Annia shook her head. A few of the ladies had traveled into a deeper part of the Muted Forest, into the Dred Wulfs’ territory. They searched for a location that the stars had foretold we would one day need. The Dred Wulfs, mutated wolves with three layers of razor sharp teeth and a thirst for blood, wouldn’t make this trip easy for the ladies I had sent. I trusted them to fight off any monsters the forest presented, and I continued to trust the stars to keep them safe.
“They should be back soon. We will give them a few more days before we send any others,” I said, and Annia agreed.
The sun wasn’t even up yet. The forest looked dark and ominous as we arrived at the edge of our territory. The smell of spring blooms was all around me, a new beginning that felt unsettling given the life we had just lost. We all had jobs and duties within our tribe, and I had always been the hunter. It wasn’t that no one else could do this job. I just preferred the silence and time alone. All the Ladies of the Muted Forest were trained in everything: hunting, fighting, stealth, and tracking…we could do it all. We thrived in this forest and this lifestyle. We were warriors.
“I will return in two days,” I said. Annia gave me a sharp nod before I sprinted away from our home. Away from my daughter.
Once I was far enough away for even Annia to not hear me, I dropped to my knees, letting the dirt, snow, and cold to seep into me. I wept. I wept for my daughter and for her unborn child. I wept because I couldn’t do it in her presence, but that didn’t disguise the pain. I stayed there for some time, allowing myself to mourn, even if only briefly.
The forest was home to many creatures, including several that had been transformed by the nuclear war that destroyed most of the planet Earth years ago. None, though, had changed as much as the Dred Wulf. They were pack hunters, though they often traveled alone, sending out scouts to find fresh meat before the rest converged on the kill. For that reason, I didn’t travel into the forest without more at least few weapons at my side.
Daytime was the safest to travel. The Wulfs’ vision was meant for the dark of night, not day, leaving us safe to move while the sun still shone. But when darkness settled in the forest, the monsters would come out of the shadows and hunt.
I sought not only food but self-reflection. I wondered why the stars had allowed Avery to lose the child, why they had sent me away when I was needed at home. Even while I hunted, I was close enough to our territory that anyone could get word to me if I was needed back, but in Cytos I had been almost impossible to reach. I felt like I had abandoned my daughter, and the guilt pained me.
A couple hours passed before I tracked a few small animals, killing them with my bow. I didn’t waste time cleaning them then and there. Instead, I wrapped them in a cloth before digging a deep hole in the still frozen ground. I placed the fresh kill in the dirt, covering it once again with snow. I marked the tree it sat under and memorized the trail so I’d find it again once this trip was complete.
I came across the tracks of a large animal, a buck or doe from the looks of it. However, the tracks were at least a day old, and by nightfall, I hadn’t caught up with it. As the forest grew dark and quiet, I climbed to the top of a tall tree, securing myself to a strong branch. I notched my bow and arrow. A tall thick tree would be my hideout for the night, though I was unlikely to get any sleep. I waited for my ever-present predator to arrive.
It didn’t take long for the Dred Wulf to make its appearance. Though there was only one, I had become familiar with the Wulf who had caught onto my scent. Below me was the alpha. I was able to stay tucked in the tree while the alpha circled below. It had caught my scent only, having not seen where I hid within the shadows, covered in pine, maple, and snow. But this alpha was smart, and I would soon be discovered if I stayed too long.
While atop the tall tree, I moved with stealth and precision. I bounded from one tree to the next, not making a sound. I hardly even breathed as I positioned myself farther away until I knew I was out of the alpha’s grasp.
I didn’t sleep until the sun rose the next morning and the Dred Wulf was gone. I allowed myself only two hours of sleep before I rose again to continue my hunt.
I caught several rabbits and a few squirrels while I continued searching for the tracks of the doe. I still hadn’t caught up to it, but I knew the signs to watch. I was patient enough to wait for them.
