A Life Worth Living

A LIFE WORTH LIVING A Novel By Luna Ayers-Uekawa Published by Hawk Publishing Fishkill Landing. Beacon, New York 12508 Copyright 2021, all rights reserved. 2

To Genevieve 3

Contents Chapter 1. Prologue Chapter 2. The raging River Chapter 3. Famine Chapter 4. The Fashar of Fang Chapter 5. Lone wolves Chapter 6. Pups Chapter 7. Song of the Spirits Chapter 8. Bear Cubs Chapter 9. Krevxie Chapter 10. The Crow Sings at Midnight Chapter 11. I’m a banana! Chapter 12. I’m a cucumber! Chapter 13. The Darklands Chapter 14. The Open Flesh Chapter 15. Unfinished Business An Adventure Worthy of Telling Epilogue Glossary 4

Character Chart Kneevy - Small grey and brown female wolf from the Fashar of Ice. Tiyu - Medium brown and ginger male from the Fashar of Thunder. Krevxie - Old, dark male with chipped claws and teeth from the Darklands and rogue from the Fashar of Scar. Meadow - Small grey and brown Female pup from the Fashar of Eihie. Parsley - Light brown female with a grey smudge on her muzzle from the Fashar of Eihie. Suit - Dark grey male pup with black ears from the Fashar of Eihie. Wren - Brown and grey male pup with a white belly and muzzle from the Fashar of Eihie. Lord Visclaw - Dark brown female from the Fashar of Ice. Lord Matisclaw - Dark brown and grey male from the Fashar of Ice. Farim - Dark female wolf from the Fashar of Fang. 5

Fashars Fashar of Ice - A fashar led by LordVisclaw. They are feared because of their vicious leader, and have a meadow and a small forest in their territory. Fashar of Fang - A fashar that has territory in a forest of tall pine trees. They are led by LordGarraclaw, and are great at working together, which make them great hunters and fighters. Their Alpha LordGarraclaw, is a strong, old, large male. Fashar of Scar - A fierce Fashar, but still small. They are led by LordFathiClaw, a young female wolf. The Fashar is not very well known, except for LordFathiclaw’s passion for her pack and expanding her territory to have the Fashar survive. Fashar of Thunder - A fashar once led by a wolf named LordEihieclaw, but became old and became a rogue, and was joined by two of his sons. The Fashar of Thunder’s heir, Vunder 6

assumed the position as Alpha, and the Fashar soon grew strong again, and were feared because of Vunder, and his best warriors. The Fashar of Eihie - A fashar that is in the center of the fashars of Ice, Fang and Scar. It is led by Kneevy, rogue from the Fashar of Ice. The Fashar was named after her mate, Tiyu’s father, Eihie. The Fashar is not feared or known well, because the alpha’s haven’t had grown pups yet. 7

Prologue She paces in a circle, thinking hard. She is in her den, with her newborn pups. She jerks her head as her mate enters the dark burrow. “Matis, what are you doing here?” She snarls. “I was going to check on the pups, LordVisclaw.” He responds politely, and it agitates her. It feels like he’s criticizing her for not calling him by his full name. She growls softly, and continues pacing. LordMatisclaw slowly walks up to the pups and begins licking them. “One is very small.” He remarks. She feels anger building in her chest. Was he accusing her of having a weak pup? An omega? “And what is wrong with that? That small female could make a fair omega.” She hisses. Matis nods slowly. “Perhaps.” He agrees. She is furious. Is he mocking her? “What will you name the new Omega, then?” Matis asked calmly. 8

Is he questioning her authority? Who does he think he is? Is he looking down on one of her pups? Is he hoping she gives that pup a lovely name, or an awful name? Anger rises in her, and with great effort, she lifts her head to the den ceiling. She remembers their last omega that died, Crimsis. That was an unlucky, small wolf. “I’ll name it Kneevy.” She barked sharply. “After Crimsis.” “Crimsis?” Matis repeats. ARGH. It’s like he’s questioning her again. “But Crimsis died shortly after maturity! It would be an insult to this poor pup, and also to Crimsis!” Matis barks. “Do you have a better name?” She growls, wondering if she should claw his snout off. Matis is silent, then he dips his head. “That’s what I thought.” She snarls. “Now, OUT!” she growls, and Matis obeys. She looks down on Kneevy. She doesn’t care about the name of her pups. All she cares is that they’re loyal, good hunters, good fighters, and quiet. 9

She doesn’t care otherwise. If a pup doesn’t obey, they don’t obey, and therefore she can cast them from the pack if they annoy her. It didn’t matter if Kneevy was a good omega or not. She doesn’t care when Kneevy goes to The Open Flesh, or the spirit world. She doesn’t care at all. 10

