Shadows of my Heart, Light of my Soul (Comments Welcome)

[Synni]

Shadows of my heart, Light of my Soul

Table of Contents

Introduction/Summary
Known Characters/Relationships/Allegiances
What You Need To Know
Comments/Questions
Prologue: Leaving Home
Chapter 1 - Enemies of the Innocent
Chapter 2 - Trapped
Chapter 3 - The Valley
Chapter 4 - The Test of Teamwork, Day 1

[Synni]

Introduction/Summary

Raila, daughter to Fireflies and Tonic, sets out to find a life of her own. Her persistent and bold nature is enough to make anyone's jaw drop. The last thing she says before she leaves her family is "I need to be the best wolf I can be, and I cannot be that here". Only a teenager, it seems almost certain death to be striking out on her own, but Raila proves just how capable she is in only a few days. A pack of wolves terrorizes traveling wolves on the mountains, spreading panic through the valley. Raila unexpectedly makes herself a hero by saving a wolf traveling back to his mate. She'd made a name for herself without even trying. Raila is now rumored as a ghostly wolf by the alias of "The Outlander", who rolls in like fog and disappears into the night more quickly than the swiftest of wolves. But when two wolves find her alone in the mountains and recognize who she is, they are eager to add her to the ranks of their pack simply deemed, the Resistance. It will be a hard battle to fight between the evil pack terrorizing innocent wolves; Will Raila be up for such a commitment? Raila faces doubt, friendship, betrayal, love and loss in
Shadows of my Heart, Light of My Soul.

[Synni]

Known Characters/Relationships/Allegiances

Some will be edited as the story goes on. These are characters that play a key part in the story, less important characters will not have a complete short bio.

Picture
Name(s): Raila (The Outlander)
Gender: Female
Age: Young Adult
Allegiance: None
Rank: Rouge
Family: Tonic(Father), Fireflies(Mother)
Mate: None
Pups: None
Identifying Marks: Two dark blue semi circle marks on her back, bright blue mane tuft
Other: None

Picture - Coming soon
Name(s): Ascalon
Gender: Female
Age: Adult
Allegiance: Unknown
Rank: Unknown
Family: Unknown
Mate: Unknown
Pups: Unknown
Identifying Marks: Brilliant red and white coat, bright emerald green eyes.
Other: First seen in Chapter 3 - The Valley. Appointed as Watch for the final test before the Great Hunt. Shows a trusting nature to Raila, a fair and loyal leader.

Picture - Coming Soon
Name(s): Scythe
Gender: Male
Age: Teenager
Allegiance: Unknown
Rank: None; Too young
Family: Winston(Father)
Mate: None
Pups: None
Identifying Marks: Chocolate coat, dark brown cresent shape adorned on his back.
Other: None

[Synni]

What You Need To Know

■ This story will contain mild language, so please if you are offended by harsh language, refrain from reading this story.
■ These are not real life wolves. Though they do not possess powers, they do have unusual appearances, and unusual ways of life.
■ The Characters of Raila's parents, Fireflies and Tonic, belong to The Wolf.

[Synni]

Comments/Questions

■ Comments that are signifigant to myself, or questions that may help others, will be posted here.

[Synni]

