Bravelands- The Brightest Sun

Arch Of Fire

Wild Dogs are named after what their leaders see in their splotches.
Arch thought as he remained firm upon the Ceremonial Boulder with Arch Of Fire Pack beneath it. "I call all pups over the age of 6 moons to their aging ceremony! Please, join me on the Ceremonial Boulder!" He howled. Six pups scrabbled onto the Boulder. "Ah yes, my son. Ibexpup, son of Ibex at The River and myself, Arch Of Fire." He circled his pup eagerly, studying his cloud-like spots."Dear Ibexpup, your name will be Clouds in The Valley." He barked eagerly towards his pack as they began to chant his name. "You may make your mark on The Wall of Our Pack." The back of the Boulder was littered with nose-prints made with the juice from a Marula mixed with mud. Many prints were crossed out as they belonged to the dead members, or as they call them, Pack-Members in The Stars. The next pup inched towards Arch."Meadowpup, daughter of Flowers in The Meadow and Fireflies at The Water." He did a once over of her beautiful spots and blotches. She had exceptionally big ears for a Wild Dog, which is good for hunting."Meadowpup, your name will be Pursuit of a Gazelle. You look like a fine, independent hunter, I bid you the best of luck. You may make your mark on The Wall of Our Pack."

Once again the crowd cheered. "Little Finpup, daughter of Fin of A Fish and An Elephant's Trumpet. You are the product of two very beautifully splotched Wild Dogs, and you need an equally beautiful name. Your new name is Clouds at Sunrise. Please go make your mark." The next pup to walk up had little brown or ashen. "Flowerpup, daughter of Valley Of Flowers and Mossy Stone. You will be named Sea of Spears. Please go make your mark." Two pups that looked exactly alike strode side by side up to Arch. "Ah, the Hunterpups. Both of you are equally astonishing. Sons of Hunter in Pursuit and Inferno on The Water, I give you the names of Feathers in a Nest and Lion on the Hunt. Please go make your marks." Arch of Fire tipped his head back and howled at the sun with an ancient grace. His pack returned the ancient gesture, signaling that there was no more to discuss at this meeting. He scaled down the Ceremonial Boulder as the medic was applying the Marula mixture to the noses of the last three pups. He made a squeaking sound as a 'Hello' to the medic and three pups. We sound like birds in an elegant body!  He thought, laughing softly to himself.

He jogged towards his den, tail held up in a sickle position, when a warning shriek came from a border patrol dog. He pinned his ears back, wondering what had taken place when a shrill roar quickly rerouted his thoughts. All six newly-named pups broke out into a fierce snarl. His paws carried him as quickly as they would allow towards the pups, but it was too late. They sprung at the adolescent lioness who's face was distorted with agony, rage and hatred. Her thick claws tore through the thin pelts of the attacking Wild Dogs. He looked on in horror and disdain as his son was tossed about as if he was a baboon's plaything. No!  He thought, his features curving into a snarl. He rushed forwards, flicking his tail in anger. He leapt at the lioness, pushing her against the ground. 

He barked gruffly in her face. "Why have you come to torture us?! To torture me?! Did you come to watch us suffer as you lick your bloodied claws?!" Out of the corner of his eyes, he watched the medic tend to Clouds in The Valley. "Have you no idea of the pain you are causing us?!" He snarled, his breath hot on her muzzle. A look of regret crossed her face, hardening into rage once more. "I have some idea!" She growled, kicking Arch off. As he hit the ground, white-hot pain seared through his left fore-shoulder. His vision darkened and blurred as he watched the lioness sneering at him.

You have broken the code... He thought as he slipped unconcious.