I moved through the deep snow, reaching the river’s edge. The rapids were fierce as the snow had melted. Spring would be soon upon us. I sat on the edge of the riverbank, tucked behind the snowdrift and a large rock. I waited for my prey to show itself.
It was nearly dusk when the doe emerged, stepping tentatively from the forest toward the rushing water. Its ears and its nose twitched, surveying the area. I was downwind and hidden, and the doe didn’t sense me. Satisfied it was alone, it lowered its head to the water and drank.
Silently, I nocked my bow with an arrow, and I squared my shoulder to the doe. I took a deep breath in, ready to let the arrow fly.
Just as my fingers quaked to release, a shadow stepped from the forest. Lowering my bow, I tucked myself back around the snowdrift.
Soft hooves stumbled across the snow. The baby fawn stepped toward its mother and drank from the water.
Returning my arrow to the quiver on my back, I resigned to leave the doe and her baby alone. I wouldn’t take a mother away from a child, even if it meant returning to my tribe mostly empty-handed.
As the doe and her baby disappeared into the forest, I stood on tired legs. The sun was setting, and my time spent here had been foolish.
I only took two steps toward the forest before I saw two glowing yellow eyes staring back at me.
The Dred Wulf alpha let out a low growl.
I ran.
Chapter Three
I weaved through small trees and bushes, gliding between the shrubs, roots, and dense snow as I hoped to outpace the alpha. Unfortunately, it was just as quick as me and equally prepared.
Never breaking stride, I reached behind to pull out an arrow, notching and readying it to fire in an instant. Ahead of me loomed a steep bank of rocks, and I ran full force toward them. I felt the alpha at my back, its rank breath tickling my neck. The smell of blood and death coated it.
I reached the bank of rocks but didn’t stop. Planting one foot against the rock, I ran up the side of the steep cliff and flipped backward over the Wulf. Though it was quick, I was fast enough to shoot an arrow deep into its back before landing softly behind it. It roared again, skidding to a stop before the bank of rocks I had just bounded off.
Another arrow dug into its hind leg before I tore off in the other direction. I tried to steady my breath as panic threatened to take hold. I hoped this small trick would slow it up.
It didn’t.
The alpha was swiftly behind me, and its claws sliced deep into the snow. I only got two more strides before it was on me. The wind rushed from my lungs, the Wulf hitting me hard from behind. We both tumbled into the snow.
My hunting knife was in my hand before I had finished turning. I was low in my stance, preparing for the attack. Stars danced in the corner of my eyes, but I blinked them away. The smell of dirt and the tang of blood from both the Wulf and myself filled the air. I didn’t let the pain settle in. I didn’t let the fear take hold.
The alpha’s eyes glowered at me, rattling a low growl from deep within its chest. It circled me, but I held my stance, eyes locked on my enemy. It swiped once with its paw, gauging my speed and distance. I stepped back as I avoided the sharp claw.
I watched as the alpha planted its hind legs, ready to pounce. I felt the subtle movement before it even released a breath. I attacked first, digging my hunting knife deep into its shoulder. I spun around just as a claw grazed my cheek, and hot blood began to spill out.
I pulled at the knife embedded in the alpha’s strong shoulder, but the large Wulf was smart and quick. It spun away from me, taking the hunting knife with it.
I reached for an arrow at my b
ack, grasping for anything I could use as a weapon. Another knife was hidden in my boot, but I was unable to reach it. The alpha chose that moment to pounce, and it pinned me down. I twisted against its heavy body and jabbed my arrow into its front paw, heavy on my shoulder, but the alpha didn’t move. It had me exactly where it wanted me.
As the alpha narrowed its eyes on me, a wicked-looking snarl lifted at the corners of its mouth, revealing three layers of sharp teeth. I pushed against the weight but to no avail.
I closed my eyes with one last silent prayer to the stars.
The sound of an arrow gliding through the air was the answer I had hoped for.
The fierce roar from the alpha told me the arrow had hit its mark. Another followed.
