Alive in the Snow

12. The Dreads

"Right...Angus...you sure you can lift the wolf by yourself?" - Ian inquired, leaning on his shoulder and exhibiting a momentary sense of unease.

"Don't sweat it, I am good, thanks... I mean it." - Angus replied. This was without a doubt, the ideal opportunity to brag about his strength and bolster his ego, so Angus answered with a smile and pushed him off in a pleasant manner.

"Don't sweat it...don't sweat it." - he reminded himself since he needed further reassuring. His uncovered face was blasted by the frigid air, which only increased the strain. The atmosphere didn't enlighten itself at this very moment.

Angus carefully coiled the ropes around the wolf's legs, his legs noticeably unsteady from the coldness, but he battled it valiantly. He drew the rope toward him, while leaving one end dangling, making sure all knots were secure. Then, recognizing that it would be foolish not to, Angus tugged it back in his direction.

His boots slid underneath him and he stumbled, not before kicking up the alluring snow. He flung his hands overhead to steady himself. As they watched, the two youngsters started laughing uncontrollably. They attempted to conceal themselves by putting the incident out of their minds out of respect, but it kept replaying in their heads like a broken record.

Angus picks himself back up, stretching his arms, he gives a protracted yawn, completely unaware of the laughs taunting him from a distance. However, the chuckling from behind was heard soon enough, interrupting his moment of tranquillity. Nothing could have prevented the quick snatching of his undivided attention. He quickly snapped his neck towards the teenagers and gave them a cold, menacing stare.

"What?" - Angus raised an eyebrow to emphasise his tone as he questioned in an attentive manner. The two youngsters attempted to remain calm but his solemn expression just added to the comedy.

Acting like immature children, Ian sniggered with his hands clasped firmly over his mouth, attempting to mask his laughter while Velorra threw back her head and clutched her stomach in an attempt to stifle her laughter. In order to avoid eye contact with Angus, Ian turned to his side and casted a smirk in the other direction. Yet their attempts were in vain as they could not mask the obvious mockery.

"Anyone gon' talk to me or y'all just laughing for no reason?" - Angus's face glowed with heavy embarrassment. He rolled his eyes in dissatisfaction. Out of frustration, he continued binding the wolf limbs together.

Velorra and Ian were having a good time. Guilt was on the least of their minds. The period of silence began but the stillness was broken when muttering behind his back continued. At first, Angus tried to dismiss the mockery but it seemed too inevitable. However, as a result, his curiosity skyrocketed.

"What...is it?!"

Angus shouted, eagerly wanting answers, moderating his tone down midway at the realisation that they were only teenagers. The giggling ceased and the faces of the two descended into graveness.

"S-sorry sir. Just c-cracking old jokes, that's all. Just talking about them old days back at StoneWell. Yeah, yeah you know. Anyways, is the wolf ready yet?" - Ian changed the topic hastily, fearing that the truth would offend Angus.

Angus didn't want to question any further so his face loosened extensively. The matter wasn't important nor the main focus. The focus was, bringing the wolf back so the people of the village did not go hungry tonight.

Taking a breath, he continued,
"Let me just check the wolf-"

"Yeah, can we go yet?" - Velorra interrupted, her face no longer showing amusement.

"Typical kids..." - Angus mumbled to himself as he exhaled.

"Yeah, everything looks secure. Just let me pull the rope one last time...yep we are good to go!" The intensity of his frustration died down. Being an adult that he is, knowing how to execute self control in meaningless conditions was significant. The red tint on his cheeks from the embarrassment gradually subsided.