The Chosen; Before the Journey

Chapter 4

Sunlight streams in through the cave entrance and I sleepily open my eyes and stretch contentedly.
I am happy to be away from the pack that tormented me for years.
Crawling out of my nook I see that there is a small clearing surrounding it, then green pines and oaks as far as I can see.
My stomach growls so I set out to hunt.
Surprisingly, even after my run last night I am rested and not as hungry.
I soon come across a stream and quench my thirst there.
Examining my reflection in the running water is almost impossible but I catch a flash of turquoise and finally remember the necklace.
It still hangs around my neck, and it's weight is oddly comforting.
I continue on until I finally pick up the scent of a hare. Usually I am not fast enough to catch the agile creatures but a voice in my head urges me to try anyway.
I stalk closer from downwind, staying low in the brush. Once I decide that I am as close as I can get I leap out of cover.
I see my necklace glint and time slows around me.
The hare tries to move to the side but it is as if it is in water, it's movements not as effective. I easily pin it down with my paws and deliver the killing blow.
Time continues on again and I lift the rabbit in my jaws.
I easily follow my scent home and once I finally get back to my den I settle in to eat.
As I'm eating I think about my necklace. It must be magic. For some reason this does not surprise me much. I have been brought back from Sky Meadow by an elder-pup. A magic necklace almost pales in comparison.
Once I've finished my meal I decide to take a nap.
I dream of a black wolf, his yellow eyes staring into my own. With a shock I realize that he too has a string of gems, his yellow to match his eyes.
He fades away as I wake up, and I forget the dream.
I rise the next day and decide to explore. Today I venture away from where I know the stream is. Mostly i only come across more forest and a few small clearings. To my relief, I see no signs of other wolves in the area.
The thought of others encroaching on my territory makes my hackles rise. When did I start referring to it as my territory, I'm not sure, but I know that it is true.
I'm getting hungry again, and this time I'm feeling a bit bolder, so I go after a deer.
The doe barely has time to lift her head before I'm on her. I end her life quickly and eat my fill. I am unable to drag it back to my den, so I bury it. That will hopefully keep away unwanted creatures.
On my way back to my den, I smell an unfamiliar scent, but figure it must be old and continue on my way.
That night, tucked safely in my den, I start awake. At first I think it is nothing, but then I hear it.
A deep, searching howl echoes through the night. It almost sounds... Lonely.
For some reason I long to answer the call, the urge almost overwhelming my fear of being found.
I huddle deeper in my den and sleep fitfully for the rest of the night.