Prologue: Leaving Home

My name is Raila. A name I never really knew the meaning of, not that it mattered too much. I believe my parents believed it to be a name that sounded peaceful and airy when said. Whatever they thought, it’s my polar opposite for I am rarely peaceful. At least, I’m not peaceful anymore; I suppose I might have been as a pup… Then again, I suppose I was also peaceful when in the Resistance… I think I’m just confusing you now; Listen to me ramble. I guess I should start from the beginning then. My story starts just like any story, I was brought into this world.
My mother’s name was Fireflies, named for her beautiful markings which pretty much always looked like fireflies. She gave birth to my siblings and me on a warm summer night. The stars watched over us in shimmering brilliance, surrounding the moon that hung shrouded in nightly shadows. I remember the sudden cold of the world when I was born, chills ran down my spine, and all I could think of was warmth and food.
Weeks later, when my eyes began to open, I wanted to explore the world for everything it was. I saw the beauty and wonder that our home possessed and I fell in love with the simplest things, like the meadows of wild flowers and the vast lush forests. From the moment I could walk, I was ready to find my own adventures. I climbed the hills, I conquered the forests, I swan wide rivers. Well, that’s obviously exaggeration, but that is how I thought of it as a pup.
I spent most of my puppyhood with my family, by the side of my mother or out exploring with my siblings. But, there was something missing from my life. Something I knew I could never find if I stayed at home. I thought for days on end, trying to figure out what could possibly be missing, and often I could think of nothing. Then, on a cool winter’s night, it finally came to me. I was growing up. I needed the freedom that age brought to young wolves. So it was that very night that I decided to leave my family.
My siblings were shocked, my parents confused. I was still so young, only just barely a year old, seemingly far too young to be on my own. But my mind was made up. I remember, to this very day, exactly what I said to them. “I need to be the best wolf I can be. I cannot be that if I stay here.” I bid them farewell, turned, and walked away. I never looked back, I will openly admit that. And to those who will criticize me for what I did, I will say this. It’s my life, and I shall live it to the fullest extent. I will run across the world if it comes to that, and I will do so with pride in my heart and power in my paws. I am a she-wolf, not a helpless pup. I am Raila, the lone wolf.

[Synni]

Chapter 1 – Enemies of the Innocent

You now know the general story of my past, and we move on to the present. As of now, I am just around three years old, a young, radiant she-wolf. I have been on my own for close to two years now. The forests are my home, the mountains are my paradise, and the valley is my idea of the perfect haven for wolves.
Hundreds of us live in the valley, in numbers far greater than any creature would ever imagine. True, we formed out own packs when we started families, but most made their home in the main valley, reaping the benefits that numbers brought.
I however, am not much of a pack wolf. I prefer the peace and quiet that being a lone wolf brings. There are no annoying wolves who complain every five minutes, and no wolves with an ego wide enough to stretch across the entire valley.
I have to say that I strongly dislike those who have such a huge ego… I can’t help but laugh when I see someone who walks like they think they’re a god or goddess, it’s too funny. Anyway, I digress. You want to hear my story, not my state of mind on matters such as that.
It was early morning, a normal spring day just like any other, cool and misty. The swallows and mockingbirds were already up and filling the morning with songs. I’d just woken from my bed of grass when I heard voices in the distance. I was close to a natural pathway that wolves used to travel the mountain’s more scenic routes, so I assumed it was simply travelers. It wasn’t until I heard growls that I thought differently.