The alpha jumped back, releasing me from its grasp just enough that I crawled away, feeling broken ribs and a dislocated shoulder under my cloak.
Behind me, my savior let loose another arrow before the alpha finally turned and sprinted away.
The sound of shoes crunching over deep snow sounded and then came soft hands lifting me to my feet. A strong shoulder rested under my own as I let my rescuer take the weight of my body.
“Aelish, leader, are you okay?” The voice to my right spoke. Malia, one of the Ladies of the Muted Forest, wiped a hand across my cheek where blood still trickled.
“I am, now that you are here.” I smiled weakly.
“We must get you back with haste,” another lady said as she wrapped her arm around my waist tighter and moved me toward our village.
I met her gaze. “Misha, I am glad to see you and your sister are well.” Malia’s hand squeezed mine as she let her sister support my weak body. She led the way, keeping a keen eye out for the Dred Wulf.
“We are well, leader, and quite lucky to have come upon you when we did,” Misha said, her voice hushed against the quiet forest. “We were just returning from our mission in the Dred Wulfs’ territory when we saw a doe sprinting from the river bank. We knew something was not right.”
I smiled at the irony that the doe I had almost killed had become the reason I lived. “Lucky indeed,” I said. “And what of the mission I sent you on? Successful, I presume?”
Malia slowed her pace as she glanced over her shoulder at her sister. An unspoken conversation took place before Misha answered, “Yes, my leader. I do believe it was a success. We found a clearing surrounded by large thornbushes as you instructed. And inside we built the hut as you asked.”
Though her words were strong and sure, Malia’s shoulders tensed.
“And what is it that concerns you?” I asked.
Malia turned to face me. Her sleek black hair pulled away from her face, revealing her smooth dark complexion and piercing brown eyes. She was the identical match to the sister holding me up. “Leader—Aelish, we do not feel it is safe for you to ever stay there. The Dred Wulfs were present every night and knew we were there. It is only a matter of time before they break through.”
I considered this for a moment. “How tall were the thornbushes?”
“To my chin,” Malia answered.
“And the thorns, how sharp were they?” I asked.
Misha sighed. “Sharp enough to slice through skin and bone.”
I nodded. A smile filled my face as I watched the two sisters exchange a knowing look. Though they wouldn’t admit it, they knew to not question me or my plans.
“By the time I arrive, the thornbushes will have doubled in size. The thorns sharper and longer than they are now,” I said. “The stars would not call me to a place where I am neither needed nor protected. You must learn to trust them more.”
Malia dropped her head, ashamed. “Yes, leader. I am sorry to question you.”
I gave her a comforting smile. “I would never fault you for looking out for me, but as you have seen today, the stars know what they are doing. Trust them.”
Malia nodded before she turned back around, and I felt Misha’s grip tightened reassuringly around my waist.
We were silent the rest of the way back, and I thanked the stars once again for the protection and wisdom they had always given me.
Chapter Four
Three years was how long it took the stars to answer my prayers. Each night I had prayed for another miracle, and it finally happened. It was the peak of springtime, and Avery was once again with child. We took every precaution necessary to see a healthy baby born. Even though the stars revealed little to me, I felt them whisper a promise to me when I was near Avery and the baby still inside her belly. I knew this time they would keep them both safe.
With less than a month to go, we waited to find out if the baby Avery carried would be a boy or a girl. If the baby was a boy, then Avery would travel to Canvas Mountain where she would live with the Mountain Men until the baby was old enough to be without his mother, at which time she would return to the forest, and the father, Vernon, would care for him. If it was a girl, then Avery would stay, and we would take care of the baby as a tribe.
It was dark when I returned to the tribe. I had been gone for three days, hunting for food during the warm spring weather. I returned with many types of meat, which were quickly tended to in the cooking tent, but it pained me to leave Avery alone as I had last time. I hadn’t forgotten my encounter with the alpha, nor had it forgotten me. But we had not yet met again in the many times I went out hunting.
