by Jane H Wood
Glyth and Kegg were oblivious to the unrest that surrounded them and were playing happily with their siblings outside their den. Frez watched them until his eyes started to close, and he began to doze.
The high-pitched sounds of excitement woke him. Lazily he opened one eye, observing the scuffling, tumbling bodies a few yards away. He blinked and lifted his head, aroused by the sounds. The pups were engaged in a boisterous play-fight, with Kegg in the middle of the surging bodies, struggling to pull himself free.
A gentle breeze picked up a few fallen yellow hairs and carried them towards Frez, landing on the ground just inches from him. Casually he leaned forward and sniffed the hairs, then stared at them, astounded by their colour; and a memory of something long past struggled to surface in his sleepy brain.
Kegg was panting hard and sidled out of the way. Skeena was playing too roughly, her strength on occasions hurting him because he was still the smallest in the litter. Glyth felt a strong allegiance towards his brother; sharing the same abnormality had forged a special bond between them. The pair drifted away for a break. Tuke pounced on Skeena’s back and the excited yelps resumed as the game continued.
Frez turned his attention to the young brothers, now sitting quietly on a mound of earth, their focus fixed towards the mountains in the west. He lifted his head, curious, wondering what they were watching so purposefully. Is there some reason why the pair is so drawn to the mountain range? he thought. Because this wasn’t the first time he’d observed them doing so.
Then the same strange feeling fluttered through his mind, making him sit up. His gaze landed on the pair, heads together, whispering in deep conversation about something. Puzzled, Frez shifted his position but still couldn’t make out what they were saying. Finally his inquisitive nature got the better of him, and he wandered across the grass and flopped down beside them.
Kegg turned expectantly. ‘Hello Uncle Frez. Are you all right?’ he asked, tilting his head on one side, surveying his uncle.
The old wolf smiled, for both pups had the same gentle expression, the same kind eyes. But before he could reply, a gust of wind blew through the trees and swirled around the three of them sitting there. The pups’ ears lifted in the breeze, sending their yellow hairs fluttering wildly around their faces. The incident startled him, although he didn’t understand why. It was then that the elusive memory stirred in his befuddled brain, vague but insistent, struggling to surface. A mere fragment, paper-thin and fragile, held a vision of his mother, her kind face looking down at him with concern when he was just a puppy. It was all too brief, and she faded away before he could grasp its meaning. His memories were muddled, and it bothered him. He waved them away irritably, allowing his good sense to prevail, because instinctively he knew that these two young wolves were special.
‘Yes, I’m fine, young Kegg; just getting old, that’s all,’ replied Frez. ‘But what are you both up to, out here in the open?’
Kegg looked at his brother, and Glyth gave a small nod of consent.
‘Um… well,’ he began hesitantly, ‘we… we were looking at the distant mountains. The sound is coming from there and, well, it frightens us, Uncle Frez… Do you hear it too?’
The kindly old wolf thought for a moment. There had been a loud penetrating sound months ago, a strange almost indescribable sound. He remembered how frightened he’d been at the time, and he now gazed at the mountain range again.
‘There is a faint noise, like the wind moaning,’ he paused, tilting his head, hoping to catch the sound more clearly. ‘The tone is constant, which is unusual, but nothing to be frightened about,’ assured Frez, trying to comfort them.
The brothers stared at each other, disappointment radiating from their faces, amazed that their uncle couldn’t hear what they could hear.
‘When do you think Father will lead us away from here?’ asked Glyth slowly. Then added almost hopefully, ‘Maybe the humans will return again, forcing us to leave.’
‘The humans won’t come back for a while, but you never know for sure. We must all stay alert and be vigilant, for our kind are hated. We will move only when all the pack can move, for great distances will be required and strength needed to do so.’
The young wolves looked at each other and a silent exchange passed between them. They knew what their uncle meant. It was their fault, the four of them, incapable of completing such an onerous journey.
