your future queen. You will tell me.” He stood calmly watching her. A small wave of new anger washed over her as she realized he was beginning to smile again.
“You’re not very intimidating, future queen. I mean no disrespect, but if you wish to be a forceful leader looking for quick respect you’ll use a bit more bite than bark.” He padded around her. “I shouldn’t have even brought the rouges up. The problem is under control and is being solved. Now, shouldn’t we get on to your hunt before nightfall? It does get more difficult when you can’t see.” Sighing in exasperation, Radiance padded after the white wolf shaking her head.
More bite than bark… what does that even mean? I should attack and then tell wolves to listen to me? That can’t be right. “Where is a good hunting spot, oh great Knight?” She hopped over a log as they slowly made their way north.
“This is your hunt,” Storm circled around to follow behind her. “I’m supposed to be following you! Use your nose and pay attention to the wind.”
Easier said than done. Radiance once again put her nose to the ground, and then raised it to smell the air. A scent hit her nose: dirt, sweet grass… rabbit. I recognize it! Suddenly she halted just before passing a great Oak, hiding behind its wide base. She glanced back at Storm, but he already had his eyes locked on the grey hide of the prey, concentration masking his face.
“Orders?” His voice was barely a whisper.
“I-um-you…” What should we do? Radiance’s eyes quickly scanned the small clearing just as a second rabbit emerged from a small hole in a mound of dirt surrounded by grasses, then followed by another. It was a rabbits den! Beside her she could feel Storm’s body shaking with tension.
“Orders, Radiance? We must move soon, the winds are changing.” Storm whispered desperately.
“Okay, okay!” She whispered back, glancing once more at the rabbits. “I will stay here, hidden. Since you’re amazing at disappearing, find your way over as close as you can to the rabbit’s den. Once you’re there, jump out and block the den as best as possible. That should hopefully send them this way where I can, with the Spirit’s help, catch one.” Radiance was now shivering with anticipation. Storm smiled and nodded, then backed away into the shadows disappearing.
Okay, now just be ready. It shouldn’t take him much time to get from here to there. She watched the rabbits intently, waiting for her hunting partner to leap from the shadows and send them running. Time seemed to stop before the rabbits began to move. Slowly they began to sniff the air and make their way slowly back to their den. Oh no! The wind! It must be changing like Storm said! With her stomach churning she urged the white wolf to jump. Come on! They’re going to know I’m here-
Suddenly Storm shot from the shadows snarling and leapt onto the den. Instantly the rabbits scattered in chaos after discovering their home was no longer safe. Radiance also jumped from behind the Oak, startling a larger rabbit who had decided to retreat her way. Storm, noticing her target, left the den aiming to trap the large rabbit. With nowhere left to go the rabbit made the fatal mistake of pausing, giving Radiance the opportune moment to strike. The rabbit’s squeal was cut short before it was dangling from her jaws. None its den mates were to be seen.
I did it! I caught my first prey!! Smiling she placed the large rabbit at her paws, licking her lips as Storm padded forward to give her catch a quick sniff.
“That was excellent, Radiance! For a she-wolf that has never hunted, that was a great hunting strategy.” His golden eyes sparkled with delight and excitement. “And it’s not a bad catch either. It’s really too bad we can’t eat it now.”
“Hey,” Radiance pulled the rabbit closer to her with a paw. “This is the prey I get to show my family. But thanks… I couldn’t have done it without you.”
“Shoot, if we eat it now I’m more than sure we could catch another as well as we work together.” Storm gave her a small wink. “Any who, I won’t make you do that. What now, that your hunt is over?”
“We head home I suppose.”
Storm nodded, but as she picked up her prey and began back the way they had come, he hesitated for a moment before following. Most of the journey back was silent, which bothered Radiance. He seems crest fallen… I wonder why?
In the end, she was glad she had chosen Storm to accompany her during the Hunt. She had caught a great piece of prey- much better than what she had imagined she would ever be bringing back to her family. Storm was an admirable wolf; there was no doubt in that. Any she-wolf would be lucky to have him. Radiance found it a bit difficult to admit, but he was actually pretty charming… and his teasing antics made him a wolf she would really like to be friends with.
But then, she thought about Diego and the flash of what had to be anger that went across his eyes when she had chosen Storm to go with her. Perhaps Diego doesn’t like Storm? Or maybe he was just jealous that he couldn’t come with me himself? If she became friends with Storm, would that change the slow growing relationship between her and Diego? I just want to be friends with this wolf… I know I like Diego and may want to be with him in the future. He’s great.