I’d heard rumors of a pack causing trouble in the valley, needless to say, no wolf liked it. I decided to at least have a look; I disliked wolves harassing the travelers who treated me so well. Yes, I love meeting the wolves that walk these paths. They are glad to have my company and I am glad to show them the safest ways through the mountains.
I picked my way between the trees and uprooted saplings that littered the ground. This forest was full of mighty oak trees, towering over thirty feet above me, lush and healthy. A short distance away, a mother doe spotted me and quickly nudged her two twin fawns into the undergrowth. I paid no mind to her; for I had no wish to harm her family. I continued towards the voices carried on the light morning breeze that made the mists swirl and dance around my paws.
I stopped on the ridge of a high ravine, an excellent lookout point. Below me, I spied three wolves. A male and a female had stopped another male traveling a more dangerous path.
“All wolves have been informed that these paths are not to be traveled on unless by an escort designated by King Sgorr himself.” The female soldier growled at the male in front of her.
King Sgorr. I was afraid of that. That wolf was crazier than a coyote that had gotten hold of some bad mushrooms. He’d taken control over the valley long ago, crowning himself King, believing it was his natural born right. He was far mistaken. His brother, Cryptic, was the first born son of their family and rightful heir to the thrown. Sgorr and his army had driven him away long ago, no one had heard from him since then.
“Please, I only traveled this way because I must get back to my mate, it’s almost her time and I must be there for her.” I heard the wolf speak, his tone full of worry and anxiety. His mate must be giving birth soon.
“That is of no concern to us. You’ve directly violated King Sgorr’s laws of travel. You’re coming with us.” The male soldier growled as the female began to walk towards the traveler to take him into custody.
I growled to myself and turned to find a path down the ravine. I heard a small rock slide follow me from where my paws had disturbed some loose earth.
“Who’s there?!” I heard the male soldier yell as I slid down a safer side of the ravine, the mists safety hiding my in a veil of fog. My ghostly growl followed me; the sound of my paws gliding through grasses filled his ears. I knew I had him worried now.
“Show yourself!” I heard the female snarl as she stood next to the traveling male.
“Shameful.” I said as I circled them in the mists. “How low of an act. You halt an innocent traveler wishing to be with his mate as she brings their family into the world.”
“Come out of the mists, coward!”
“Coward am I? No. You and your wretched King Sgorr are the cowards.” I smirked to myself. Confuse a soldier and their as helpless as newborn pups, it is far too easy. I silently found my way behind them. The female had separated herself from her companion; it would work to my advantage. The male was trying to follow my voice, I could see him turning rapidly in each direction in attempt to spot my through the fog.
“Watch your back, Jen.” He said to his companion. That was my moment, I leapt from the fog, my fangs found the middle of the she-wolf’s back, and we both disappeared back into misty cover.
“Jen!”
I left the she-wolf yelping in surprise, using the mists as my personal form of invisibility.
I watched her scramble to her feet and back to the male, smiling to myself as she did so.
“Come on, something’s haunting these woods!” The female named Jen said before she began taking off in a full sprint down the ravine. Her companion followed without complaint. I watched as the traveling male look around, bewildered at what he’d seen.
“H-hello?” He asked into the mists. I remained silent. While I’d helped him, I didn’t like the twenty minutes of thank you’s and you saved my life’s that usually followed a good deed.
He waited for a long time, waiting for an answer that I would not give. After many minutes had passed, he took a few steps forward, looked back over his shoulder, and said,
“Thank you. You’ve done me a great favor.” before leaving the ravine in silence once more.
I left without a word, my work was done and the path was safe once again for travelers.

