A Brotherly Feud: The Beginning

Birth of the Pups

On a beautiful spring morning, Mammak was half awake, curled up on a ledge overlooking a valley. Although the den was a few yards away, he was wary and stayed alert for the sound of pups whimpering. His mate, Aurora was expecting their first litter of pups and she was now approaching the end of her gestation.

Mammak yawned and turned his head toward the den. There was not a sound to be heard, for it was so quiet he could hear a spruce cone land with a thud. As time passed, the suspense intensified. Mammak took this time to reflect on how far he and his mate had come. He had broken from the family two seasons ago and was joined by his brother, Oldfang.

Oldfang wandered around the den site, searching for voles. He approached Mammak as he pondered the open landscape. Every winter in these lands was harsh. There were dark clouds, vicious storms, infernal blizzards and the threat of starvation. Now they had endured through another winter and they were ready to witness the miracle of new lives being born.

Mammak rose to his feet and stretched his legs, "I can't wait for our pups to arrive. I've waited so long to hear the sound of their whimpers, and see them grow into hunters and caretakers."

Oldfang was not too concerned about the arrival of the pups, "I am excited for them, but I am also concerned for what the future may hold."

"I'm not too concerned," Mammak replied, "We've had our own problems to deal with. "We've feuded with Lycargus and Chinook over the years. I've been concerned about the growing size of Lycargus' family. It seems as if he could take over all these lands and rule a vast empire. Chinook, on the other hand, doesn't seem too bad. He seems like a reasonable character. It's possible that we would try to make peace with him someday. Right now, I'm looking forward to the birth of Aurora's first litter."

"I am too," added Oldfang, "But let's not get our hopes up. The pups could arrive today or tomorrow. They could arrive the day after tomorrow, or a few more days. We must have patience."

"You're right," said Mammak, "But I believe they will arrive today. I never imagined this day would come. I spent a long time hunting and providing for my immediate family that I thought I would spend the rest of my life as their caretaker, but now we're about to start our own family. Can you believe it?"

"Yes," added Oldfang, "I can believe it. My paws are sore from all the time I spent hunting voles and scavenging for carcasses. I need to rest awhile. Maybe you should forage for a time."

"No," said Mammak, "I will stay here and wait for the pups to arrive. Aurora has gotten so heavy she can't even leave the den. I know they will be here today. I can feel it in my stomach!"

"Fine!" Oldfang interjected, "You can do what you want. I guess today is your special day."

Mammak thought back on how far he and his mate had come. They had broken with the family the past autumn and wandered to this particular spot, to a den at the foot of a great mountain. It was the perfect spot for a den, not far away from a small stream, and not far away from a valley where herds of caribou roamed. Mammak was an optimistic and young wolf. Even in the most difficult of times he never lost hope for survival. His optimism had brought him through a harsh winter and times of hunger. He thought back on all the past caribou hunts, those that ended in success and failure. With each successful caribou hunt, his optimism intensified. Not too long ago, his mate told him she was expecting a litter of pups. In the late winter months, he killed a surplus of caribou to feed the family. His determination made him the most dominant sibling of the litter, yet his skills in hunting kept him at home for a very long time. For a time, he remained with his parents and siblings, catching caribou and helping them survive.

Then came the day when a stronger hunter joined the pack, and Mammak was no longer needed. It was almost like the last day of school. On that day, he announced he was leaving. His parents had no problem with it and neither did any of his remaining siblings. His departure was unexpected and he knew his parents were sad to see him leave. It was a frightening experience for Mammak to be on his own for the first time, but he wasn't alone for long. Soon, his brother Oldfang would join him.