Mira had been watching them from her comfy position on the grass several yards away. She appeared unconcerned as she lazed in the dappled light cast by the nearby trees. Frez pulled himself up on his old paws and made his weary way over to her. She inclined her head in respect, watching him settle, facing her.
‘I’m worried, Frez,’ she said, with a hint of desperation in her voice. ‘My sons, those strange-coloured hairs on their ears… Maybe they’re ill and the disease will spread all over their bodies… What can we do?’ she pleaded, noticing the old wolf had lowered his head as though deep in thought. She waited for him to consider what she had said. But, getting no response, her impatience got the better of her, and she ploughed on, her voice lifting at the injustice of it all.
‘The pack are beginning to question Joel’s authority and his reluctance to move from here. They are saying he’s weak. Can you believe it? After everything he’s done for them… The pack is frightened, Frez. Fearful of our two sons just because their appearance is a little different. And now, this… this unnecessary aggression… I don’t know how much longer Joel can maintain order.’
‘Mira, you are strong and gentle, and Joel is a fearless and wise leader. I don’t know what will happen. But I do know this, Mira – your sons will need your protection,’ Frez replied, returning his gaze to the mound of earth where Kegg and Glyth still sat, whispering again, their backs turned towards them. Mira’s eyes widened in alarm, mystified by the meaning of the old wolf’s words.
‘Let me explain,’ he said, facing Mira again, and he shifted himself into a more comfortable position before he began. ‘Long, long ago, tales were told to every young wolf born… Perhaps they are not believed or spoken of anymore. It’s been so long… They spoke of ancient legends concerning myths revolving around wolf lore… I can’t remember exactly, and I’ve been trying to recall the stories. Anyway, my mother spoke of a special wolf or wolves…’ Frez hesitated. ‘She said their coming would change everything in our world… I don’t know how… But I do know this, Mira – they are special, so cherish them.’
Joel had wandered away from their secluded den and taken a familiar trail that led to the northern fringe of the forest. He needed to be alone to think.
What struck him was the emptiness of the wilderness, beautiful as always but strangely void of life. He scanned the pasturelands in front of him, where normally herds of elk, deer and bison grazed at this time of year. But none were roaming there, nor in the forests, or indeed on the flat plains to the north and west.
He knew hunger was posing a serious problem, although that alone wasn’t the reason for the growing unrest within the pack. Turning away he trotted back to the den, none the wiser after his surveillance of their now deserted lands.
The pack were waiting for him, assembled as though they had come to a decision. Joel stood firm, listening as the same argument to leave was reiterated.
‘The herds will return,’ Joel growled in response, trying hard to keep his tone level. ‘There are signs of bears in the forests, so why shouldn’t the herds return too?’ He paused, looking at their sullen faces. ‘Besides, the pups aren’t strong enough for such a journey, and the hunters are everywhere. Here we are safe, hidden within the dense cover of trees and undergrowth!’ insisted Joel defensively, finishing yet another tense argument. The wolves didn’t answer, instead turning their backs, excluding him while they debated the situation.
Joel waited for them to come to a decision and lifted his head assuming a posture that
befitted his status, with tail held high and his gaze steady. They annoyed him, but it was vital he maintain the hierarchy even though his authority was being undermined.
He stared at Dupeena, pacing restlessly just three yards in front of him. Her eyes swivelled away under his gaze, though her facial expression portrayed her displeasure at his decision to remain.
Frustrated, Joel let out a low growl as he monitored the situation, noting each wolf pacing back and forth, their eyes flitting momentarily in his direction.
He’d been afraid it would come to this.
‘We are strong!’ he growled. ‘Hold together, for stamina and endurance are what make us wolves. We can hunt, follow the herds for the sake of the pups.’
The disturbance had travelled to Tuke who was playing with his siblings among a welter of fallen trees and shrubs. The pack appeared to be in deep conversation with his father, and he could hear a low growling emanating from a few individuals. The knowledge made him feel nervous, and he quickly darted into the tall wispy grasses and crouched down, swivelling his ears trying to catch their voices.