[Synni]

Chapter 2 – Trapped

I’d all but forgotten about the traveling wolf before I met a most unusual friend of mine. Spring was still bright and young in our valley, giving it a fresh fragrance of wildflowers and grasses. Shadows gave the forest a mystical and wonderful appearance, full of rich and crisp colors.
I was alone again in the forest, walking the paths around the mountain with no destination really in mind. It was silent mostly, save the occasional jay that flew low and chirped, or a squirrel that rustled the thin tree branches. I’d just turned down yet another deserted pathway when I heard something that nearly made me jump out of my fur.
“Tack! Tack! This is not good! Not Good!”
Now that was the strangest accent I’d ever heard. What creature spoke in such a manner?
“Damn these rocks! These rocks! Can’t even stand without danger! Danger!”
How can I not investigate? That was just to interesting not to see. I turned off the path and followed the strange voice into a more rugged part of the forest. Various sizes of fallen trees and rocks littered the ground I picked my way over the fallen trunks, my claws digging into their bark for traction.
“You there! Wolf! Wolf! Get away! Away!” I suddenly heard the voice closer to me than I thought it would be, making me nearly lose my grasp on the fallen tree.
When I finally saw what had been calling to me, I shrugged my shoulders. It was a raven.
“Away, Wolf! Away!” He squawked at me, flapping his large black wings wildly.
His foot was caught under a pile of small rocks, no wonder he’d been so frantic.
“You’re stuck.” I said simply, really to see how he’d react to me staying where I was.
“Stuck? Stuck? Stupid wolf! Wolf! Of course I am stuck! Are you blind?! Blind?!”
Touchy. No wonder many creatures disliked like these birds.
“Well. I guess you wish to remain stuck with that kind of attitude. I can help you, if you’ll only shut that trap of yours.” I said, glaring down at him for such rude talk.
The raven croaked in laugher.
“A wolf? You help me? Me? Wolf kind does not help raven kind. We share their kill when you leave it to rot. Rot. That is all, nothing else. Nothing else. Wolf does not help raven.” He said, peaking at the rocks that trapped his foot.
“I’d help you if you’d let me. Why should I not help you?” I asked, jumping down next to the large bird.
“Wolf does not help Tack! Tack help himself!” He squawked as he tried pulling his foot out. I stood silent, watching him try every means necessary to free himself from the rock slide. A few minutes had passed before he looked at me with dull black eyes.
“How’s that working for you?” I asked, chuckling at his stubborness.
“Why you want to help Tack?” He asked.
I rolled my eyes, how many times must I offer before he’ll allow me to help?
“Just let me move the rocks.” I said as I stepped forward, taking the rocks out with a single paw swipe, sending them tumbling down in various directions.
Tack, as I assumed his name was, immediately took flight into the trees.
“Free! Free! Wolf free Tack, Tack now help wolf.” I heard him croak as he cleaned the feathers of his wings.
“I doubt I need help with anything, raven.” I said before walking back towards the path.
“Tack raised to know to help when others help you. Tack stay with Wolf until Wolf needs help. Needs help.”
He wasn’t serious… Moments ago he was squawking at me to get away, now he wanted to somehow help me? I ignored him; perhaps he’d fly away if I did.
“Tack my name, Tack, Tack, Tack. You named what?”
“Raila.” I said simply as I walked along the path.
“Raila! Raila! Name fitting for Wolf. Wolf.” He certainly was a strange bird, but since I was alone most of my days in this forest, perhaps it wouldn’t be to bad to have someone there with me. Even if that some one was a raven bent on helping me because I’d freed him from a small rock pile.
“Why you here Wolf? Wolf kind in valley, not on mountain.” He flew down to the ground, hopping along the path beside me.
“I’m not a pack wolf. I’m alone.” I said, not even looking down at him as I walked.
“Silly wolf. Wolf. Silly. Bad to be alone. Bad. May get hurt, lost or fall into ravine in winter time.”
“I’ve done just fine on my own. I don’t have any urge to join any pack anytime soon.” Tack croaked almost in a shocked manner, making me stare down at him in a confused way.
“You must. Wolf meant to be in pack. Like raven meant to be in flock. Not good to be alone. Drive you crazy it will. Crazy.”
“I don’t seem crazy, do I? I’m fine on my own. No one would miss me anyway.”
True. No one would miss me. I’m nothing to anyone, just another loner walking the mountains.
“Not true Wolf. Wolf. I know you. Wolf spoke of you in valley. ‘Wolf come from mists, save my life.’ He say.”
I stopped in my tracks and looked down at the raven.
“The traveler?” I asked. Had he told of me?
“Yes, yes. Traveling Wolf. Wolf. Spoke of wolf like you, save him from the soldiers. They make name for you.”
“A name for me? What do you mean?” What had the wolf told the wolves in the valley?
“They call you ‘Outlander’. Wolf who lives in mists.”
The Outlander… Well, I think I like that name. Not that titles mattered to me, but at least I was known for something. Tack and I continued down the path on the mountain, a most unusual pair indeed.

[Synni]

