The Wolves of the Gems

Chapter 25

30 miles from territory border: Northern Forest Pack: Densite: Late Autumn

The forests of the north were dense, the treetops protecting much of the undergrowth from the first snowfall. The once green leaves were beginning to be covered in the white snow. The only thing not protected by the treetops was a small clearing, the Northern Forest Pack den site.

The Northern Forest Pack consisted of twenty wolves, larger than the average pack size but still very small against the Mountain Pack and the Metal Forest Pack. Many of the pack members were wary of the trespassers, but they respected their alphas' words and did not voice their concerns as of yet.

The only ones not concerned were the alphas' five month old pups, four littermates, who had found a large fascination of Matla. The moment he laid down to keep an equal eye level, the pups had begun to climb on him, pulling at his ears and tail and dove under his wings, laughing gleefully. And Matla had no choice in the matter and he did not want to move, fearing he may step on the pups. Yet, he tried to keep his ears focused on the words the canines beside him spoke as the pups pulled on his ears.

"...and that is why we have reason to believe the last gem is located in your territory," Darkness finished as he stood in front of the two alphas.

"The territory has been used both before and during the reign of the humans," Fenrir said, looking at his mate, "it could be possible that previous owners guarded a gem without even knowing it. But even still, just because your winged companion and that wolf-dog believe its in this area, doesn't mean it is. I mean, he's centuries old and she's crazy."

Nightsong snarled at the alpha male, pinning her ears down against her head. But before she could step forward, Stormcloud stepped in front of her and shook his head. Nightsong let out a huff as she sat back on her haunches.

But Matla did not take offence, "that's what someone with a primitive mind would say." Fenrir narrowed his eyes at the Guardian and opened his muzzle to say something, but was stopped when Matla continued, "but in any case, before my siblings and I became the Guardians, the gem we seek, the Earth gem, has the strongest connection to the land we walk, and therefore, to protect it, the land would create dense forests and thick undergrowth and the greenest of leaves. That gem is in the thickest part of this forest."

"I still believe you are on the wrong track," Fenrir said, "I have walked every inch of this territory thousands of times, I have not seen a glowing, green gem."

"The gems do not glow unless their powers are in use, or if a suitable temporary guardian has appeared," Matla said, as the pups continued to play on him, "so, to the untrained eye, they would look like a simple rock."

Fenrir let out an irritated sigh, "very well then, lead the way Guardian."

"Could someone..?" Matla asked looking to the pups.

Rain smiled softly and nodded, "pups, leave the Guardian alone."

A mix of whines and 'awe' came from the pups as the clambered off the winged, white wolf and ran over to their mother.

Matla stretched his limbs before he stood to his paws, and walked over to Fenrir, "very well. And it's Matla. Guardian was my father."

Rain couldn't help but let a small chuckle escape as she watched her mate's reaction. He was both angry and shocked at the same time.

-----

The group consisting of Darkness, Chinook, Nightsong, Matla, Fenrir and three members of his pack had walked for nearly an hour, heading deeper into the dense forest. As Matla had predicted, the treetops and undergrowth were thick and had the greenest leaves, even though the snow had begun to cover it over.