Chapter 1 The Raging River Ipaced in a circle, trying to think of a way to convince ma that I don’t have to pup sit Prie (Per-I). I was already two and a half, so surly she could ask someone else to do it. Besides, I have my duty’s to protect the fashar (the pack) not to babysit a five-month old pup. But I know if I ask her again, giving her every perfectly good reason I can think of, she’ll still say no. She doesn’t even love me, so why should it be any different with Prie? “I got it! I got it!” I heard Prie say. “It’s mine!” Said another pup, Prie’s best friend, Oaksfur. “Give me! Give me!”, Prie protested. I glanced over, just to check on her. Of course I don’t like Prie, but if she got a single scratch on her mussel, I know that I’ll be dead as soon as ma finds out. “No way!” said Oaksfur. “I’m going to be 11

alpha of the fashar of ice one day, so you have to listen to me!” “Well, I’m going to be Alpha too! I’m already marked! Some even call me lordPrieclaw already!” Prie replied greedily. “Enough!” I winced. “You two pups better be quiet-I’m not as patient as LordVisclaw.” “Hey, we’re the further alphas! And I command you to tell Prie that that butterfly is mine!” Ordered Oaksfur. I laughed a dry laugh. “I don’t take orders from pups.”, I scoffed. “Your the worst pup watcher ever!”, complained Prie. I stoped mid step. “You watch your language. How’d you like to be dead?” Both pups said nothing, and I continued pacing back and forth. “Kneevy!” Finally. I abandoned the pups by the river. “Yes, LordVisclaw?” “Where are the pups, Kneevy. I told you to watch them.” There was a hiss in Ma’s voice. She always caused me problems. “They’re playing by the river, no big deal.” I said causally. Visclaw bared her teeth. “And I suppose they are safe, away from the bank....” “Yes” A loud splash signaled that this was untrue. Hearing the splash, I winced. “So, Kneevy, it seems that 12

the pups may drown...” Visclaw began. “So you Better get them out...or the punishment will be...death.” LordVisclaw seized my shoulders. She moved her snout so close to mine that they almost touched, but not quite. Then she whispered in my ear. “Death.” Then, releasing her grip, she ran to the river. I almost collapsed.I tried to twist my body to see the wounds on my shoulders.They were not deep, but my fur was stained in blood. There was another splash, and then silence. I only heard the sounds of the forest.All the wolves had become quiet. All eyes were fixed toward the river, and a few of the older wolves focused their gaze on me. I tried to seem as if I was like everybody else.I stared toward the river, searching the trees with my gaze, and sniffed the air.I smelled wet fur. It was hard to tell who was wet, for the water wash’s cent away, but I could smell Prie clearly, so I predicted that she hadn’t fallen into the water. A few minutes passed. Some of the wolves began to worry, but finally, and unfortunately, Visclaw emerged from the 13

forest with Prie by her side. There was silence.Macochi broke the silence with a gasp.There was something in Visclaw’s mouth. Someone, in fact.I looked closer, and realized that it was Oaksfur, the male pup that was to one day be the alpha of fashar of ice. He lay dead in her jaws, his wet coat reflecting the sunlight. “I told you to look after him”, said LordVisclaw, as she slowly met my eyes. She gently put Oaksfur on the ground and nudged him. His face stayed still, and there were no signs of life.Visclaw looked up at me again. “Now, Kneevy,” she began. All eyes were on me. “You know the punishment for this loss-death.” Silence broke over the fashar.Sundenly, someone shouted “Kill her!” Visclaw lunged forward, smacking me down on my back. I rolled and kicked her off using my hind legs.There was a fuss among the watching wolves. Visclaw easily got back on her paws and prepared to attack.I attacked first, however, lunging at her. She easily dodged and kicked me into a tree nearby. I 14

collapsed under the tree, unconscious from the blow. But a few seconds later when I recovered, it was already to late. Visclaw pinned me to the ground by my shoulders. I screeched with pain. Visclaw was about to bite my neck when LordMatisclaw approached. “LordVisclaw”, he began. Visclaw paused, but her grip did not change. “Perhaps this should wait.” “Why? And for what? She deserves a painful death!” “Maybe there will be another chance. Perhaps with more time to spare.” “No!” Howled Visclaw. “Oaksfur is dead, because of her!” LordMatisclaw paused and looked down at Oaksfur. Visclaw followed his gaze. When I did, I couldn’t believe my eyes. Oaksfur was alive. He was moving, just a little bit, but I could see him breathing. LordVisclaw held back a snarl and loosened her grip. I quickly rose to my feet, almost unable to believe my luck. My shoulders hurt worse now, but it was probably better then being dead. I shook my self, scattering scarlet droplets onto the grass. Oaksfur’s eyes where open now, and he was looking up at 15

