by Forest Wells
"You're scared of it, aren't you?” Rajor asked in his usual mocking tone while also giving fake whines. “An odd noise in the woods. Like thunder, yet not like thunder. It just fills you with fear, doesn’t it?"
I should have drowned him at the river. “Go away, Rajor. Leave me alone before I pin you again.”
Rajor growled with a glare to match. I sighed while preparing for yet another fight with my brother.
CRAACK!-cshoo-shoo
All ears shot up toward the forest, save for Rajor’s, whose went flat against his head just as fast. Who’s afraid now?
Squawking soon followed, coming like a strong wind from the forest. I stood with perked ears as I tried to understand what it meant. I knew it was birds, but far more of the same kind, at the same time, than I’d ever heard before. They were flying in a single flock that blew overhead like a cloud rushing by. Most of it was just noise, but I was able to catch something from the mockingbirds.
“Beware the two-leggeds, bearers of thunder. Beware the two-leggeds, bearers of thunder.”
Over and over, they cawed as they flew. The pack watched the flock pass, with Lonate in particular transfixed on them. His ears were up, but there was an odd darkness to him. Something I’d seen on my parents not long ago when they came back without a kill. Toltan seemed particularly worried, while Martol mentioned something about “not having a Mesin problem,” whatever that meant. After seeing this darkness again on Toltan just a moment ago, I realized it was fear, but a kind different than the one that still had Rajor’s ears flat against his head. Wolfor’s fang, what is going on out there?
I hadn’t noticed Martol approach until she barked to call the attention of the pack. Once we were all gathered, she addressed us. “Everyone, listen up! I want a hunting party to gather some meat for the pack. The pups will remain here for now.” She glared at Rajor. “No exceptions! When the pack is fed, we will meet, older pups included, to discuss what we’ve heard today. That’s all.”
Toltan gathered a hunting party without many words to anyone. Rajor tried to join them despite Martol’s warning, but Lonate’s fangs, sharp enough to draw blood this time, put an end to it. Rajor found a spot to be alone and sulk, too hurt in one form or another to bother anyone. Thank you, Wolfor, I thought. The last thing I needed was another fight.
Not that I could relax either. I could sense tension from every adult, particularly Lonate and Solas, like some kind of black cloud coating their fur. Their scents felt thicker, harder, like I was breathing dirt or water instead of a smell. It turned parts of my insides in a way I had never felt before. The only feeling that came close was when Toltan, Martol, or Lonate were angry, and I wasn’t sure if they were mad at me or not. Much like those times, I found myself watching them for some sign of what to do. Solas spent the day talking with the other high-ranking wolves, while Lonate sat on top of the hillside, watching the forest as if something might jump out and bite him.
That more than anything kept me from joining the other pups as they filled their time with playful roughhousing. Lonate had always been so controlled, almost an alpha himself in his own way. Now he seemed more like an omega, utterly subordinate to something only he could see. As much as I wanted to understand it, I didn’t bother trying to ask him, or anyone else for that matter. After all, I was still a pup to them. Until that changed, I wasn’t going to get answers or freedom. That left me with nothing to do except enjoy the soft glow of a half-moon as it rose in the sky. While not as calming as the glow of a full moon, right now, even a tiny bit was welcome.
It proved to be more calming than expected, as I found the tension falling away. The silver of my hackles caught just enough light to reflect, making them appear to glow. I never could tell if they really were glowing, or if it was just the reflection. I only knew that when they did, I was able to relax in a way different than any other. My nerves and frustrations hadn’t left, I was just too far away for them to reach me.
It had been that way since the first time we were allowed to leave the den. While my siblings had gotten lost in the scents on the wind and the vast open space we had only heard about, the full moon had called to me. My hackles, with the same “silver sheen” then as now, began to glow, and somehow, it relaxed me. More than that, at the time, I felt safe, protected, though I still didn’t understand how.
