Among The Wolves

Hem'Lar

"You said that this is where the female human is?”

My eyes popped like water balloons when I heard someone referring to me. I squeezed them shut instantly. No, I am not. I am not here for anybody and thus do not want to see anybody. Go away.

In my somewhat curled position I froze.  “Yes Eta, she is here.”

I am sleeping… I need to just pretend that I am sleeping. My throat started to swell as I realized I was holding my breath.  Just breathe in and out slowly.

“What’s her name?” I am not telling you. Na na na na na!

“I'm not sure anyone knows.”

I was very happy to find this out. The less they knew about me, the better. A long relieved sigh escaped me.

“I do.” Great. Another idiosyncratic voice joined the now threesome conversation. I clenched my fists, why are there suddenly so many men in this place? One guy was already too much. Why are there now three stinkin’ werewolf guys?

“Oh hey, Zeta Hem’Lar.” I could hear slight shuffling.

“At ease.”

“Is it true that she tried to save you?” came a whisper that I faintly heard. I what? My eyes flew open as a realization smacked me in the face. The grey werewolf that Bratir shot is still alive???!?!?

I popped my head up and instantly saw three men. Two in the blue jumpsuit and one with a similar outfit as the one man that asked me about the jacket. The man had greying hair, crow's feet on his temples and laugh lines on his forehead. His face looked nothing like the other officer I'd seen, it was more genuine and gentle looking despite the features being sharper. Similarly, with the other Etas he was tall with broad shoulders and a wide stance. After observing him I realized every single one of them was looking back at me. AAAGHHAAA!!!
I slammed my head back down. That smarts.

“Hello!” Whose voice is that?

“I’m Zeta Hem’Lar, nice to meet you.”
Despite the calmness in his voice I could not get myself to look at him. At this point I was just trying so hard not to hyperventilate.

“She’s shaking, nie.”

“She needs a minute.” The man, Zeta Hem'Lar, said in his response, “Come, let’s go.”

The pitter patter of feet told me that they were all going. I looked up and gazed at their shrinking backs. Once they turned a corner I sat up. The wolf that Bratir shot is still alive! I could not believe it. That changes so many things… is that why I am here? Still alive? Is that the reason that they have not killed me yet?

What is going on?

I leaned against the wall and rested my head in my hands. Yet, even that did not cover the faces of my fellow recruiters. Those boys… it wasn't their fault that they were called to the border. It's all Bratir's fault.

I recalled Commander Tevit screaming in my earpiece, "Formation 26! Formation 26!"

Suddenly, I remembered what that command meant. It just meant to stay by and to stand ready. In all the excitement happening there were probably kids running in all places.

A sadness ran through me like a shiver. I am being kept alive… So what does that mean… for me?

Peering out of my hands I settled my eyes on no particular spot on the wall. I should live. Since they died for their country, I should live for them and for the country. I'll need to be vigilant; conniving even. I’m sure that there has to be a way but whatever happens... I will escape. I will go home. For them, for grandma, and for her