Visclaw as she licked his wet fur. I glanced around the pack, and quickly looked away. Hatred was written on their faces. One growled and then whispered to an elder “Kneevy, not very responsible… think LordVisclaw will cast her from the pack?” The elder whispered back. “Probably, the pack is getting too big anyway, and food is scarce…” Visclaw turned around to face me. “Go watch Prie in the meadow, and don’t let her get eaten by coyotes.” She snarled, then turned back to Oaksfur. Uggggghhhhhhhh why dose she always make me watch the pups. Anyone can do it! Oh well, nothing I could do about it. I trotted over to Prie. “Follow me” I growled impatiently. “But I want to stay with Oaksfur!” Prie complained. “Ugh. Get over here NOW!” I barked. Prie obeyed. I led her to the meadow and she quickly forgot wanting to play with Oaksfur as she leaped after butterflys and chased mice through the grasses. Even I enjoyed myself a bit. I lied down in the grass and enjoyed the peace and quiet. No one telling me what to do, good. It was so peaceful here, so quiet. I wanted to 16

stay here forever. Until “Knnnneeeeeevvy, I stepped on my tail and it hurts ssoooooo baaaaaad and I want to go home and I can’t catch these bugs and the mice get away and I can’t play with Oaksfur and you are a horrible pup sitter and I HATE this SO MUCH.”said Prie. “Well it’s YOUR FAULT that you stepped on your tail. And it’s YOUR FAULT that you are too slow to catch the bugs and the mice and I am NOT a terrible pup sitter.” “It’s YOUR FAULT that I can’t play with Oaksfur!” “Watch your language, Prie.” I barked. YOU WATCH YOURS! And it’s LORDPrieCLAW!” “Ugh, you’re such a bother.” I said. “Knnnneeeeeeevveeeeeey!” I walked a few paces away from her. “Will you for once in your life be quiet and stop being such a bother!” I growled. Prie started to whimper, then cry. OH MY GOSH. WHY DO THE PUPS ALWAYS GET ME IN TROUBLE. FIRST THE RIVER AND NOW LOOK, I MADE PRIE CRY, MA IS GOING TO PUMMEL ME. UGH. SHE’S GOING TO TELL EVERYONE IN THE PACK THAT I HURT PRIE’S FEELINGS. 17

A little voice whispered in my head. “You can run away, you know, Kneevy.” “Shush you”, I told the voice. “Prie, stop your whimpering.” I scolded. Prie only cried harder. “Ugh. PRIE, for the WOUNDS, STOP. DON’T BE SUCH A BLOOD BREATHER.” Prie stoped crying for a moment. Then she burst out “BLOOD BREATHER!? I AM NOT A BLOOD BREATHER!” Then she went back to sobbing. Ugh. Why are pups so sensitive. So weak, even. If someone called ME a blood breather, I would kick them in the stomach. Pups just cry. “Pfffffff” Pathetic. 18

Chapter 2 Famine “Go watch the pups.” Visclaw said. It had been a week since Oaksfur fell into the river, and it was time to hunt. Visclaw was making me watch the pups. She NEVER LETS ME HUNT. “LordVisclaw, let me hunt this time. Make someone else watch the pups.” “You’re a pathetic hunter, Kneevy, go watch the pups.” Scoffed Visclaw. “No.” I stood my ground. I wanted to hunt, at least just this once. Visclaw gave me a look. The ‘I see that you’re just being a brat and there’s no way I can make you stop.’look.“Fine.” Ma growled. “Shrif will watch the pups.” Visclaw jumpted onto a boulder and howled. She announced that it was time to hunt. Usually I ignore the announcement, but this time, I listened carefully. After Visclaw had finished she jumped off the boulder. It was time to hunt. We trotted 19

across the meadow where the wind blew in my face and the breeze ruffled my fur. Visclaw glanced at a mouse. The creature squeaked in alarm and scurried away. We reached the other side of the meadow and came to a forest. THE forest. Our hunting grounds. “The herds are moving.” Visclaw said. She sniffed the air. All of the other wolves seemed focused. I tried to act the same. I sniffed the dry air. The sun blazed down on my pelt, scorching the grasses. I blinked, wishing the heat would go away. Visclaw dropped into a stalking position, and the other wolves did the same. I was the last to do so. Visclaw looked ahead, unblinking. Then she turned back to us. “There’s only one elk.” She said. “The rest of the herd must have moved on.” “Late spring means the grasses do not return. The herds are gone, the rabbits abandoned their burrows.” said a large grey wolf, Tomvo. Visclaw ignored him. Then I saw it, the elk. Visclaw leaped and the wolves sprang into action. I tried to follow their lead, running toward the elk who dashed 20

away. The elk sprinted to a tree nearby, and stopped. I paced around to the elks side. The wolves were surrounding the elk, and I was trying to fit in. Then, Visclaw leaped at the elk. She grabbed the elk with her claws and bit down into it’s flesh. The elk made a strange noise and bucked. Visclaw held on tight until the elk used it’s powerful hind legs to kick her off. Visclaw rejoined the circle of wolves. I had circled around to the back of the elk, ready to pounce. In dug my claws into the earth, then leaped.The elk noticed me, but it was too late. I gripped the elk with my paws and was about to bite it’s neck when I noticed something in the grass. An elk calf, hiding from the wolves. That’s why the mother elk didn’t run away before! To protect her calf! During the second I was distracted the elk bucked me off, and made a run for it with her calf. “Knnneeeeevvy!” It was Visclaw. “You ruined the hunt!” “Sorry.” I said. “Food is scarce Kneevy, we need all of the prey we can get!” “Sorry.” I repeated. “Kneevy…!” “I saw the elk calf and it distracted me, ok!” I barked. Visclaw paused. 21

