Wolf Saga: The Secret

Chapter 1

 Jaws snapped close to Blizzardstar's flank, and he whirled, instincts urging him to kill the wolf for attacking him, but the thought was forced back as his back was bathed in sunlight.

"Whose side are you on?" snarled Snowleaf. Her eyes were red with blood, and Blizzardstar realized that she did not recognize him. "Are you one of them?" Before Blizzardstar could reply, she sprang upon him, fangs tearing at his pelt, and he writhed, not wanting to hurt his packmate.

"I'm one of you," he barked, twisting violently to dislodge her, but she kept her grip, her serrated claws digging into his throat. "Please! Pheasantwing is my mate, and we have three pups- Stormpup, Bluepup, and Dewpup! Stormpup is a dark grey with blue eyes, Bluepup a silvery-grey, and Dewpup a pale brown with dapples and green eyes like her mother." Blizzardstar panted frantically as she dug deeper with her claws, harboring a secret hope that Snowleaf would accept his information and spare him. To his relief, Snowleaf let up her attack, wiping blood from her eyes, which glared with suspicion.

"You got it right, imposter," she snarled, "but how do we know if you've been spying on us or not? You can't prove anything!" Reaffixing her hold, she dug her claws in deeper.

"Take me prisoner, as a prisoner of war, if you want," Blizzardstar gasped. "I have information for Frostfeather that could help the entire pack- just hear me out!" Snowleaf growled in frustration, but she finally let out an alarm howl, which resonated around the hollow. She held up one paw, prepared to stun him the second he tried to move. "Here's another prisoner," she growled at a sentry. "Throw him in the pit with the others."

"Wait!" came an achingly familiar bark, "wait, that's Blizzardstar!" Frostfeather came hurtling across the field, silver pelt streaked with blood and scratches. "I can fix him!" Snowleaf stepped back in confusion as Frostfeather wrapped her wings around him, and stared deep into his eyes. A sense of belonging crept back, coaxing out memories, but the dark influence of Swanpelt lingered, pulling him back. After a struggle, Frostfeather prevailed, dragging back hidden memories and arousing his Soul once more, cleansing it from evil.

"Thank you," breathed Blizzardstar. "Please, you must help me- I know of an onyx, but I am not sure what it does. Swanpelt treated it like it was quite important. I got out through a mine collapse." He felt many memories, all of which felt too familiar, washing over him- how had he forgotten these emotions? Frostfeather tipped her head thoughtfully while observing his face, a hidden spark gleaming within, and then Blizzardstar blacked out.

"W-where am I?" Blizzardstar stammered. He was in a starlit clearing, kneeling in soft grass. His fur prickled with stars, and Blizzardstar was aware of many wolves watching him. "Am I dead?"

"You should have been," growled a voice Blizzardstar had not heard in a long time. "The young heir is powerful, very powerful. The power she surged into you should have destroyed you, but instead, she worked a miracle." A sleek grey-brown wolf padded forward, his head held high and his stance proud.

"Father? Hawkstorm?" Blizzardstar squeaked, surprise evident in his gaze. "I-I don't know what happened. Did Frostfeather try to kill me?"

"We're not sure, " replied a beautiful she-wolf, her silver pelt sparkling with stars. Her gaze fell upon Blizzardstar, and he let out a cry of joy.

"Icefeather!" he yelped. "Mother! I've missed you so much. But.... Am I dead? Will I go to the Darkwoods because of Swanpelt?"

"I hope not," Icefeather whispered, worry clouding her gaze. "Your fate is for the Star Pack to decide. They will judge fairly, I promise." She stepped back, and ranks of starry wolves bounded down from the sky, letting out echoing cries- a summon to the Calling.

"You have been summoned to decide your fate," announced a brown she wolf with gold streaking her pelt. "To be admitted to the Star Pack, return to the living, or be condemned... to the Darkwoods. Council, please come forward." Eight wolves padded forward, and sat solemnly in front of Blizzardstar. "This is Otum, Nandini, Aruntu, Raska, Jorbu, Haltan, Zurai, and Labin. I am the skilar here, but you may call me Elbara." The she-wolf indicated the eight wolves, four on each side of her, and continued.

"Raska shall defend you, and Zurai has chosen to oppose you. A vote with be called at the end of your trial, determining your fate. Council, choose wisely." Raska rose.

"Blizzardstar is a fair and good leader," she began, gaze sweeping the assembly. "He led many battles, and fought courageously when his skill was needed most. The deeds that he has committed recently should not be marked against him, as he was taken against his will. Blizzardstar does not realize what he has done, but seems fully committed to returned to his previous senses. The taint of evil might be on him, but he always thinks for the best." Zurai stood now, facing Raska.

"He abandoned his mate and his pups, unaware of the terrible decision he was making, or the consequences. He let Rockfall join our ranks, has mined for the substance used to poison his own pups, infected the eagle used to slay a pup, and caused the avalanche that nearly killed a queen. He should be condemned, lest he do worse."

"That is not his fault," argued Raska. "He would not have made these decisions had Swanpelt not gotten to him. He was already showing signs of being Tainted, and was unaware of any moves against him. Blizzardstar would never abandon his mate or pups, and he grieves for Rockfall and Frozenkit like the rest of us." Blizzardstar felt a pang of horror- had he really done such deeds? And why had he not remembered?

"He should have scented the Taint," Zurai growled, shaking his head.

"No wolf can scent it, if it is cleverly placed and disguised," countered Raska. "Blizzardstar is considered a high prize for them- the Dark Pack must have gone to great lengths to disguise it. If properly concealed, no wolf could scent it, not even one of the Dark Pack." Zurai fell silent, and bowed his head. Every wolf waited with bated breath.

"The debate is now over," declared Elbara at last. "Zurai has chosen to end it. Wolves of the Council, please cast your vote. I will join a side as well." Blizzardstar's heart was in his throat as he watched the Council move to either wolfs' side. Aruntu, Nandini, Labin, and Jorbu went to Raska, and Otum and Haltan stood beside Zurai. Eyes narrowed calculatingly, Elbara scanned the Council. She tipped her head, thinking, and then slowly moved to Raksa's side. Blizzardstar collapsed in relief and adopted a submissive pose, indicating that he wanted to speak. Acknowledging him, Elbara ordered him to rise.

"Thank you, gracious Council," he gasped. "I say these words not out of flattery, but of gratitude for your judgement. I have now heard the crimes that I have committed, and give my full apology for the decisions I made while I was with the Dark Pack, in addition to my condolences." Elbara stood silently, then slowly dipped her head to accept his apology.

"Beautiful job," Icefeather whispered. "I am so proud of you." She rasped her tongue over his ears, and Blizzardstar closed his eyes. He could feel his father's warm presence beside him, tail twined with his.

"But... everything that I've done..." Blizzardstar murmured. "What will you think of me now?" He expected Icefeather to speak, but instead, Hawkstorm did.

"Your actions were not your fault, and you received a full pardon. Elbara is good and wise, as is the Council, and she understands fully. I am proud of you for facing judgement, and the courage you mustered when you were in danger of being sent to the Darkwoods. They must think you are ready again." Blizzardstar smiled, and Icefeather and Hawkstorm stepped back into the starry ranks of wolves.

"Leave," Elbara intoned, but it seemed as though every wolf in the Star Pack spoke with her. Again, Blizzardstar felt the rushing sensation, and he caught one last glimpse of his parents before the whirlwind whipped him back to the living.