His attention was drawn to the two mid-ranking females, Dupeena and Silver, and the omega male Borrin; each stood brazenly in front of his father. He turned to look at Frez, and the elderly wolf Mace, and Lantern, wondering why they were standing further back, though their eyes remained unwaveringly on his father. It was clear the pack was split, and some kind of argument was erupting.
He now felt frightened and puzzled at the same time.
‘What’s going on over there?’ asked Kegg, joining his brother and popping his head up through the long grasses to get a better view. It didn’t seem right to him. Everyone was agitated. He glanced at Brack standing to one side, his expression showing wide-eyed alarm yet also a certain reluctance to help his leader. Instinct told him his father was in danger, and therefore he and his siblings were in danger too.
‘Quick, hide!’ called Kegg, letting out a high-pitched yelp of alarm. The four pups scrambled behind the tumbled trees and peered between the buckled branches.
Joel was trying to be diplomatic and avoid a fight at all costs, while keeping a hold of his temper, but the longer the discussions continued the more impossible the task of maintaining self-restraint. Seething, he listened to their disparaging remarks concerning his questionable leadership. Soon his position as leader would become untenable, and if all else failed and physical violence erupted… he was in no doubt that it would end badly for himself, and his family.
The atmosphere stilled as an old wolf stepped forward. It was Frez; although past his prime he was an experienced and reliable member; Joel valued his opinion and allowed him to approach.
‘Joel, I think I know why our prey has left here and, well…’ he hesitated, unnerved by the aggression now focused on himself as the three troublemakers faced him.
Frez swallowed and licked his mouth, and his stature seemed to shrink before their gaze. He cleared his throat and continued bravely.
‘Well, maybe the strange sound that’s permanently on the air is the main reason the herds have disappeared from our lands. Kegg told me that he can hear it, and there’s an ominous disturbance here too! Something is not right. It’s a bad omen, Joel…! Perhaps, if we move from here…’ said Frez, his weak voice trailing away. He licked his mouth again, before backing away to stand next to Lantern and Mace.
Dupeena faced Joel and spoke, her voice strong and clear.
‘What Frez is trying to say is that since the pups were born this bad feeling has stayed in the air. The herds are frightened too and are leaving here. We feel the only course of action is to kill the disfigured pups, then things will return to normal. To keep them alive will only serve to sully our species; it’s only right to…’
The old wolf stepped forward, his voice loud and tremulous. ‘No!’ Frez yelped, completely outraged by her suggestion.
Joel fixed his attention firmly on Dupeena and took a menacing step towards her.
‘No one goes near my family,’ he growled. ‘I’ll kill the first wolf who tries to harm any of the pups!’ He was poised ready to attack, staring into the faces of his once loyal friends.
‘Perhaps we should leave this place, my leader,’ interjected Brack, speaking for the first time.
Joel turned sharply, and a pained look of disappointment flickered across his face, for it was obvious the beta wolf had made his choice, standing resolutely at the back of the pack.
‘No! That’s not the answer, Brack!’ yelped Dupeena aggressively, turning on him. ‘It’s the pups; it must be. The evidence clearly points to them because all these strange unexplained events began when they were born. We can’t survive like this, Joel. You must act!’ she finished, and backed up a couple of paces, but her eyes didn’t leave Joel’s face.
Silver and Borrin crept closer, affirming their allegiance towards the female. Whereas, standing, making no attempt to intervene, were Brack, Lantern, Mace and Frez.
The traitors! Joel thought, as hatred swelled in his heart.
The lone wolf had returned that morning, sensing the time had come. He watched, satisfied that their anger had escalated to this level. The outcome was uncertain for the alpha male. He crept closer.
With sly eyes he gazed into the clearing; the pack was split. A few wolves stood back, weak, gutless creatures that posed no problems to his plan, whereas three strong wolves were challenging their leader. Their anger pleased him, for they would make the conquest easier.