She studied me and finally said “You pity the elk calf.” “What?! No I don’t!” I screeched. “You’ve let the calf live, but you’ve killed us all!” Hissed Visclaw. Realization crept into my mind. I HAD killed us all. Late spring meant food was scarce, and little food could turn into a famine. Maybe it already was. Now because of me, the whole fashar would die. I was such a blood breather. “Pathetic, Kneevy.” Visclaw snarled as she stalked off. One by one, the wolves followed. I trotted along at the end, trying to avoid eye contact with the wolves. Visclaw was going to cast me from the pack for sure. We crossed the meadow. A light rain began to fall, the droplets sticking to the grasses. When we arrived back at the den, I trotted away, trying to act normal. Visclaw would tell everyone what had happened and I didn’t want to be there when she did. I walked to the river. The rain was getting harder, and thunder rumbled in the distance. I couldn’t stand this any longer. I screamed my fury into the clouds. The rain soaked my pelt and I blinked 22

away raindrops. “WHAT DID I EVER DO TO DESERVE THIS LIFE!?” I called out into the sky. As if in response, a bolt of lightning tore across the sky, ripping through the clouds and setting fire to a small tree in the distance. I dropped to my belly, guilt gathering in me. I rested my mussel on my paws and sighed. The rain poured down all around me. The river filled up with rain water and the tide became so high that it touched my paws. Another bolt of lightning broke through the clouds striking another tree. I rose to my feet. I howled into the storm, a howl of rage and guilt.Then I fell on my side, feeling defeated. There was nothing to be done now. Visclaw was going to kick me out of the pack, and there was nothing I could do about it. I was going to starve and die on my own. And I had already killed the fashar. I walked gloomily back to the fashar. I was met with looks of hatred and growls. Visclaw approached. Without warning she smacked me into the ground. Fighting to escape her grip, I twisted my body and kicked her off. Visclaw crashed into the boulder and quickly rose to her feet. She ran at me, 23

her jaws open. I tried to run away, but the bit down hard on my flank, forcing my onto my side. “Kneevy” she said. “You have ruined our hunt and almost let Oaksfur drown. I am going to kill you, right here, right now. And if you want to keep your pathetic life you better have some very good reasons to convince me not to take it.” My mind raced. There was nothing that could convince Visclaw to spare me. My only hope was escape. I got up quickly and knocked Visclaw off me. Shocked, Visclaw fell back. I raced across the clearing, heading for the meadow. But Tomvo blocked my way and smacked my mussel with his large paw. Visclaw caught up to me and leaped on top of me. I collapsed on my belly. There was no way I could beat Visclaw in a fight, and no way I could survive if the fashar blocked me from escaping. I had to use my wits. Gathering all of my strength, I pulled away from Visclaw and crouched down, in a submissive position. “Kneevy, weak as always.” Visclaw scoffed. She lowered her head to bite my neck. Now or never. I sprang up, catching Visclaw by surprise and knocking 24

her over. Then I sprinted toward the meadow, dodging Tomvo this time. My back and legs ached from the battle and were stained and blood, but I kept running. I looked back once, to see Visclaw and some other wolves chasing me. I ran faster, through the grasses of the meadow, through the fashar’s hunting grounds to see a river. Across the river was the fashar of Fang’s territory. I jumped into the river whiteout hesitation. The water was chilling and I struggled to keep afloat. Finally I reached the other side of the river and looked back. Visclaw was on the other river bank, watching me, a scowl on her face. “Good bye, Visclaw” I said, happily. I was free. Starving and wounded, but free. Visclaw was not my lord now. I was lord of myself. 25

Chapter 3 The Fashar of Fang I raced through the woods. I was a lone wolf now. Blinking back raindrops, I sprinted through the forest. I stopped at a sparkling river and drank. Thunder boomed and lightening struck in Ice territory. I stood up and stretched. I had to make my own territory. Personally, I wanted to take over Visclaw’s meadow. That’s where all of my happy memories are. But first things first. I needed shelter. I searched until I came to a large boulder. There was a crack in it, large enough for a wolf to fit inside. I crawled into the crack. There was more space inside the boulder then I had thought, and it was quite cozy. I began licking my wounded leg. The smell of the Fang wolves were everywhere. But this was a nice cozy place. This could be 26

my den. Until I established my own territory, that is. Maybe I could take over this spot, and the meadow, and the river. Yes, that was a good plan. I sprayed my scent onto the stone wall of the den. It smelled more comfortable now, more like ME. Then I smelled something else. The smell of Fang wolves was everywhere, but it was stronger now. The Fang wolves were here, in front of my new den! Wait a minute. This must be the Fang wolf’s den! I began to panic. There was nowhere to go. Nowhere to run. Surely I couldn’t fight a whole pack. A large male wolf stuck his face through the entrance of the den. His teeth were bared, his lips peeled back revealing pink gums. His jaw was twisted and disfigured, like it had been broken and hadn’t healed very well. A scar ran over one of his orange eyes. His pale grey fur glistened with water droplets. He growled. “What are you doing in our den?” He hissed. A female with a pointy snout and dark brown fur poked her head inside. She glanced at the male and stepped into 27