My name came from the same source. Lonate had seen my fixation, and mentioned “Luna,” the eternal forest where wolves go after death, and the only territory we had a name for. It is said this forest resides on the moon and is watched over by Wolfor, the great alpha wolf that created us. We call ourselves “wolf” to honor him, and according to Toltan, though Wolfor lives in this “Luna,” he still watches over us, at times guiding and even helping us when we need it most. Martol and Toltan thought Wolfor’s dwelling called to me, so they gave me the same name in honor of it, and him.
I sometimes wondered if any of it were true, but there was no doubt that something about the glow of the moon seemed to put me at ease. Martol said it was proof of Wolfor’s blessing, Rajor mocked me for it every chance he got, while Jinta playfully teased that I had been born with a dash of Wolfor’s home in my fur. Whatever the reason, I only cared that right now, it meant a moment of peace was not hard to find.
That peace ended when I heard the hunting party return with a kill. The meat was distributed among the pack, with some going into the den for Carfen. The hunting party gave us older pups a share as well, some of it nice and fresh, instead of regurgitated like we usually got. At least something had changed with our age.
I ate my share quickly, not wanting to miss anything that might happen in the meantime. My reward was catching Rajor heading to steal Calon’s share. Calon’s fur was an almost solid pelt of smooth silver, except for his back, where it became a darker gray, and a lighter underside. Every strand was soft and relaxed. He was unaware of the brother moving to steal part of his meal.
Before Rajor could get there, I snuck up behind him and snarled right at his tail. While hardly menacing like the adults, it still accomplished my goal. Rajor snapped around to face me, ears and fur on end like he might leap out of his skin. Calon jerked too, but when he looked back to see me, he gave a growl of his own. When he did, Rajor turned to him, then back to me, then at last, Rajor’s ears fell.
“Better,” I said. “Now go back to your own share.”
“And what if I don’t, Mister Silver Sheen?” Rajor said in a mocking tone. “Are you going to pin me again?”
I bared my teeth. “I just might.”
“Careful. Remember what Father—”
“Toltan! We are to use his name now, remember?”
Rajor’s ears fell further, then they raised with what little pride he had left. His tucked tail betrayed the truth. “He told us that wolves don’t kill their own young before they see their first winter. It’s a law passed down from Wolfor himself. So I don’t have to be afraid of you.”
Don’t be so sure. “Who said I would kill you? I’ve pinned you before. What’s to stop me from doing it again?”
Rajor tried to find an insult. I could see his lips searching for the right words. I deepened my growl, at least as much as a pup can, and he finally lowered his ears.
“Someday, I’ll be alpha,” Rajor said. “You’ll see. I’ll lead this pack, then I’ll put you in your place.”
“You’ll have to beat me first,” I said, still growling.
“I will. By Wolfor, I swear, I will be alpha.”
I huffed as he left. That’ll be the day.
I turned to reassure Calon that I would defend him, only to find that instead of his growl fading, if anything, it had grown louder. His glare was locked on me, as if he could bite me with his eyes.
“What?” I said.
“I could have handled him!” he said. “I didn’t need you.”
You’re welcome. “It doesn’t matter if you did or not. I’m not going to let him—”
“I can fight my ow
n battles! I’m the big brother. I don’t need you to defend me.”
I think that stick up his tail went deeper. It first appeared when Martol mentioned that he was the first to be born. Ever since, Calon had touted himself as our “big brother” despite being smaller than all of us. Even Rajor was talking about pinning him for his own good, and I now wondered if I should let him. Maybe he could knock Calon back where he belongs, or create a situation where Rajor’s focus would shift to him instead of me. I’d be happy with either outcome.
I left Calon to his meal, perking my ears when I saw Toltan taking meat up to Lonate. With most of the adults talking, or transfixed by some rough play that might be too rough, I was able to sneak close enough to the hillside to hear their conversation. With any luck, I could avoid being run off before I got some idea of what had the adults so nervous.
“Come on, Lonate,” Toltan said. “You have to eat.”
