Ice Wolf

Into the Village (5)

Over the next few weeks Senara gradually recovers. She stays in the barn, although I often tie a rope around her neck and take her out to get some exercise. She seems to be happy here, and hasn't been aggressive to any person she's met.

Today, however, is going to be something totally different.

Today, I am going to take Senara to the village, Sheerville. The Capitol of raising sheep in our land. I'm not sure if The craziest part about it all is that wolves are notorious for eating sheep, or if it's that I don't know how Ara will react.

And worse than that, I don't know how the people will react. I am doing this with my mother's approval, and I'm going to basically show Senara off as a dog. Hopefully I won't come home with a mob chasing me.

"You ready, girl?" I ask my trusty wolf companion as we load into the wagon.

"Let's go, Agate," I flick the reins, causing our dark bay draft horse mare to go into a lively trot.

Senara excitedly pants and paces the seat on the wagon. Her leg splint is gone now, but she still has a slight limp. the rest of her is healing nicely.

We ride into Sheerville as the sun is high overhead. At first, I think no one has noticed Ara, but soon I am proved wrong.

Children and adults alike point and stare. Murmurs and whispers can be clearly heard from bystanders as our wagon rides past.

"Ignore them, Ara." we go over to the market and I hop out of the wagon seat, Senara following closely behind on her rope leash.

We enter the old building and walk up to the counter. "Mr. Hanson," I call, ringing the bell.

"What do you want?" he walks up to the counter. Mr. Hanson has never been a very polite or nice person.

"Just a sack of grain," I reply, smiling.

"Oka-hey, you brought a dog in?" He leans down, but when he sees that she isn't just a dog his expression immediately turns to a scowl. "it's a Wolf," he says the word like it's poison on his tongue.

"Why yes she is. Thank you for noticing," I smile widely, scratching behind her ear.

"Get it out of here!" He yells and points to the door.

"But my mo-"

"I said get it out!" He yells even louder and harsher this time.

I frown and pull Senara out of the market.

We both sit down on a bench outside while I contemplate what to do.

"That was awfully rude," I hear a deep voice sound in the doorway of the shop.

"Excuse me?" I ask, turning to the person.

"What that man did. You know, just because you have a wolf he kicked you out."

Now I see that this person is a tall young man with jet black hair. He has a square jaw and a well muscled body. His eyes are a deep chocolate brown. I notice the leather scabbard at his side, with a gleaming sword hanging from it.

"Exactly my thoughts," I smile at this man's politeness.

"And who might this be?" He asks with his eyes flickering to My wolf.

"Oh, this is Senara. She's my wolf. Well, uh, temporarily I guess you could say."

"Very impressive," he smiles at Ara.             "not something you see everyday. I'm Gavin, by the way. Nice to meet you," Gavin shakes my hand.

"One moment please," He steps back into the market, and a minute later comes out carrying a large sack of grain.

"Here you are, ma'am." He puts the grain into my wagon, tipping his hat at me.