the den. “She’s from the fashar of Ice.” The female said. The male scoffed. “Farim, does LordVisclaw really think she can assassinate me with PUPS?!” “I am NOT a pup!” I protested. The male gave me a look. “Rather small…” he murmured. “LordGarraclaw, what should we do with her?” Said the wolf called Farim. “Hmf” LordGarraclaw snorted. “Kill her by the river. Leave her blood as a warning to the wolves of Ice.” “What?” I barked. LordGarraclaw stalked out of the den. Farim gripped me by the scruff of my neck and tossed me out of the den. I landed on the damp earth, the rain dribbling onto my pelt. I scrambled to my feet, my paws getting muddy. My fur stuck to my skin in clumps. Farim knocked me over onto my side. She tried to push me forward but I fought back. I bit down hard on her flank. Her howl told me that I had found a tender spot, so I bit harder. Farim screeched and through me off. I landed on the muddy earth. Another wolf, a smaller tan male came to help Farim. He confronted me and batted at me face. I moved out of the way but bumped 28

into Farim who through me down. I rose to my paws, only to get shoved back into the dirt. Farim stalked in front of me, while the tan male pushed me from behind. I fought back against him, but it didn’t help. Finally we reached the river. The rain had turned into a drizzle and now stopped. The ground was still wet and muddy, and everything smelled like the Fang wolves. The tan male shoved me into the dirt. I tried to get to my feet, but Farim pinned me down. She gripped my shoulders with her thorn sharp claws. I whimpered and arched me back, trying to throw her off. I knew I could take the tan male in paw to paw combat, but with Farim, it wouldn’t be so easy, and sadly, my size worked against me. I finally threw Farim off of my back, and dashed toward the river. The tan male blocked my way. I ran straight toward him and tackled him head on. Shocked, he screamed. I raked his underbelly with my claws and gave him a sharp nip on the ear before racing to the river. I reached the river bank and slipped. I fell into the river with a splash. For a moment, I was blinded by the 29

chilling water and the little air. I swam to the surface, taking in deep gulps of air. I started to swim as fast as I could. The tan male and Farim reached the riverbank.The tan wolf hesitated but Farim leaped toward me, landing on my lower back. Her weight dragged me down, and I was forced to go underwater. I had little air and the cold water soaked into my fur. I tried to kick Farim off, but she held on tight. She swam closer to my head, and got a firm grip on my shoulders. She forced me down. I fought for air. The lungs felt empty and dry. I tried to swim closer to the surface, but Farim gripped me tighter. I tried arching my back, but it was less effective underwater. Any minute now, I would run out of time. My lungs needed air. My mouth felt dry. I turned around and bit Farim on the paw. She opened her mouth to scream, and bubbles billowed out from her mouth. Loosening her grip, Farim fell back in the water. I swam to the surface and took in great gulps of air. I looked down and saw Farim swimming towards me. The tan male on the riverbank 30

was looking at me uncertainly. I began to swim toward him. He shifted his paws and leaped at me. I swam out of the way and he cannoned right into Farim. I reached the shore and sprinted away. I ignored the mud that stuck to my paws and the wetness the clung to my body. I pelted away, as fast as I could. I ran through the forests of tall, tall trees and past the river that flowed through Fang territory. Finally, at the edge of the forest, I stopped. Beyond the forest was a meadow. A field of tall grasses. Mice scampering through the blades. It reminded me of the meadow back home. I sprayed my scent on a tree. This is where I would make my home. I romped through the meadow, spraying my scent everywhere. I caught a few mice and enjoyed eating them. It didn’t taste as good as elk, of course, but my stomach felt full. Finally, I came to a little sandy spot in the middle of the meadow. There was a large lump in the sand. An abandoned coyote den. I sprayed the den and dug out all of the 31

sand that had blown in. I yipped with delight. I sprayed the den again and crawled inside. It was roomy and comfortable, but the floor could use an upgrade. I climbed out of the den and searched the meadow, marking it as my territory. On the way I collected grasses and leaves. When I got back to my new den, I carried the leaves and grasses inside and made a nice, comfy bed out of them. There, perfect. Maybe I should search for a mate, now? I have my own territory, and a den, so, maybe it’s time to start a fashar? Raise some pups? Hmmm. I probably need more territory unless I’m going to feed my family with mice. Ok, I’ll mark part of the forest tomorrow. I yawned sleepily and settled down on my grassy bed. I’m free from Visclaw, I have my own territory, a nice cozy den, and the first meal I’ve eaten in ages. Today couldn’t get any better. Thinking of these warm thoughts, I rested my head on my paws. Then I drifted off to sleep. 32

