Among The Wolves

Argue

I noticed that Ty'Bin slowed his pace after hours of keeping a steady speed. The day had waned and dusk was coming upon us. I had begun to wonder if we were nearing the campsite. I had not seen anyone pass us, but with their carts, I was certain that they would have to take different routes. Some of the terrain that Ty'Bin went through I knew that a cart full of supplies would get stuck. I was not sure how they would travel as mountains loomed in the distance. For their sake, I hoped they would not have to drag those heavy carts over the tumultuous heights. 

He slowed enough that I could sit more upright. With his black nose in the air he altered his direction a little and sauntered for another fifteen minutes. I lazily gazed at my surroundings, this area was not at all like the rolling, thick, wooded terrain of the Black Axis Pack. This region was scattered with scraggly pines and full of jutted rocks and sudden cliffs. While most cliffs were a mere couple feet there were some that had to be steep enough to kill if someone fell over. The air was dryer and the sea level had to be quite a bit below us as the oxygen seemed thinner.

I really hoped we were near the end because I worried for Ty'Bin over exerting himself. Although, his panting did not seem too hard.

Up ahead, I noticed a thicker clump of pines and Ty'Bin was headed right for it. We entered the shade of said pines and the light dimmed. Ty'Bin walked between two inconspicuous jutted rocks and I noticed a pathway of sorts. The pathway was rocky and seemed to steep lower and lower. The barrier boulders became walls on each side making the sky seem farther and farther away, until I realized that we were down in a ravine. A meager creek trickled down the center of it but the nearly vertical sides had divots, like shallow caves, all along it. I knew that we had arrived at our resting place because this was perfect for safety and security. There were still many places of exits if need be but also it was hidden and secluded. 

It was a quaint place too. I could see cardinals and blue birds flying about. A rabbit was in the distance getting some water from the creek. Spying us, it hopped away.

Ty'Bin stopped altogether and I took that cue to get off. My stiff legs protested slightly but it felt good to move them. I turned and stretched, trying to get the kinks out. When I turned back, I realized that Ty’Bin had already shifted and was walking toward the stream. I blinked, obviously, he had no shoes, just his shiftable bodysuit, but I was perplexed that his feet were not more bothered by the rough ground underneath us. 

He knelt, cupping his hands and bringing the freshwater to his mouth. “Help yourself to the water.”

He looked around, his nose up. Looking back at me, he pointed to the nearest shallow cave. I looked to where he was pointing. From where I was, I could not see the end of the cave but I assumed that like the others it was shallow.

“When you get a drink just rest in there until I get back.”

I turned suddenly, “You're leaving?” 

“I am going to see if I can catch some game. That way the meal can get going as soon as the Omegas arrive.”

“Oh.” I hugged myself, suddenly this place seemed far less tranquil and far scarier. Still, I nodded, I had been alone many times. I could handle being in the middle of nowhere again. “Shall I collect sticks for fire or something?”

“I'd prefer you stay in the cave.”

I nodded absent-mindedly, already knowing that I was not going to be doing that. I needed to keep moving my stiff extremities and also I wanted to be useful. “See you when you get back then.”

Ty'Bin hesitated but nodded, “I shouldn't be too long.”

“Okay.” I watch him nimbly hop from rock to rock. Just before he was out of sight he did a larger jump and shifted to his wolf before bounding out of sight.