Among The Wolves

The End

Ty'Bin led me to a different barracks as he explained his request. "I was set to interview Intefunis more formally since I have the time and resources to do so more comprehensively. But I was made aware that at this time he wishes to talk to no one but you."

My steps faltered, "So, you'll need me to interview him? I thought my Nu duties were over."

Ty'Bin chuckled at the joke. "I do not expect you to try and get any information out of him. If he is requesting to see you then he must have something he wants to say. I would encourage you to just be who you were when you were with him before. Undoubtedly, he trusts you in that regard. Perhaps he will reveal either his motive or a way we can help him. As young as he is, I doubt his interest is for the demise of anyone."

I nodded in agreement as I looked on to the barracks that I was led to.

"Do you have any questions or is there any way I can help?"

I shook my head, "I got it."

"Ok, the arrival of POWs will be happening here very soon and I planned to be part of the welcoming committee so I will be around the base in case you need me."

I hugged him quickly and walked over to the door. The Eta let me in and I was met with another hallway that was lined with cells. Although the cells had solid walls and doors, save a small window in the doors. The Eta that was inside nodded when he saw me and motioned for me to follow.

I was taken to the very first cell and let in. The door was closed behind me as I looked around. Immediately, I was met with a tight squeeze by two small arms. Surprised by the intimate greeting I froze with my arms out. Intefunis still held on as I got over the shock and let my arms fall around his shoulders to hug him back.

Then he pulled away, giving me an awkward side eye, "I'm sorry."

I shook my head. "Don't be, I needed that as well. I know it's been very hard for you."

He didn't say anything more so I continued, "My mom and dad both died when I was fifteen. The only adult I had at the time was my grandma, and every night I'd go to her and she'd let me hug her." I paused before continuing. "I know you miss your mom."

Intefunis wiped a quick tear away before sitting down in the only chair that was in the room. "I just don't understand. She said that they would know what to do and they would understand and help both of us, but nobody cares and I'm scared that I'll never see her again."

I thought about the POWs that were coming later today, there was a large chance that his mom would be in that group so the reunion would be happening sooner than he thought. Yet, the answers to whatever she was anticipating would have to come from her since we seemed to have failed to get the purpose or the reason for this boy to travel with me.

I bit my lip wondering if I should tell him that he may be seeing his mom tonight, but it was not guaranteed and so if I raised false hope...

"Intefunis..." I started, the young he-wolf looked up with an expression that was half in thought and half curious. It was intriguing because it was familiar to me. I had seen it before on someone else.
"Um... I... are you still under secrecy about yourself and your mom?"

I can't tell anyone anything. I swore that I wouldn't."

"That's fine, I respect that, so I am going to try something and be back. Ok? It shouldn't be more than a couple hours."
Intefunis just nodded and put his head back down.

"I'm going to do what I can, I promise."

With that I turned and knocked on the door. The Eta let me out and I sauntered quickly out of the barracks. I only spent a moment looking for Ty'Bin before deciding I could talk with him later. I shifted to my mangly wolf and made a beeline for the packhouses.