Chapter 4 Lone wolves I raced through the forest at top speed, dodging shrubs and trees. It had been two days since I had found the meadow and made my den there. Now, it was time to hunt again. I was chasing an elk herd, targeting a wounded calf. I felt pity for calves back when I was still a wolf of Ice, but now, I wasn’t. This was kill or be killed. I raced through the woods, chasing the targeted calf. I caught up to it, and bit down hard on it’s leg. It made a screeching noise. I bit harder. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw the mother elk running toward me. I loosened my grip just in time before the mother elk kicked me. The calf and mother elk began to run again. I chased after them. When I caught up to them, I bit the calf’s other leg. The mother elk ran to me and kicked me off. 33

My side ached, but I couldn’t give up the hunt. I sprinted toward the calf and ran side by side with it. Then I ran closer and closer and then I leaped at it. I bit down hard on the calf’s neck, and it fell dead in my jaws. The mother elk glanced at me, and stayed there. I trotted away, back to my meadow. I had marked this forest and the forest surrounding the meadow. It was all my territory now. I was looking for a mate, too. I reached my sandy den and relaxed in front of it. I laid down the elk calf and tore into it, ripping off chunks of flesh. The meat tasted delicious. Much better than mice. I finished the elk and set out to search for a mate. It was getting late now, and a half moon was rising. I trotted through the meadow, stopping to sniff here and there. Then I smelled it, three male dispersal wolves. I crept closer and closer to where the scent was coming from. I saw the male wolves up ahead. I straightened my back and walked toward them. They turned toward me as I approached. One male was light brown with spots of ginger and dark brown.His eyes shined 34

orange in the dim light. The next male was grey with dark ears. One of his black ears was floppy and he had a white smudge on his mussel. The third male seemed like a less friendly older black male with smudges of white and grey. I surely didn’t want him to be my mate! I approached the male wolves. The younger males look at me eagerly, while the black male seemed to growl at them. I trotted up to them and looked at the brown male. He sniffed me twice, then circled me. After that, the tried to sniff noses with me. I let him. Then, he laid down on his back, rolling around. The grey male kept trying to get my attention, but I ignored him. I wanted to see what the ginger colored wolf was the like first. So far, he seemed very open and brave. Finally I turned my gaze to the grey male. He paced around me and then shyly rested his chin on my back. Then he circled me and sniffed my nose, but he didn’t lay down like the brown male. I was thinking to get to know the ginger- brown male better, maybe hunt with him 35

once? If he was a good hunter, then maybe I would become mates with him? Maybe? I approached the brown male and sniffed him. I smelled the ginger male’s warm scent, the scents of the other wolves, of the forest. And one more thing. The foul stench of the cougars, the large tan cats who roamed our lands and made prey out of our pups. I was alert, trying to pinpoint where the cougar was. Startled, the males looked around too. Even the black male seemed more alive. Then I saw it, a tan shape that cannoned into the elderly black male, knocking him to his belly. It bit the black wolf’s neck with it’s powerful jaws. It was over so quickly. “Fa!” The ginger male screeched. The grey male had already begun to race across my meadow, toward Fang territory. The cougar hissed at me and the brown male.I thought of running, but the ginger wolf’s eyes were glazed with sadness. “Run!” I barked at him. He hesitated, then sprang after me. We rushed across the meadow, and stopped near my den. “Fa…” the ginger male seemed so sad.I tried to 36

cheer him up by licking his face, but it didn’t do much. He laid down and rested his chin on his paws. I lowered my self into a sitting position. I looked down and glanced at the brown wolf. His face was contorted with sadness, his eyes clouded with guilt. Slowly, he rose to his paws and lifted his head to the Wound’s Den(Milky Way). Then he howled for the loss of his Fa. He howled a howl of pain and fury up into the clouds. Just like I had back during the storm when I was a wolf of Ice. I lifted my head and howled with the ginger male, mourning the loss of his Fa. The brown male’s howl turned into a whimper and he sat down. He stared at his paws uncertainly. “There was so much I needed to tell him…” he whispered sadly. I nudged his mussel with mine. I wanted to say something to make him feel better but I couldn’t think of anything good. I trotted away glancing back as he watched me leave. A look of deeper sadness crawled onto his face. I looked away. A few minutes later I came back, a rabbit gripped between my jaws. The ginger male was still sitting in the same place. He looked 37

up at me as I approached and a look of joy crossed his face, before it became sad again. I dropped the rabbit in front of him and he ate it hungrily.When he was done, he murmured “Fa was always so good at catching rabbits. He would hunt them just for me sometimes…” I wasn’t sure if I’d made him feel better or worse. “I’m sure your Fa was a great hunter.” I said, not knowing if that was the right thing to say. The ginger wolf met my eyes. “He was” he said. “The caught a moose calf once…” I nudged him. I could smell his warm scent and his fur felt soft. “I’m Kneevy.” I said. “I’m Tiyu ” Said the ginger male. I looked into his eyes and licked his nose. He licked me back. 38