Chapter 3 – The Valley

It’d been almost a year that I’d avoided the valley and the wolves that lived there. The only time I journeyed away from my mountain home was in the time of the Great Hunt. The tradition had been passed down since the birth of the first wolves in our valley. Wolves would gather from every stretch of land, and compete in tests of intelligence, strength, stamina, and speed to show who the best hunters were in the valley. Then, those hunters would journey into the mountains where the red deer herds roamed in the hundreds. They brought down monstrous bucks and fat doe’s that gorged themselves year round on rich grasses. It was truly an event I could not miss.
Tack had not been with me for a week, his commitment to helping me had remained true, and I respected that; despite him only being a raven that would probably find no way to repay me for my help. He’d proven to be a good companion; his constant random squawks had made me laugh at least once a day.
Now, he stood perched on a low hanging branch above where I’d slept for the night. It was sheltered from the cool morning winds, making for a warm and calm morning. I awoke to Tack’s calls to fellow ravens that circled above us.
“You better not be inviting them to follow us…” I said as I stood up and stretched my stiff muscles.
“Tack’s flock just over ridge. Call me they did, curious about wolf that stays with Tack.” He said, flying down to meet me on the ground.
“Unless they’re curious about how hungry I am, they’d better stay in the sky. I don’t need a flock of ravens spoiling today’s events of the Great Hunt.” I said as I broke off into a trot down the mountainside.
“Events? Today? Many wolf kind in valley today then. Tack thought you were lone wolf?” Tack flew above me against the wind as I continued my brisk trot.
“Yes I know, but I can’t miss this; it’s the greatest tradition in wolf lore. Besides. It’s my time to show those males that a she-wolf can do more than just care for pups.”
“Wolf will recognize you. Raila fought solders, disobeyed the King you did. They will find you.” Tack cawed above me.
“I doubt that. The mists were too thick for them to get a good look at me. Many wolves would look similar to me in that kind of fog.” I turned onto a path I recognized, leading quickly down the mountain. I broke into a swift run; I had to be there for the first event.
Tack made various caws and squawks. I couldn’t tell if he was scorning me for my response, or if he was just being a raven.
The trees began thinning out, the scent of wolves filled my nostrils with fresh scent marks. Ahead, yips and short howls began to reach my ears, and in sheer excitement, I ran from the tree line into the clearing of the valley at break neck speed. I grinned as I skidded to a stop just as the sight I’d been waiting months to see, reached my eyes.
Wolves. Hundreds of us, young and old, big and small, in every color of fur imaginable. The key groups were easy to distinguish. The older members had gathered under the shade of the large oak trees at the edge of the clearing, telling stories and sharing news of their families and packs. The young females, maybe older teens at the most, were walking the perimeters of the clearing, eyeing the males they perceived as ‘good looking’. The males, from about ages two to six were readying themselves for the events. They flexed their claws, their muscles tense and eager, and anxiously awaited the call of the oldest elders to begin the Great Hunt.
I saw few females preparing. In fact, there was only one. A beautiful red furred wolf with a while undercoat and magnificent blue eyes was testing her speed against a fellow she-wolf. She was fast; clearing a half the clearing in the time it took the other she-wolf to clear a mere fourth of it. She’d be an excellent opponent, one easily worthy of respect.
