A Wolf's Tale (Book #2) Shadows of the Past

Chapter 3

An aesthetic of Moondancer!! I really like this one!!!

"You're doing great, Moondancer," Rascal commented as the young wolf pulled herself up a steep incline.

She got to the top and stood, panting with a grin on her face. Her little tail wagged back and forth.

Rascal came and sat beside her. "You've done wonderfully." He nudged her gently. "All this training sure has paid off."

Moondancer nodded and craned her neck to look out over the hills. "Do you think I'll ever be able to hunt and fight?"

Rascal's eyes softened as he glanced at the place where her fourth leg was supposed to be. A wild gang of dogs had killed her brothers Hawk and Sparrow. Moondancer had barely survived the attack. In the midst of it all, her left hind leg was torn off. Now she lives the difficult three-legged life of a disadvantaged wolf. But she's determined to prove everyone else that she's capable of living like any other wolf.

Rascal wrapped his tail around her. "Of course. All you need is practice; just like everyone else."

Moondancer's eyes gleamed with excitement. Rascal realized how much she'd grown. The muscles in her back and shoulders were strong with the frequent training she's been doing.

"Can we do a bit more training? Please?" She asked hopefully.

Rascal nodded. "Sure. Let's try a kick."

He got Moondancer in position, then he stood about four leaps away.

"Okay, Moondancer. I'm gonna run toward you. When I'm close enough, turn around and kick me with your back leg. Got it?"

She nodded and pushed her paws into the snow. Her fur bristled with excitement, eyes narrowing with their usual gleam.

Rascal waited until she was ready. Then he sprang at her. Moondancer narrowed her eyes and waited for the right moment. When it came, she turned around and pressed all of her weight on her forepaws, lashing out with her hind leg.

Her kick hit Rascal in the muzzle. It momentarily surprised him, which gave Moondancer the advantage to knock him over and pin him to the ground.

Rascal's eyes glowed in praise. Moondancer let him to his paws and stood back.

"That was great! And for your first time at trying a back kick, it went really well. Try and aim for the muzzle, it catches your opponent off guard and surprises them, which gives you the opportunity to follow up with another attack." Rascal explained.

Moondancer nodded, trying the move again.

They practiced until sun peak. Then headed back to camp. Moondancer excitedly chatted about becoming a fighter someday. Rascal smiled as listened to the young wolf.

Her mother and brothers would be proud...

They entered to see Tyrant with the rest of the Pack surrounded around him.

Rascal and Moondancer squeezed to the front. "What's going on?" Rascal asked.

Frost's eyes were bright. "Tyrant is talking about expanding the territory: so we can perhaps find some prey."

Rascal shifted his gaze toward the alpha. He wasn't completely certain about expanding borders. It'll be twice more to defend and scout.

But on the other paw, they may find the prey they have much needed.

Tyrant nodded. "So it's decided. Tomorrow evening, we'll send out a scouting group to set the new border."

The wolves murmured excitement, gathering in small groups, talking hopefully.