He smiled to himself, then his eyes rested on the female speaking, twitching his ears trying to pick up what she said. She was magnificent, standing there defiantly. He was impressed; she had guts. His eyes roamed over her body, thin but with muscle tone. He smiled again, realising a fight was imminent. This was what he’d been waiting for, and he made his move.
With soft paws he emerged from his hiding place and slinked closer, pleased how the situation was turning to his advantage, and stopped beside the group of wolves.
‘I am Gower, leader of a once powerful pack. Every member is dead now, killed by humans!’ he growled, pausing to weigh up the body of their leader, noticing he was thinner than he remembered. Gower took a confident step forward, continuing to speak in his deep guttural voice.
‘Our enemies have gone, for a time at least. I’ve been watching you all for a while, and this peculiar growth on these two pups… Well, it’s my belief this female is correct. They are an abomination to nature; death is the only kindness.’ He sneered disdainfully at Joel, lifting his head, daring him to fight.
Joel’s snarl turned into a deep-throated growl, flattening his ears in a final warning.
‘They are only pups,’ Frez wailed, trying to intervene. ‘Surely you can see they mean no harm.’
Gower glared at the old wolf and snarled, his eyes conveying his malicious intent. Frez backed up fearfully. He couldn’t fight him; he wasn’t strong enough.
Joel stared at this scruffy, malignant excuse for a wolf and recognised him as the challenger he’d fought weeks ago. His pack had turned traitor and appeared to be siding with the intruder. He waited, his teeth bared, spittle forming in the corners of his open jaws.
Frez, Mace and Lantern backed up further, clearly displaying their unwillingness to fight their leader, yet not willing to help him either. They each loved the pups but felt powerless to sway the others to listen to reason.
Dupeena, Silver and Borrin had found courage, sensing in each other a determination to be rid of Joel and his deformed family at last.
Brack remained undecided, watching his leader, doubting he would survive this attack. It was a coward’s way out, to do nothing, but there was an element of truth in what Dupeena had said, and he hated himself for contemplating it.
With assured steps, Gower advanced, confidence radiating from his cold yellow eyes as the three wolves joined him. The pack was bro
ken, bonds forgotten. Loyalty stood for nothing… Joel could see that now. There was no time for sentiment as his eyes drifted towards Borrin, his son by his previous mate, dead now, killed over a year ago.
The pack wasn’t his anymore; hatred and sorrow coursed through his veins in equal measures as he weighed up his four opponents. Their heads lowered, with jaws thrust forward, exposing their vicious teeth in an undeniable challenge of authority, a deep growl was growing deep within their chests as four pairs of baleful eyes held steady, transfixed on his face.
Unable to restrain himself any longer, Joel launched himself at Gower, seizing his head and locking his jaws in one swift movement. There was an instant squeal of pain from Gower as Joel’s teeth penetrated his flesh, grinding hard into his bony skull. The sudden impact and momentum caught him off balance and sent them both somersaulting heavily onto the ground.
On landing, Joel unintentionally released his grasp. The intruder, now free, scrambled to his paws, shaking his head and clearing the blood from his left eye. The pair locked eyes as Joel spat out the distasteful blood pooling in his mouth. Then the fight resumed as the two wolves launched themselves, each trying to gain a death grip on the other. The pair twisted and rolled on the ground, jaws biting, each refusing to give way as sharp canines ripped into their opponent’s body.
Gower was stronger and quickly gained the upper hand, twisting his weight onto Joel’s back. The manoeuvre placed Joel at a serious disadvantage and, unbidden, his legs buckled under him. In an instant Gower was on him, ready for the kill. He thrust forward, trying to gain a lethal hold around the fallen leader’s throat, who in turn wriggled and squirmed using all his skill and experience to escape his hold. Finally, twisting, Joel managed to bring up both hind legs, positioning himself to kick hard into Gower’s stomach.
The despicable female Dupeena bounded forward to put a stop to his plan, seizing the alpha male’s right flank and ripping into him savagely. Not to be denied, Silver grasped his other side, biting and tugging at his flesh. It was all too much, and Joel howled in pain, frantically trying to break their holds.