From the Ashes

Chapter 5: Shadows

Ashia opened her eyes and saw that the half moon was just beyond the mountains. She sleepily padded into the forest. Sniffing the air, Ashia followed the faint scent of elk. She continued down the path, wary of any threatening scents. Ashia stopped abruptly when a large bull elk stood only a few meters away from her.

What the?! I smelled a cow and it was very faint. Why is there a bull elk in the middle of the forest? I thought that the elk herds lived down the ravine near the water.

Ashia looked down at the ground for any dried leaves or sticks. Why it was highly unlikely that there was a surplus of twigs or dried leaves during spring, some of the nearby oak trees were dying and very dry.

Ashia passed through the shadows unseen. The large trees caused long, dark shadows that allowed her black coat to perfectly blend in with the undergrowth. As she moved, the bull elk raised its head and let out a loud bellow.

Ashia let out a growl of frustration as the bull raced toward the forest’s edge that led to the grassland. She raced after the bull but stopped short as the silhouettes of two wolves passed her. Ashia’s amber eyes glowed with anger as the shadows chased the elk out of sight.

Ashia clawed at the ground and turned around. The black wolf made her way to a nearby stream and lapped the cool water.

“Why in Golden Hills are you awake right now?” a chilling voice from behind questioned.

Ashia jumped and bared her teeth at the voice. She turned around and scanned the area around her for anything that asked her the question.

“Did you eat foxfood? I said, why are you awake at this hour?”

Ashia forced herself to appear relaxed, even though her muscles were tense. She smiled and lowered her tail. “I could ask you the same question,” she replied cooly.

Ashia heard the wolf before her growl in anger and watched it step forward.

“You're driving my patience! I was stalking that elk there before your loud paws scared it.”

Ashia rolled her eyes and stood at full height. “Fine. I was out here because I couldn't sleep. Wait! Why are you on Midnight Pack territory?” Ashia asked, trying not to sound nervous.

The shadow walked slowly to Ashia’s left and snarled. “Don't you recognize my scent furball?!”

Ashia was taken back by the comment. Hackles raised, Ashia forgot to keep her cool. “Of course not! I think I would've called you by name or acknowledged you before you spoke if I could. I'm upwind of you also!” Ashia snapped.

Ashia shivered when she saw a flash of white as the wolf ahead smiled. The wolf nodded silently and swiftly ran into the shadows. Ashia cocked her head in confusion as the wolf ran off. She was further confused as a flash of blue-grey reached her eyes in the direction the wolf ran off. Ashia snorted and cautiously moved to where the wolf was standing and sniffed the ground.

A female wolf was standing here. I can’t smell any other scents which means that the other wolf I saw must have continued after the elk while she stayed here to question me. Odd…

Ashia shook her fur and head. Making her way back to the cliff’s edge, Ashia ran the scenario through her head over and over again.

Who was that? Could it have been another rogue wolf? I recognized the scent, but not well enough to pinpoint what wolf from Midnight Pack it was or if it was just another scent from a different Pack or a trespassing rogue. I need to speak with Lupin about this. Wait! He’ll ask me why I was walking around the territory and he might think that I’m planning on betraying the Pack. I’ll have to keep this to myself for now.

Ashia treaded wearily into camp from the long walk. She curled into a tight ball and closed her eyes for sleep.

An odd feeling awakened the black wolf within an hour. Ashia slitted her eyes to see what was causing the strange feeling. She almost jumped when Indigo’s yellow eyes bored through her. Ashia felt her heart race and was surprised that the hunter didn’t hear her heart pounding against her chest. Ashia’s amber gaze followed Indigo as she slowly laid down. The quick hunter gaze Ashia a final suspicious glance before closing her eyes and relaxing for sleep.

Ashia gave a silent sigh and relaxed her muscles, which had tensed severely during the moment. After all but a few moments, Ashia’s mind drifted off to sleep.

* * * * *

Ashia’s eyes snapped open as Timber nosed her shoulder.

“Wake up! We’re making the final decision about Crescent and Alpine in a few moments,” Timber barked loudly.

Ashia glared at the grey wolf and rolled her eyes. Timber stepped away from the irritated wolf.

“Um, what’s wrong?” Timber asked nervously.

Ashia growled at the beta and stood up. Timber flattened his ears and bared his teeth.

“Know your place Ashia!” he snarled.

Ashia averted her gaze and stared at her paws.

“I’m sorry for snapping at you. I’m just on edge and tired.”

Timber nodded understandingly and trotted off toward Lupin. Ashia gaze locked with Indigo’s and watched as the hunter stood a little taller before joining Timber. Ashia shook her head in frustration and waited for Crescent and Alpine to pass her before walking over to her packmates.

Lupin leaped onto the flat stone and raised his tail for the Pack’s attention. Ashia sat down beside Crescent while Timber sat on the other side. Lupin watched the small Pack gather around him before starting.

“Last night, Timber told me the results of Crescent and Alpine’s training. I have decided on their ranks and will present you with them now. Crescent, you have shown excellent ability in tracking and hunting. You will be Midnight Pack’s newest hunter and will join Indigo on hunts. Alpine, you aren’t the best at fighting or hunting, so I have chosen the rank of omega for you.” Lupin announced.

Crescent stood up happily and raised her head to howl. The rest of the Pack followed Lupin’s lead. Ashia raised her muzzle and emitted a long howl. She stopped shortly after starting when she noticed Alpine still sitting quietly.

“I know that you were probably hoping for a higher rank. At least you know that you can work hard in order to become a hunter or warrior,” Ashia whispered.

Alpine sighed and looked up at Ashia. A single tear rolled down his face and dripped off his muzzle. “You and Crescent both became mid ranking wolves while I’m immediately dropped to omega. All I’m allowed to contribute to is to keep the peace within the Pack. I can’t help you fight against our enemies or help Crescent and Indigo hunt. I just don’t see why I must be omega,” Alpine said sorrowfully.

Ashia sighed and set her tail across Alpine’s red back.

“I know this is tough for you but I believe, in time, you’ll become a well respected wolf here in Midnight Pack. Who knows? Maybe you’ll become alpha of Midnight Pack one day!” Ashia barked encouragingly.

Alpine’s eyes lit up with determination when Ashia finished.

“I’m going to work really hard to become a warrior just like you, Once I do that you can teach me some of your moves!”

Ashia grinned at the young wolf and stood up. “That will be a little while Alpine. You have at least another year before Alpine will even consider moving you up.”

Alpine nodded and rushed off toward Crescent. Ashia smiled and padded toward the cliff.

I really hope Alpine becomes a warrior. It would be nice to have an apprentice to teach. I’m hoping that, in time, I’ll be able to trust him with my life and fight beside him.