It wasn’t long before they had just about reached the clearing right outside the Royal Den, when Storm stopped in his tracks. Radiance stopped too, and turning around to face him she sat the rabbit at her paws once again. “Storm? Is everything alright?” He looked confronted.
“Radiance, it’s probably not my place to ask and we just met, but I would like to see you again. Not just in passing… but like this. Go on a hunt together, you and I, and maybe get to know each other a little better; as friends.” He watched her with hopeful eyes.
“Hunt together?”
“Yes, like we did today. You must admit we made a wonderful team together.”
“I- okay. When?” Her stomach was full of butterflies.
“Two Sunrises from now?”
“Okay; where will we meet? I’ll have to sneak out… I don’t think my mother would approve.” I know she wouldn’t! She would kill me… and him.
“The edge of the forest where we are now. We’ll get a better spot later.” He was smiling as he padded up to her. “I’ll look forward to it, Radiance.”
She swallowed, “As will I.” Quickly she picked up the rabbit and both of the wolves headed to the Royal Den.
Shortly after returning with the flowers, Claire had quickly retreated to her den far from her sister and her family. She had been sent to fetch flowers with the servants, a job that made her feel like a servant herself. While her sister and some knight were off on the Hunt, she was left in the cave to sort out flowers. Claire would never get a day like this. She would never get to choose a brave knight to accompany her and help her hunt prey and catch something her family would be proud of. Instead, she would have to figure all that out on her own.
Claire sighed while she sat now in her sisters den. It was beautiful and smelled wonderful. Flowers of every color and shape lined the floors, along with various leaves. Her nest was even fluffed up with extra moss and beautiful flower petals. Claire’s ears drooped as she thought back to her cold den set aside from her family. Instead of having its own deep tunnel leading to it, it branched shortly from her sister’s tunnel into darkness that was only lit by a strange glowing moss, and was now only decorated by a few dandelion weeds she had been allowed to place there. Honestly, Claire hated her den… but where else could she stay? It was the area chosen for her.
Radiance doesn’t understand how lucky she is. She doesn’t understand why I try to be so cheery all the time… so I can help her be happy like I never will be. Mother loves her more and Jasper… I don’t think he truly sees me as his daughter. I’m neither a princess nor a peasant. Where do I fit in? A tear that ran down her face was wiped away by her paw as she closed her eyes. Clearing her throat, Claire got to her paws and stretched, determined not to let her mood slip even further into self-pity, a place she despised being but seemed to settle easily in.
Suddenly from the main cave she could hear the excited barks of the King and Queen. They must be back. I wonder what she caught. Probably a huge deer… I bet Diego helped her catch it too. She muttered as she began to make her way out of her sister’s den and down the dark tunnel way.
Claire paused at the edge of the Main Cave, surprised to see her sister without any prey in her mouth. “Why is she back then?” She murmured. What surprised her even more was the knight that was with her. Not Diego? But- Oh yeah! He wasn’t allowed to go because he’s lead knight. What a shame. Wonder why she chose Storm- Claire actually knew all of the Knights by name- He doesn’t exactly have a great record yet.
Claire hesitated a bit longer at the tunnel, unwilling to have to face her sister. Finally, the golden she-wolf took a deep breath and sighed. Be the bigger wolf. With her tail high and a forced smile upon her face she padded out to greet her sister who had been bombarded by her mother’s licks and by flowers that had been thrown on her by the servants.
“We are so proud of you, Radiance! You did an excellent job!” King Jasper was praising Radiance as Claire padded up. She stayed just behind the crowd, but in view of Radiance.
“She did wonderful, sir; a natural hunter.” Storm dipped his head smiling, his eyes on the princess the whole time.
Oh please! Not another admirer! Claire rolled her eyes at the white wolf staring at him. He looks like a good wolf. Why must Radiance get everything? Suddenly she saw her opportune moment to greet her sister and rushed forward.
“Radiance, you’re back!” Radiance turned to her with a shocked expression on her face, as if surprised they were actually communicating again. “I’m glad to hear your hunt went great! What did you catch though? Where is it?”
Right as Radiance opened her mouth, Queen Sun answered for her. “It’s the biggest rabbit I have ever laid eyes on! A huge grey rabbit, I say! It’s over there.” Her mother glanced over at the area where they usually ate, and at the center of all the flowers lay indeed, a rabbit.