Chapter 5 Pups This was it. Our first night sleeping with each other. Yesterday was when Tiyu lost his Fa. Earlier we hunted a female elk and enjoyed the meal together. We decided to become mates and start a fashar. (Note to the reader-Don’t be like ‘oh love love oooh romance’ ok?! I mean, this happens in the wild all of the time, so I don’t want you to make such a big deal out of it.No offense.) I had showed him my den and we were going to sleep here tonight.I rested my head on my soft grassy bed. Tiyu pressed his head against me and tucked his paws in.My tail relaxed and my eyelids half closed. I looked at Tiyu, then my den. I glanced at the rabbit bones 39

lying beside the side of the den. I closed my eyes and drifted off to sleep. Tiyu raced toward his Fa as the cougar smacked down the black wolf. The cougar killed Tiyu’s Fa with one sharp bite and then ran toward Tiyu. “Tiyu!” I barked. The cougar smacked Tiyu down with it’s large paws and Bit down hard on his throat. “TIYU!” The cougar rested it’s paw on Tiyu’s body and then sprang at me knocking me down. I struggled beneath it’s grip, but I pinned me down hard. The last thing I saw was it opening it’s mouth, preparing for the final strike. And then I was gone. _________ I sat up, gasping. I looked around wildly. The cougar, Tiyu! I glanced to my side and saw Tiyu sleeping there, dust smudging his mussel. I looked in front of me, then behind me. I was in my den. Just a nightmare. I stalked outside. It was almost 40

morning and the sky was ablaze with blue and orange.I sat outside the den, kicking away the sand. I blinked away the bright light of the rising sun and enjoyed the gentle breeze that ruffled my fur. It promised to be a warm day. I rose to my feet and walked back inside my sandy den. Tiyu was just stirring, his mouth open a little bit. He opened his eyes and looked up at me. He yawned and walked out of the den with me. We watched the sun rise and then we stopped by a nearby creak that ran through the meadow and drank the cold, clear water. After that we hunted three rabbits and shared them. Tiyu seemed more cheerful now, much more then the day I met him. I licked his mussel as we approached our sandy den. He batted at me playfully. I ducked and knocked him over. He batted at my ears as we rolled through the grasses. I was so happy I had left the wolves of Ice. “What should we call our fashar?” 41

Tiyu asked after a while. “Fa’s fashar was called the fashar of Thunder, and he named one of his pups-my older brother, Vunder.” “What was his name?” I asked. “Who?” “You’re Fa.” “His name was Eihie.” “That’s what our fashar should be named.” I told him. “The fashar of Eihie.” Tiyu looked at his paws, then to the sky, and then to me. “I like that.” He said. Then he nudged me with his mussel. “We will be the fashar of Eihie.” I rolled onto my belly. Tiyu jumped on me playfully and I batted at his paws. We rolled and played until late in the day. “Do you think we should have pups?” Tiyu asked. “Should we start a fashar?” I questioned. “Sure.”said Tiyu. “Then let’s have pups.” I said. “Alright, you know, when I was a pup, I had a dream of naming one of my pups Parsley.” said Tiyu. “That’s a perfect name.” I said. I rolled around, thinking about how perfect our pups would be. ­_­­ _______ 42

(Several Months Later…) I gazed around the sandy den. I looked at my pups proudly. They all seemed so healthy, and it made me so joyful my paws shook. All of the pups had brown fur and their eyes were still closed, but I knew in time, their eyes would open and their true colors would be revealed. All of the pups were squeaking and squirming around. I nudged a straying pup closer and licked another on the ear. I walked toward the den entrance, not wanting to leave. I paced out of the den and licked Tiyu. “How are they?” He asked. “They’re beautiful and healthy.” I assured him. Then I watched as he ducked through the den entrance to go see the pups. I was exhausted and tired, so I laid down. A few minutes later Tiyu emerged from the den. “They’re perfect” he said smiling. I smiled back and then walked slowly into the den. I rested myself against the wall of the den and watched the pups. The I laid down my 43

head, gazing at our wonderful pups. Exhausted, I closed my eyes and fell asleep. I awoke to Tiyu barking. I sleepily blinked my eyes and walked out of the den. Tiyu was barking at a coyote. I joined in the barking and lunged toward the coyote and bit down hard on it’s flank. The coyote screeched and raced away. “Thanks” said Tiyu. “I was worried they would eat the pups.” “Speaking of the pups, They must be hungry.” I said. “Oh right. Here” Tiyu offered me a hare. “Thanks.” I said. I ate the hare hungrily and Tiyu left to hunt some more. I climbed back into the den and nursed the squirming pups.There were four of them.Two females, and Two males. I wondered what to name them. I wondered what they would look like. I nudged one pup that was getting pushed away.Then, Tiyu came back, an elk calf and two rabbits gripped between his jaws. I ate the elk calf and one rabbit. Tiyu ate the other one. 44