“I can’t,” Lonate said.
“Why? You feel sick? Were you bitten by something?”
“It’s the past. Something I thought I’d left behind.”
“What are you talking about? What does the past have to do with—”
“Toltan, Lonate,” Martol called. “Come down here. It’s time we talked to the pack.”
Toltan growled annoyance, and so did I. So much for getting answers. If anything, I’d only gained more questions. What could Lonate have “left behind” that would have him so nervous? Somewhere in the back of my mind, there was the question of how worried I needed to be, but mostly, I was just confused. And the lack of answers was starting to prick at my nerves, because I didn’t know what was going on or how I needed to react to it.
Lonate turned down the hill without his meal, which seemed to draw another growl from Toltan. He carried Lonate’s share down, stopped in front of him, and dropped it at his paws. Toltan’s fur rose, until Lonate looked at the meat like he might throw up.
Once Toltan noticed it, he continued glaring, but somehow softer, and without his fur rising. “You will eat that, or I will stand here and watch you rot.”
Lonate’s ears and head fell, but Toltan didn’t flinch or change. He continued to stare at Lonate as if he could will him to eat. Eventually, Lonate sighed and dug into his share. I had to join the other pups before I saw him finish it, though he soon rejoined the pack, licking his lips. I still had my ears bouncing between him and Toltan. Lonate for whatever “past” he was talking about, Toltan as he talked with the higher ranked adults a short distance away. All this because of some thunder?
I didn’t get to think about it before Toltan and the others returned to the pack. Everyone perked their ears forward as Martol stepped out to speak.
"By now, you have all heard the odd sounds in the forest,” she said. “I’m sure many of you remember hearing it before. We believe it is not thunder. Old legends told of great creatures that could kill from long distances. It was said, when they killed, a sound like thunder could be heard far away. The birds’ call has confirmed that there is something to fear out there. Therefore, new rules are being imposed.”
Toltan’s ears kept shifting as he stood beside his mate. “No hunting group shall be smaller than five wolves. Pups shall be guarded by two wolves per litter. If a smell of smoke is found, the pack must be informed without fail. If anything besides a bird is seen with two legs, you will give a howl of warning. Thunder sounds shall be treated with great caution. Any questions?"
One adult said, "What do we do if we find one of these things?"
"Avoid them. They may or may not be as dangerous as legend tells.”
Another adult asked, “Is it the same legend Mouler talked about? Is it real and out there, hunting in our forest?”
Toltan hesitated and cringed in pain, much like Lonate did some time ago. Unlike Lonate, his lasted only a moment. “I don’t know. I pray to Wolfor it isn’t.”
I couldn’t stop the question. "Will hunting lessons be affected?"
Toltan’s ears and voice turned hard. “Still showing initiative, I see.”
Might as well keep going. “It’s a valid question, isn’t it?”
“You’re right, it is. The answer is no. We’ll just be more careful. Anything else?” The pack replied with silence and backward-ticking ears. “Very well. It’s been a long day for many of us. I suggest we remain here for now, try to get some rest. Conditions permitting, we’ll take the older pups out for some hunting lessons when daylight returns. That is all.”
The pack scattered, many talking about the new rules. Lonate made a point to walk beside me. “You continue to impress me, Luna. Not many pups would follow up on such a question. I can’t wait to see what kind of adult you’ll become.”
My ears fell in blush. I couldn’t even manage a thank you because I didn’t see anything special about what I did. It seemed like a valid question, especially if it meant it would take even longer for us to prove ourselves. With the adults all worrying about this strange thunder, I didn’t want us pups to be lost in it, so I spoke up. That didn’t mean I deserved any credit for it, though I must admit, receiving it did feel pretty good.
I tried to find words, but by the time they came, my ear turned toward Calon as he started muttering.
“‘So impressive, Luna. You’re amazing, Luna. Can’t wait to see what you do, Luna.’ Might as well be Wolfor’s son or something.”
