Scarlet Rose

Chapter 7 - The Wolves

It was a sad day when Scarlet Rose returned to the Boys House, and judging by the droop of the other boys' shoulders and their lack of energy at training, they thought so too. However, whenever the tests were brought up the mood of misery was replaced with fear. The tests were to be held that week and were already on the lips of all the boys. Soon all that anyone talked about was the tests, how to prepare, how you would know you were ready, and for some, how to cheat. She kept mostly to herself that week of preparation, running through all she had learned and all she thought she would need for the tests which, rumor had it, would involve wolves. Scarlet Rose knew nothing about wolves, none had ever attacked her sheep, so she was nervously asking those who had seen wolves for advice. Unfortunately, the "wolf experts" were telling everyone they could see that wolves were huge flying monsters that landed on people in the dead of night and swallowed them whole.

"It's true!" they laughed. "They have black fangs that are six feet long and can retract into its skull and come out the other side as horns! And, wait! Where are you going!"

Not all her information was this useless. Fighting with Willie and his friends during that week was incredibly helpful and fun. They made up nicknames for each other one day, to solidify their friendship, Willie said. Sprint, (a small wiry boy who was by far the fastest) Bear, (a muscular boy named Carl) Tip, (Willie) and Scarlet, (Scarlet Rose). They trained for hours after they had been sent home, with one person being the wolf and the others taking turns to attack it. So, when the day of the test came around, they all felt ready for it.