Shadow of the Wolf

Chapter Eleven

Slowly lifting his muzzle to the wind, Dartian gathered information about the direction in which Saleene had headed. Inhaling her scent, he took off in the direction she’d gone. She had gone deep into the forest, of that he was sure. He knew he could catch up quickly while in the form of the wolf. Both his senses and skills were enhanced while in this form. Finding here wouldn’t be the issue, getting to her before she got into more trouble might be. Saleene had a way of finding trouble; it was drawn to her like a moth to a flame. 

Silent and deadly, he continued his journey with only one thought in his mind. His friends needed him, both Saleene and Raku. Though he was sure Raku would be fine, he prayed he could catch up to them both before it was too late. Back and forth, he went through his mind what she had said. It didn’t make sense. He was already aware she possessed magic. Could there more to it? There were legends and myths his people had spoken of, and the gift of power was never far from the texts, but from her actions she was certain something about her past would be difficult for him to understand. That worried him. They both had secrets, and for him, his was far greater of an issue than whatever hers could be.

Through more underbrush and dense foliage he ran. The wind continued to pick up as he moved, the scents of the night heavy. He could sense the changes among the forest creatures. They were scared, hiding from something Could it be the same thing that had taken Raku? He knew the possibility was there, but if he followed it would it lead him to Saleene or Raku, or both? Shaking his head he kept on. One way or another he would find them both. Hopefully before the darkness that hunted them caught up.

*****

Since she had a head start, Saleene hoped she could gain distance on the thing that had Raku. She knew the exact direction of where they’d gone but she felt a premise of danger begin to embrace the closer she got. Something was not right with the situation, aside from the obvious. There was an odd movement of their enemy, something familiar about it, but no matter how hard she tried she could not put her finger on it. Through another heavy bush and more weeds she broke through the underbrush and into an open campsite. At the opposite edge of the clearing was Raku’s unmoving body. Crouching low to the ground, she surveyed the area, hoping to find who had taken him.

The area looked as any camp would and that concerned Saleene. Things are not always what they seem. Her mother had taught her that during their training sessions. Everything about the camp looked too perfect. It was more like a picture with everything in its place, but nothing as it should be. Above her, she heard an owl call out. There was danger nearby, no doubt about it. Even the animals of the woods had silenced. Glancing around she noticed that even the trees had stopped swaying. It was as if a bubble had been placed around the area.

“What is it you are warning me of, friend?” Saleene inquired softly. She wasn’t about to let her guard down. “I know there is something not right here, but your squawking is not helping the situation.”

The owl, understanding her words, left its perch and began circling over a large area of trees. Initially, Saleene had not thought to venture away from the camp, but the darkness that was encroaching on her bothered her more and more, chilling her to the bone.

No amount of rubbing her arms would alleviate the coldness she felt. What is it about this part of the forest? There was something familiar, but off balance. It made no sense. Any other time if another of their kind entered an area they sent out a message, yet nothing was familiar. It was a courtesy that one bestowed on another, yet no matter how hard she tried she found no calling card.  Rubbing the nape of her neck in frustration, Saleene never heard the owl cry from above. Turning she found a large club coming toward her, the pain unbearable before darkness consumed her.