What’s wrong with him? Being mad at me for “not letting him fight his battles” was one thing. This was sending a chill down my back. It was as if some part of me knew something the rest didn’t. Part of me wanted to ignore it, while another said to watch and listen, just in case something came of it. One Rajor was bad enough. Having a second would make my life unbearable.
Chapter 2
MY PAWS MOVED CAREFULLY, not making a sound as I emerged from the brush. Eyes watched me, but not the ones I had to worry about. Those eyes were focused on whatever Jinta was chewing on in the middle of the meeting area. I couldn’t quite see it because Lonate lying between us obscured much of Jinta. I could see enough of her to admire her changing pelt. She was becoming a white-gray mix, with most of the gray on her head, neck, and back, as if someone had sprinkled it there. Her tail had also developed a black tip larger than even the adults.
I had a feeling she would become an impressive adult someday, but for now, all that mattered was that neither fur nor ear suggested she knew I was there. Her focus on her chewing gave me the freedom to slink forward, unheard and unseen, wondering just how close I could get. My only concern was how Lonate would react. I would have to go past him for the pounce, and even if Lonate didn’t react at first, once I attacked, my little game could turn unpleasant very quickly. Even so, I pressed forward, enjoying the hunt, even if I’d never get to make the “kill.”
As I got closer, one of Lonate’s ears turned my way, followed by his eyes. I went stone still, except for my ears, which perked forward. They waited to receive whatever reprimand or warning Lonate gave. Except, instead of either one, Lonate ticked his ears forward at me. I didn’t understand what it meant until Lonate turned his head back around without a word. He’s giving me permission!
Energized by this, I flowed fast and fluid, paws moving without thought. I risked using Lonate for cover, which the den guard ignored, suggesting he didn’t mind. I peeked around my cover to check on my prey, seeing now that it was a small bone she was still chewing on. Must have come from the last kill. I didn’t think we’d come away with such a piece, but now that I saw that we had, I decided the bone would be my prize, at least at first. I’d tease her with it a little while, have some fun, then give it back.
I tucked close against Lonate’s rump to maintain as much cover as possible before my pounce. Jinta was still chewing on her bone, and she had turned so she was now facing away from me. She’ll never see me coming. I crouched, sinking bit by bit as I prepared for my strike.
Once ready, the tension was unleashed all at once. I sprinted straight toward her,
almost running over another pup tucked against Lonate. By the time she heard me, it was too late. I latched onto her scruff and pulled her onto her side before she knew what hit her. Jinta rolled onto her back, giving a full puppy growl as she tried to paw me away. I growled as well as I fought off every paw to get through. When I went for her neck, Jinta tried to block with her muzzle, but I pushed around and past it to plant my jaws on her throat. Though her growl was as loud as us pups could manage, she only tugged a little. I gave a soft compression of my jaws, then lifted my head and tail in triumph.
“Killed you!” I said. I stepped off of her, going for the bone. “I guess that makes this mine.”
Jinta rolled onto her paws with a renewed glare. “Hey, that’s mine! Filinsit gave that to me from our kill.”
“And I killed you. That means it’s mine.”
I snatched the bone up in my jaws and walked away with my tail in the air, signaling my place as alpha. I waited for a playful growl or more protests of the same from my sister. What I got was a very real whimper, which stopped me cold. Such games usually went on past the “kill,” but this time, Jinta sounded disappointed for real. It caused an ache in my heart that drew a sigh through the bone in my mouth. So much for the fun.
I turned around and dropped the bone in front of her head, which had sunk onto her paws.
“I wasn’t going to keep it,” I said. “Besides, I killed you anyway. I don’t need a bone.”
Jinta lifted her head, but her ears weren’t all the way forward. I had seen the posture before, when Toltan was disciplining an adult. She was seeking permission to stand. While I liked the respect, I didn’t like the fear. Not from her.
“Go on, little sister,” I said. “I’ll get my own later.”
