The Hooman Saga - Book Two, Part 1

Episode 17

(This book is available everywhere online. I'm working as I can to get this posted to Wattpad. if you can't wait to see how this turns out, see https://calm.li/HoomanSagaBk2Pt1 for more information and links.)

AT THE RISE OF THE second moon, the hunters gathered outside the Chief's den.

The Chief was laying, waiting, ready for the last to arrive.

Each of the hunters sat as they arrived, nodding to the Chief and receiving a nod.

As the last sat, the Chief rose. "We are now here to face one of our greater challenges. We are to discipline the ferals and push their boundaries back. They know the entrance to our valley, which makes our home unsafe.

"You all know the events that occurred. And it was necessary to bring the hooman to our valley. The probe will begin soon, but we have already learned much.

"She has told us that there are other responsibilities we share with other sentients. She also brings hope that this world might be raised to sentience for all members of all species.

"That is not our focus today. When you leave here, this campaign will be large, it will be effective, it must be. While we now have hope and can see a greater world ahead, we are still faced by those who only live by the tooth and claw.

"Enough has been said. You have the meaning of what we must do over the next few days."

The Chief sent holographic maps to all present, along with the data sets they contained.

"These are the pack numbers and locations where the ferals have been seen. This data has been compiled from all the hunting parties of this summer. We've found that their main camp is there." He emphasized that point in the visual.

"According to our long traditions of successful engagements, the plan is to run a long hunting campaign to push them back to that main camp, and then beyond it. That camp will need to be defiled. They must return to the boundaries of the old agreement.

"They must know their safety depends on staying completely out of our hunting territory."

Snarl interrupted, "Should we not use the method of two hunting parties to gather them more quickly and effectively? That is also one of our proved and traditional methods."

The Chief frowned, as did many of the hunters. "This is not the time for questions or suggestions. I appreciate your enthusiasm, Snarl, but I will continue."

The Chief cleared his mind, and then sent a new holographic image. This contained pack numbers with the sitings and their frequency. "You'll see that these have patterns of retreat, and a central path they have been using. This core flow needs to be cut off and made unsafe for them.

"You'll also see the minor stop-overs they use. These must also be defiled. They must not be able to take more than day-trips before returning to their main camps.

"This core flow path is the route they must know is forbidden. Our new agreement we will enforce on them is to take the entire path and their current camp into our own territory. That is what you will enforce. They must never hunt in this area again."

Snarl again sent, "With all respect, Chief, your plan still enables a faster round-up with two packs of hunters..."

The Chief barked at him, causing the hunters to all flinch. "Snarl! There is a reason for patience. There is a reason to respect decorum. I'll expect no more from you until this briefing is opened to suggestion!"

The hunters were silent. Some looked at Snarl from the corner of their eyes to see his reaction.

Snarl only bowed his head, silent.

After an appropriate pause, the Chief resumed. "Tig will lead the hunt, as usual. His experience is trusted. Snarl will again be first lieutenant, again due to his experience and successes. The rest of you will take your usual positions for the Great Hunt, in teams."

"Our most experienced female hunters will remain in the valley for defense. The rest who are of age will hunt alongside. All of you are expected to return. Keep of one mind, trust each other.

"And now I would open this up to suggestions for improvement." The Chief looked to Snarl, who had kept his head bowed.

There was silence for a time. Some questions started up from the younger hunters, asking about approach and sequences. The Chief answered these, and adjusted the plan or clarified the data.

When the last of the questions paused, the Chief asked Snarl directly, "Do you now have anything to add at this point?"

Snarl raised his head and straightened his back. "While this plan is very good, being able to split into two formations would give us additional strength and capability."

Tig then sent, on the heels of that thought. "And is a point that can be taken. Our numbers are much fewer than the entire pack of the ferals. It is key we split them into multiple groups that run away in fear. We much not allow them to use the same tactic against us. Our single central force must start that fear-effect by surprising them. Our greater strength and efficiency of attack must make them understand that we cannot be followed."

Snarl then sent, "As when we had to bring that hooman in, when we let them follow us to our front door?"

Tig replied, "The hooman's data is key. We would have nothing of what we've already learned without protecting her. Much more data can be probed from her."

"And yet that one hooman has made all this necessary!" sent Snarl. "I almost think the care for this hooman is more important to you than the care for this pack..."

Tig rose to his feet, bristling. "What are you implying? Why don't you state simple facts that this hunting party can use?"

Snarl rose, slowly. "The facts are that hoomans are destructive, they are of a type who do not care for other species. Our legends and our own experiences teach us that these must be left alone and not contacted."

Tig replied, "Those legends also teach to have a respect for all life, sentient or not. This hooman is special, and has already helped us. She is no danger to this pack. She is different. You have all seen her thoughts and learned from her."

Snarl then sent, "Special. Different. One might consider that a bonding has happened here..."

Tig growled before sending, "Be careful what you claim, wolf. Be reminded of your own lineage. There is no possible way for humans and wolves to bond. To even consider that is disgusting and grounds for expulsion from any pack as a deviant." His eyes glared at Snarl, waiting his rebuttal.

Snarl bowed his head as his eyes didn't leave Tig's. "Deviance wasn't suggested, Leader Tig. Whether one bonds with their pets differs from seeking to mate."

Tig started toward Snarl, and then stopped. "Shall we take this outside the valley and I teach you the meaning of bonding?"

(This book is available everywhere online. I'm working as I can to get this posted to Wattpad. if you can't wait to see how this turns out, see https://calm.li/HoomanSagaBk2Pt1 for more information and links.)