I trotted into the main part of the valley, watching wolves pass me by like they’d seem me before, saying ‘hello’ as they passed by like I was an old friend. I was one of them. Even if I had spent every moment in the mountains until now, I was one of them. I was an equal, and a fellow wolf. Unlike those who were far too worried about remaining focused, I had confidence. I’d never tried to attend the Great Hunt, but this year I was determined to see those vast herds of deer, and to see the looks on the faces of males who are rarely in the company of females during the hunt.
I could sense the racing hearts of eager wolves, while mine remained perfectly calm. I could hear their claws scraping rifts into the soft earth, as mine just grazed the surface. Tack had settled in the trees that surrounded the valley, I didn’t know exactly where he was, but his steady caws made note he was still there. Suddenly I heard the howl of an Elder, summoning the wolves to gather around the old oak were the elders spent their days.
“The day of the Great Hunt has come again to our valley. Once more we shall summon our best hunters to show their skills that will prove them worthy and able to make the journey up the mountain to bring back the Red Deer to us.” We walked to hear the words of the old elder who spoke in an old, aged voice. The red furred female stood next to me. Smiling calmly, she glanced over to me and spoke in a smooth, silky voice,
“Glad to see we’ll have another she-wolf on the hunt. My name is Ascalon.”
“Raila. And I wouldn’t miss this hunt for all the deer in those herds waiting for us.” I said, smiling back at her. Ascalon. I liked that name.
“As always, the first event shall be the test of speed. Take your places next to the old oak. You’re to complete a run around the clearing on my mark.” The elder spoke.
We all took positions by the oak, and upon his command, released our energy into our anxious paws, thundering around the valley as if we were a herd of wild stallions. Our bodies radiated power and energy as we ran at a full sprint. We were seemingly evenly matched, though Ascalon and I managed to keep bout a half pace in front of the pack.
“The test of strength!” Was the Elder’s next call, as we hastily gathered around the middle of the clearing. Our names were called, paired up with wolves with which we would spar with. A large white male was my opponent. He was strong, very strong, but muscle does not always beat agility. My thin frame allowed me to evade his powerful attacks, using quick strikes to my advantage. When it was over, he even took the time to compliment me on my skill. A thing hat most would be too proud to do.
“Now, the test of teamwork.” The final and most important test of all. We would cross a dangerous mountain path covered with rocks, were canyons slithered through the land, where rivers flowed wide and deep, and where poisonous snakes and bears lurked. This test would take two whole days, circling the entire mountain.
“Wolves, are you ready?” The elder asked us as we waited at the oak.
“We are, sire.” We spoke in unison.
“Before you go, one must be your watch, to tell us of your journey. I believe it shall be the she-wolf Ascalon.”
Ascalon stepped forth and bowed her head to the elder.
“Be accepting this position, you swear to honesty upon your return, fully knowing what the consequences are for any lie spoken.” The elder’s voice was low and serious as he spoke to Ascalon, whose head remain bowed before him.
“I understand, sire. Honesty and nothing else, or may I be exiled to the desert forever.” Ascalon spoke in such a humbled voice as the Elder released her from her bow, and gazed at us.
“Work as a team, and you’ll surely survive, behave as lone wolves, and you’ll perish in the canyons. Go now, your journey awaits.”
We took off from the clearing as one, more than twenty of us sprinted for the path that would mark our journey’s beginning. Ascalon lead the way, her crystal blue eyes gleaming as she looked back at me with a smile. A smile that only a she-wolf like me would know. We were going to whip these males into shape, no matter how proud they were. We were now a team; a pack. To survive, we must act like one.