I brushed the pine leaves from my cloak as I entered behind Avery into her tent. The back of her neck was coated with perspiration. Though I had warned her many times, she continued her daily routine of training and teaching.
“You should be resting, not working up a sweat,” I chided.
“Yes, mother. I will rest.” She rolled her eyes, sipping the tea Annia poured for her. She turned her attention back to the question she had already asked many times. “When will you go?”
“I leave tomorrow,” I said. The stars had called me on another mission, and I had put it off long enough. The burning inside of me hurt my head, and I knew it was time to leave. The stars demanded it, even if I couldn’t find the will to leave my daughter’s side once again. “I will only be gone for two days. I will return as quick as I can.”
Avery nodded, knowing Annia was listening from the other corner of the tent. “I will keep busy while I wait, and I will ensure we are ready for all things, should your return be delayed,” Avery said. Her voice quivered. I knew my daughter well enough to know the unspoken worry she felt at the thought she might not see her baby, but she stayed strong. As did I. “Should I be packing for a trip to the mountains now? Or will that not happen?” Avery asked.
“You know to not ask me such things.” I avoided the question. Avery knew better than anyone I couldn’t relay any information the stars may have given me about this child.
“I know, mother. I just wonder if you might have any advice on what I must do—what we must do.” Avery’s head drooped. She blamed herself for losing her first child, and I felt the weight heavy on her.
Annia was the first to respond, her swift hand movements matching her rolled eyes as she signed, The Mountain Men have much warm clothing should you travel there and stay into winter, child.
Avery tilted her head. “You know, once this baby is born, you will no longer be able to call me child. I will be a mother soon.”
I chuckled at the usual argument Avery and Annia had, glad that the heaviness had lifted. I could always count on Annia to settle her. Avery was my only daughter, and though she wasn’t that young, she was still seen as a child to both me and Annia, my youngest sister. We had raised Avery together, and I think Annia would always see Avery as a child, always seeking to protect her.
Annia signed as much, and I heard Avery toss a pillow at her smirking face.
“I will leave you to sleep,” I said, hiding my yawn from a few sleepless nights. I kissed Avery on the head before moving to exit the tent. “I will see you in the morning before I leave.” Annia followed close behind me.
The warm spr
ing air hit me with the smell of flowers and the threat of rain. I let my lungs take in the refreshing aroma that settled my spirit with each breath.
“Thank you, sister. I can always trust you to take care of the tribe when I am away,” I said as I entered my tent. I sat and removed my boots.
She rested a hand on my shoulder, giving it a little squeeze as she smiled.
“This will not be the last mission I go on. There is something stirring in the cities beyond our forest. It is coming soon. This next mission will keep me away longer than any other has. When that time comes, I will rely on you not only to take care of this tribe but to take care of our future baby girl.”
Annia’s eyes widened. I hadn’t revealed the gender of the baby to Avery or anyone else, though the stars had told me. I required Annia to understand her importance as my second-in-command; not only for the ladies but for the future of our tribe. Avery’s baby would be the first child born in over twenty years. A miracle, we will call her. The last two children born were both males. Vance was the son of the leader of the Mountain Men, Viktor. He was the younger of our two tribes. He was already twenty-two years of age.
“But that is for another time. Now I need some rest.”
Annia nodded and took her leave. I curled under the blankets and drifted off for a long, much needed rest.
The next day, I would leave for Kuros, another city on the edge of our forest. This mission was important, though I didn’t know what it would mean. I trusted in the stars to keep my daughter safe while I was away, and I held onto that as I drifted to sleep.
Training was important for all tribe members, myself included. Even though my body was fatigued and I could have stayed in bed much longer, I woke up at the first sign of light. The air was cool and smelled of fresh dew across the grass and leaves. The moon said goodbye as the sun peeked through the trees. I stood, facing the other ladies of the tribe at the center of our grouped tents.
Untold: The Complete Watcher Series Mini Novellas (Watcher #4) Page 14