“What should we name them?” He asked as he fished his rabbit and licked his muzzle. “One should be Parsley.” I told him. “Alright.” “How about one named Suit.” Tiyu looked down. “Maybe Suit will be black,… like my Fa…” I licked his cheek. Tiyu looked back up at me. “I think we’ve invented a new naming tradition. Instead of named our pups after what the wounds tell us…” “We’re naming them after things we like?” I finished. “Yeah, I guess so.” Said Tiyu. “Wait a minute, home much do you like suit?” Tiyu asked. I playfully batted his ears. “I don’t, I just like the name!” I replied. “Maybe we should name one Meadow.” I thought. “Perfect.” Said Tiyu. Then let’s name the last one Wren.” (A few more Months Later…) I emerged from the den, holding 45 Parsley gently between my jaws. Tiyu looked up from his rabbit. I put Parsley down with the other pups. “Why do you like rabbit so much?” I teased. “Rabbit

is the best prey in the whole world!” Tiyu protested. Parsley ran to join the other pups in playing. So far, she was light brown with smudges of ginger and a gray smudge on her muzzle. Suit WAS actually grey with smudges of black and white. Her ears were the darkest and her eyes were brown, like mine. Wren was a mix of brown and silver with a white belly and muzzle. Meadow looked almost exactly like me. She had a grey smudged muzzle and was silver with light brown smudges. Her eyes were brown and she was small, like me. Honestly, I looked like a sliver fox, so that’s kind of what she looked like. The only difference in color with me was that above her left eye, she had a smudge of ginger, that I assumed came from Tiyu. Parsley was always tackling Wren or Suit. Wren was always digging and burring things and chasing her tail. Suit was always playing with Parsley, and 46

Meadow was shy. She usually would sit next to me or take naps with Tiyu. Sometimes she would go exploring, but not unless someone was with her. Parsley was tackling Wren, and Suit came to join in the fun. She snuck up on them and leaped on top of Parsley. Parsley squeaked and fell off of Wren, which scared Meadow and she rushed behind me. I soothed Meadow and licked her ears. “Ma I’m hungry!” Said Meadow. Suit came over to see what was going on. There was sand on her pelt. “Fa, what did Meadow say?” Suit asked. “Meadow is just hungry, that’s all.” Tiyu said. “I want food too! I’m hungry too!” Said Suit. I thought of how pathetic I used to think pups were. So helpless. But I felt different now. I regurgitated some food for Suit and Meadow. The smell drew the other pups closer. All of the pups began to eat. I noticed that Wren and Parsley’s fur was covered in sand. When they were 47

finished eating I licked Wren until all of the sand was gone from her fur, only for Wren to go and get dusty again. I sighed and licked my paw. Tiyu groomed the back of my neck. “I wonder when we’ll have to take them to the summer hunting grounds.” I said. Tiyu stopped licking me. “I almost forgot about that!” He said. “Fa lost one of his pups on the journey to the summer hunting grounds once. He said that coyotes were always hiding in the grasses…” “It’ll be fine, Tiyu.” I assured him. “I hope so.” He said. Later in the day, there was a rainstorm. The pups came inside the den. Tiyu dragged one of the rabbits inside and ate it. But eventually, the rain water began to get inside the den, and it got damp and uncomfortable. We trudged outside and the pups stayed hidden in some clumps of grass. “I’m going to hunt.” I told Tiyu. “I’m this weather?” He said. “I’ll be fine. Can you watch the pups?” “Sure.” I raced into the forest, following my 48

nose. I smelled bison, an elk carcass, a moose, an elk herd and most alarmingly, a wolf carcass. I followed the scent of the elk carcass, hoping to get a free meal. There was already a coyote eating it, so I chased the coyote away and ate the carcass, saving a few chunks of meat for Tiyu. On my way back, I smelled the wolf carcass again. I followed the scent until I came to the carcass. The wolf was grey with silver splotches and black paws and a black snout. I looked at his face. He was a stranger. I trotted back to our sandy den. It was still raining and the cold dampness soaked into my body. When I arrived at the den, I couldn’t believe what I saw. There were THREE BISON right outside of the den! Tiyu was trying to bate them and get them to chase him, but the bison just grunted and pointed their sharp horns at him. I looked around wildly. I spotted the pups, but they weren’t in the den! They 49

were hiding in the tall grasses. I didn’t know what to do. Panicked pulsed through me. Should we run, or should we try to lead the bison away? I loved our den in the meadow, but for the pups safety, maybe we SHOULD move. I paced over to Tiyu. “I think we should move dens.” “You’re probably right.” said Tiyu. I called the pups and moved to the grasses where the pups were. “We’re going to move dens.” I told them. “Ma, I’m scared!” said Meadow and Suit at the same time. “It’s alright.” I soothed. “The bison won’t hurt you if you stay really close to me, ok?” I wasn’t sure if it was true. I led the pups away from the bison. Tiyu distracted the bison so that we had time to escape. I kept glancing at him, worrying. What if the bison hit him with their sharp horns? I pushed that thought away. Blinking away raindrops, I led the pups away from the bison. Tiyu came and joined us after the bison were out of sight. “That was close.” said Tiyu. “Why 50