Kingdom Wolves: The Flames of Struggle

Chapter 6

      "Good morning Cadets! I hope you are all ready to run, because it's time for the Big Hunt! We have a very special guest joining us today, the second highest General of the Kingdom, General Morgr!" Grove nodded in respect at the General. Morgr nodded back with slight disinterest, then trotted up next to Grove. Morgr was an immense dark brown and tan colored he-wolf. A seasoned scar ran down his right side, and another crossed the left side of his face. Several Cadets could be seen cowering under his stern glare as he scanned the crowd.

     "The General will be taking over explaining the Big Hunt." Grove stepped back as Morgr cleared his throat.

      "Greetings, Cadets. Today you will be tested in your ability to work as a team, to be one with your pack. You will be tested in your communication skills, in how well you are able to keep formation, and in how well you are able to keep your cool during the excitement of a hunt. There will be countless Instructors interwoven throughout the Formation of the Hunting Party, keeping an eye on every single one of you."

     "You all will be split into three groups, as you should already know. There will be 30 wolves in each hunting party, 23 of them being Cadets. The rest are all Instructors and Hunt Leaders, to help guide you through the process. Alright, I believe that is all you need to know. Stay where you are, and you will be assigned a number. Go to your number's Group immediately after being told what your number is."

     Morgr finished talking and nodded his head dismissively at the Cadets, then turned and went to whisper something to a smallish light brown colored she-wolf.

     Mitch glanced at Sierra as an Instructor began weaving through the crowd, assigning numbers to the Cadets. "Good Luck. Do your best not to trip and break your leg, okay?"
  
      Sierra giggled. "Oh, don't worry about me. You should wish yourself luck, you're the one who tends to hurt himself while he's hunting."

     Mitch grumbled and tried to look hurt. "That was one time that I slipped and fell while hunting. And it was wet outside."

     "I'm kidding!" She nuzzled his ruff. "Good luck to you as well, big brother."

     Mitch tried not to bristle. He couldn't tell her he didn't like being called that. It would break her heart. And he didn't want to have to explain why he didn't like it, either.

     "Yeah... Thanks." He sighed and looked up as the Instructor came up to him and Sierra.

     "You two are both in Group 3." The Instructor continued on his way before either of them could say anything. Mitch glanced of at Sierra and shrugged. "Well, at least we're together. That's a good sign, right?"

     Kira nearly groaned when she saw who was standing at the edge of Group 1. Lacy. Of course she would end up being in my group. Kira pouted and dragged herself over to the group area, situating herself as far away from Lacy as possible. Hopefully that rotten little brat won't even notice me.

     Kira watched as the Instructors hustled around, ordering the Cadets to stand in a certain place in the formation. Kira couldn't help but snicker as random wolves moved themselves to purposely confuse and upset the Instructors.

      "Kira." Kira jerked her head up. "Oh, uh, yeah, I'm Kira."

     A sand colored she-wolf stood before Kira, tilting her head skeptically. "Yeah, I know. You're Trace's friend, right? She talked about you quite a bit. Said you're a fighter."

      It was Sandi, the she-wolf Trace had talked nonstop about a few evenings ago. Kira blinked, then nodded. "Yup, I'm a fighter. Gonna join General Lusa's army."