It started with a wolf.

Chapter 4: Rhys

Rhys

Yesterday’s events had left me confused, pondering. I wasn’t quite sure what to make of the boy, but I knew Ella would probably have a pretty good idea. I thought I should go back, but I knew Ella would be devastated if she thought I was leaving her out of the adventure. Scamps; my little yorkshire terrier, was sat looking up at me expectantly. His bright, beady eyes twinkling as if he knew something I didn’t. As quick as lightening, he was at the front door, whining to be let out. I grabbed his collar, slipped it on over his neck, and attached his lead. A simple brown leather one, white with age at the edges. I let Scamps lead me down the path, and down the road. After a few turnings, I realised where we were headed. The forest. I knew I had taken Scamps there plenty of times before, I just couldn’t understand why he would be so intent in going now. I allowed him to lead me all the way up to the top of the hill, but that was the furthest I would go. He was determined to go further, so determined, he sprinted as fast as he could downwards to the bottom of the hill, dragging me with him. I slid down on my front, collecting various bits of grass and foliage as I did. Luckily we stopped, just before my face was about to slam straight into an old oak tree. I was surprised to see the boy crouching over the trap door again. I stood up, and made my way over to him. As he heard my approach, he shot up. ‘Oliver.’ He stated.

‘Oliver? What’s Oliver?’ Rhys asked warily.

‘Oliver. My name is Oliver.’ He replied. His tone was strong, like he was certain of who he was. Oliver, I thought. That matched the colour of his eyes. I steadied my breathing, not sure what to say next. ‘You’re Rhys.’ Oliver mumbled. ‘I remember, you were in the woods a few years ago. The day you’re friend was attacked. Ella.’ I lifted my gaze to meet his. His brilliant green eyes, boring into mine. ‘Yeah, how do you know about that?’ I inquired. Our story was all over the newspaper, but this boy looked like he hadn’t lived in civilization for quite some time. ‘I saw it happen. I was fishing further down the lake. I could never forget her face, Ella’s. I guessed you would be the one who came with her yesterday..’ Oliver replied. The honesty on his face shone so brightly, like that of a child. ‘I could of stopped it, but the wolves.. They.. When they need food, there is no way of stopping them.’ He continued. The thought of Ella.. Becoming a meal for those.. Monsters. It was enough to make me feel sick. I couldn’t bear losing her, her friendship was the only thing I had to really keep me going. ‘I wasn’t really surprised. It’s dangerous to be in the woods during winter, when there isn’t much other food for them to eat. They have to reach out and explore other means of getting food. You were in the wrong place, at the wrong time.’ Oliver explained.

‘And you?’ I insisted. ‘Why were you here if you knew of the danger?’

‘Fishing. Humans need to eat too, you know.’ He answered. The expression on his face made it obvious he found my question stupid, if not naive. I felt foolish. Of course he would need food, how could he survive so long without any basic survival skills? I was curious to know exactly how long he had spent in the woods, but I thought he had already shared enough information with me, for now. I didn’t want him to think I was prying. I turned around, debating with myself whether I should ask, or if it would be insensitive. I eased my head around to look at him, but he was gone. Atleast I was a little clearer about yesterday, but I still needed to know about the message. ‘The power of friendship conquers all.’