[Synni]

Chapter 4 – The Test of Teamwork, Day 1

Ascalon stopped us at the start of the path, a look of leadership in her blue eyes. “Alright, there are few faces I remember today. Meaning we will only have to work harder to become a team.” She spoke, receiving a few nods in return.
“Right now, the canyon waits below, and the river will be half a day’s run from there. Snakes inhabit that canyon, one false move and you’ll be feeding the vultures by sundown.” A few of the younger wolves gulped, I could sense their nervous paws tensing against the earth.
“Dusk, you’ll take up sentry position to our right. Winston, you watch his back. Lance, take up sentry to our left as we follow the canyon, Rex will be your spotter. Raila, you’re with me at the lead, listen for Dusk or Lance’s call for possible danger.”
I was a bit surprised, I’d never been with Ascalon and she put me at the head of the pack.
“Wait a minute Ascalon. That she-wolf has never even been on the hunt, why is she taking up lead?” A young chocolate brown wolf called in a growl.
“You will call her by her name Scythe. Raila is taking lead with me because I believe she deserves a chance just like the chance Winston gave you last year.” Ascalon spoke, receiving murmurs of approval.
“Scythe, hold your tongue, how can we hope to finish this journey if we haven’t even started and already we quarrel? We’re lucky to even have any she-wolves with us, as most are caring for pups these days.” The wolf by the name of Winston spoke, a tone of wisdom in his voice, one that I could respect. Scythe lowered his head, though he still had a look of discontent in his eyes.
“Watch were you step, and keep weary eyes out for snakes, I don’t want any casualties.” Ascalon called as we returned our attention to the task at hand. She and I took to the head of the pack as we followed the path into the mouth of the wide canyon. The sun beat down on us mercilessly, and only moments had passed before we were panting as we ran to keep ourselves cool. To our sides, Lance, Winston, Rex and Dusk were watching the path, looking for tell tale signs of danger. Ascalon shot a weary glance at me; even she was unnerved by these canyons that could easily become deathtraps.
“Raila!” A loud caw caught my attention.
“What in our King’s name?” Ascalon said as she glanced upward to spy the raven following us.
“Tack’s his name. He’s been following me. Pay him no mind, he’ll stay out of our way.” I said as we rounded a turn in the canyon.
“Follows you? A raven can be a bad omen Raila.”
“That raven? I doubt –”
“Ascalon, there’s been a rockslide!” Lance called as we rounded the bend to find the pathway blocked by thirty feet of rocks.
“Raila! Ack!” Tack’s caw came again. What was that bird doing?
“Alright, up and over everyone. Winston, Scythe, Lance, spread out and help get us over this.” Ascalon ordered, watching and the three of them scale the loose rocks, each taking a place to help other up the slope.
“At! At!” Tack cawed at me, making me look up at him in a confused way. At…?
“Raila! AT!”
“What are you talking about?!” I barked at him as I helped a young wolf begin his way up the rock slide.
“AT!”
Wait… I wasn’t listening to him; his caw was part of what he was saying to me. Not at, but cat….
I looked around immediately; my eyes traced the rocky walls. A flicker of movement caught my eye, a black tipped tail against the rocks.
“Lion!” I barked, watching as everyone’s attention flew towards me, then to where I’d spotted the cat lying in wait.
“Get over the rocks, quickly! Raila, watch that cat, I don’t want it within range of any of us without your warning first.”
I didn’t say anything in response, more I simply slide smoothly into a ready stance, waiting for this cat to make a move, ready to counter in a split second.
“Ccc-At!” I heard Tack’s caw once again.
More lions? A pride…
“There’s a pride! Stay close together!” I called back as I turned, abandoning my post to help the others before they had us trapped.
“Come on, up and over wolves!” Ascalon called, nudging another male up the rockslide.
I leapt onto the rocks after everyone, clawing my way to Scythe, the first wolf for everyone to reach. When I reached him, he caught the scruff of my neck in his teeth, steadying me as I moved forward.
I looked back down the slope; the cat was gone.
“Come on, hurry up.” I said to Scythe as we began clawing our way up the rocks, sliding a step back for every two we took.
A loud roar caught my attention, causing Scythe to lose his footing as he spooked like a wild colt. I lunged, catching him before he fell to his death that would’ve waited on the rocks below. I pulled back as he scrabbled for footing, dragging him with me before throwing him forward.
“Get up that ridge, now!” I said as we pushed forward, ignoring the cats that were coming from both sides of the canyon.
“Raila! Cat! Cat!” Tack squawked loudly.
I raised my head, only to see a huge mass over me. In an instant, rocks were scraping at my sides, my breath crushed from my lunged. Something sharp grabbed my leg, making me yelp as I suddenly stopped falling and I felt a weight thrown from my body. My eyes opened to see a large lion tumbling down the rocks in a bloody heap, cut to ribbons on the unforgiving slope. Scythe had caught my leg in his teeth, a last ditch effort to keep me from falling to my death as well. I dug my claws into the rocks and pulled myself back up as we exchanged a glance, a look of newly found trust.
“Raila! Scythe! Get up here, come on!” Ascalon called as we focused on getting up the slope were our team awaited us. Scythe was the first to be caught and pulled to the safety of the ridge. Ascalon lowered herself and caught my neck in her jaws, pulling me up onto the rocks.
“Watch it, her leg’s bleeding a bit.” She said as she released me.
I shook my fur and kicked a stone out from between the pads of my paw.
“Sorry Raila... It was all I could do to keep ya from falling.” I heard Scythe say guiltily.
A typical teenage pup. Confident and arrogant one minute, apologetic and timid once someone actually got hurt.
“Don’t worry about it, I’ve had worse.” I said as I looked over at the sulking chocolate furred male. He shrugged his shoulders, ears back.
“Scythe, perk up, she’d be dead without ya.” Winston said as he nudged Scythe’s shoulder as the pack began to shuffle their way down the other side of the rock slide.
I gave him a passing smirk, and his tail suddenly wagged in a lively way. He picked his way carefully down the slope then, following Winston closely. The two seemed to be close, perhaps father and son.
“Alright. Hard part’s over. To the river, then the forest everyone, we’re making good time.” Ascalon called, receiving howls and barks of approval as our pack was once again seen running over the canyon floor.
Tack’s familiar caw rang out, and just as always, he was seen flying high above me, his shadow cast down on my back.