Wolves of the Northern Mountains #3: The Falling Birch

Dum-dum-dum-dum-dum-dum

sounded through the forest once again. I bit my tongue. This darn woodpecker was getting on my nerves. I had to keep quiet though. The moose was right there. I held up my tail to indicate to the rest of my party to wait. I heard them inhale and exhale heavily. The forest was still and silent.

Dum-dum-dum-dum-dum-dum.

I growled. The moose raised its giant head. It stood rigid and alert. Darn it! I waved my tail and all together the party leapt out at the moose. It swung its antlers in surprise, trying to back away from its attackers. I saw two blue-grey shadows leap at the moose from either side. I gave a little smile at watching my pup and mate be such brave fighters. The sudden swing of antlers nearly knocking me off my paws brought me out of my thoughts. I ducked and skidded to the side. I clamped down hard on one of its legs. It roared in pain and tried to kick me off, but I held on tight. The other wolves all leapt at the weakening moose. One by one, the Moose’s legs crumpled underneath him. He went crashing to the ground, almost crushing me, but I dashed out from underneath the beast at the last moment.

Commotion broke out amongst the party immediately. We congratulated each other on a nice take down and took a bit of a break; it was a tiring hunt.

Dum-dum-dum-dum-dum-dum

.

“Oh you have got to be kidding me!” I howled. “This woodpecker is dead. Where in the world is it?” I growled and started looking in the trees for the annoying rat.

“Calm down Ma.” Eternity padded up to me, followed by Bay and Eon. “It’s just a woodpecker.”

“An annoying woodpecker,” I snorted. Bay giggled.

“Calm down River. Now come on. You’re in charge of this party and I think it would be best if we head back to the caves,” Eon said in a soft tone.

“You just said I was in charge of the party; so, wouldn’t that make this my decision?” I retorted sarcastically.

He sighed. “Then lead the way, oh mighty party leader.” He joked and cuffed me on the ear. I felt like I was a pup again, playing with Pebble. My heart grew heavy as I remembered my brother and the way he ended off his life. I shoved the feeling away and went to go help carry the moose back to the caves.

“Come on everybody,” I called. We all picked up the moose and started to pad clumsily back home. The crisp, brown leaves cracked under our paws and sounded in the forest like thunder. A cool breeze ruffled my fur. Autumn was coming to an end. I smelled the first traces of winter, and felt the hot, humid air of summer fade into a cool, crisp winter setting.

We dragged the moose into to the main cave to find Coal standing on top of the Boulder. He howled for silence. We quickly dropped the moose on the fresh meat pile and ran to sit in front of the Boulder along with the rest of the pack.

“Good, you have all returned. I have a very important announcement to make,” Coal rasped. He looked very fragile and thin. He had become sick in the summer and never fully recovered. The pack was starting to grow concerned.

“I have decided that it is time for me to choose someone who will take my place as Alpha.”

Everyone gasped. It wasn’t everyday an Alpha announced he would be stepping down.

“I have been thinking it over on who I shall hand this important role to. It has not been an easy choice, but I think I have finally made up my mind.”

Anxious murmurs broke out amongst the crowd.

“The wolf I have chosen is brave. They are strong, fierce and will make a great leader.”