“Wow, nice.” Claire nodded. “Was it hard to catch?”
“We worked out a hunting strategy and caught it easily… it’s just a rabbit though.” Radiance shrugged, glancing at her catch.
“But it is your first catch! That is what counts!” Jasper beamed with pride before turning his attention to the knight. “Storm, you may leave now. You did well, and we thank you.” Storm bowed, dipped his head before Radiance as they kept steady eye contact, then bounded out of the Royal Den.
What was that all about? Claire narrowed her eyes thinking before being interrupted.
“Claire, go help Radiance freshen up for dinner! She must be starved. Be back here soon.” Sun ordered before padding off to go order servants. Jasper glanced at his daughters, and then padded after his mate.
“Well, Come on; let’s go get you all freshened up.” Claire turned heading back towards Radiance’s den once again, her sister on her heels before catching up beside her. She could feel her confusion.
“I thought you never wanted to speak to me again?” Radiance questioned watching Claire as they padded into the tunnel.
“I can’t be sour on your big day, can I?” Claire tried to sound overly cheerily. It’s time for her to seriously apologize to me. That’s what I need. Let’s just see how long that takes.
“Claire,” As they entered her den, Radiance stopped in front of her. “You’re not acting like yourself at all. You’re not a spiteful wolf. If you want me to apologize for what happened yesterday, I will.”
Wow, that was fast. Claire smirked lightly. She was right; this wasn’t at all how she usually acted. “You will? Well, I’m waiting.”
“I’m sorry. I really am, Claire. I love you; you’re my sister… and I know you should be treated better. When I heard you had to go collect flowers with the servants, it made me feel awful.”
“Like a spoiled brat?”
“What?” Radiance growled lightly, and then cleared her throat. “Yes… like a spoiled brat. I’m going to start trying to get you noticed. You opened my eyes to how you’re really treated in this family, and I want it to improve.” Claire blinked in surprise.
“Well, I must say that wasn’t the apology I expected, but I accept it. Thank you.” Claire smiled and Radiance copied. They both stood there for a moment before remembering what they were supposed to be doing.
“How about we both get freshened up for the dinner?” Radiance bent down and grabbed a beautiful red wild flower between her teeth and placed it beside Claire’s ear. “Better already! Me next?” Claire glanced around until she found a small rose. As she went to grab it, Radiance stopped her.
“Not that one. How about this one?”
Claire glanced at the flower she had her eyes on, however it wasn’t a flower at all, but a dandelion weed, yellow and bent. “Are you sure?” Radiance nodded and bent her head down so Claire could place it beside her ear.
“There! All freshened up!” They both laughed.
“Come on, let’s get to dinner and see how stringy this rabbit it going to be.” Radiance joked, heading towards the tunnel. Claire was about to follow before she paused.
Should I ask about Storm before we go out there? What if she likes him to? That will seriously complicate things with her and Diego… and since we’ve made up I should be a good sister and help… Radiance turned around to look at her sister.
“Are you okay?”
“Yeah, yeah, I’m fine.” Claire padded up beside her and smiled. “I was just thinking how glad I am that things between us are better now.”
“Me too,”
The two she wolves padded down the tunnel heading to the Main Cave where they could hear their parents joking around and servants chattering. The tense air between the two had faded away, and it felt more breathable now.
I’ll just ask her about it later. After all, I suppose it’s not really my responsibility or business who she is falling in love with or hanging out with. It’ll all be fine. They were greeted with laughs and smiles as the two sisters entered the Main Cave.
Happy Decade Chapter!
Sorry for not such an exciting chapter, but I'm so happy to have gotten to Chapter 10, and its really all thanks to you readers out there! You keep me inspired and keep me writing! I've love going back and rereading it all. I'm 65 pages in Microsoft Word, lets see how far I can go ;) I may see if there are any ways I can get my readers more involved during these next chapters, so be on the look out. Thanks guys and I'll see you next Chapter!
Storm~ In honor of Chapter 10!
Sorry for not such an exciting chapter, but I'm so happy to have gotten to Chapter 10, and its really all thanks to you readers out there! You keep me inspired and keep me writing! I've love going back and rereading it all. I'm 65 pages in Microsoft Word, lets see how far I can go ;) I may see if there are any ways I can get my readers more involved during these next chapters, so be on the look out. Thanks guys and I'll see you next Chapter!
Storm~ In honor of Chapter 10!
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