Fall of the Packs: Void

Chapter Three

It had been several weeks since Minerva's trainee ceremony when Draco again assembled the pack beneath the overhang. "It's time to launch another offensive," he declared. "Wind Pack is still in a position of weakness and we need to take advantage of that. Spring is almost here, and I want us to be prepared to reap its full benefits when it comes."

Several dogs voiced their agreement and support, while Desert remained silent. Spring was coming, which she was glad of, but since that was the case, did they really need to press for more territory now? Not that I'm going to bother arguing with him again.

"We're going to press on the south side," Draco continued. "The deer are going to start moving up again since the weather is finally starting to warm, praise be to the Hunter Dog. Arrow, Candace, and Samuel, I want you to scout the area. A group of defenders will accompany you in case Wind Pack makes trouble. Any volunteers?"

Ajax, a young Tosa Inu, and Emma, a Cane Corso, both quickly spoke up. Draco nodded approvingly, then narrowed his eyes in thought. "Desert," he said, "I want you to lead. And take both Minerva and Tinder as well."

Desert noted the hard look he gave her and she knew exactly what he was trying to do. If she challenged him it would cause a scene--not that everyone wasn't already aware of their conflict. Regardless she guessed that Draco partially wanted her to say something, just so that he could somehow make a point in front of everyone. But Desert did not feel like giving him that luxury. "Yes, sir."

Draco's eyes flickered but all he said in response was a small grunt. "Very good. Be off, then, and report to me when you get back."

Desert nodded curtly in response and headed for the entrance, beckoning the others with her head. "Minerva, Tinder, you both go in front of us," she instructed. "Keep your eyes open. A defender must be aware of everything around them at all times."

The two trainees obediently took the lead, although they were still behind the hunters. "How's it been so far?" Tinder asked Minerva. "Do you regret picking defender yet?"

"No," Minerva said, giving him a look. "Why would I?"

"It was a joke," Tinder said. "Probably not a very good one. But I did almost regret it after how sore my legs were at the end of my first day."

Minerva shrugged. "I was just glad to finally be out in the forest."

Tinder nodded sympathetically. "I can't imagine being stuck in the clearing with that many other pups. I'd probably go crazy."

"Oh, that's nonsense," said Emma, interrupting the trainees' conversation. "You're great with pups, Tinder."

"Well, I guess so," Tinder said, "but being around them for that long and unable to leave might get old after a while."

"Then be glad you'll never have to nurse them," Emma snorted. Desert chuckled in agreement, although a small part of her longed for how simple that time had been, just being with her pups. Maybe she was unable to leave or fulfill her duties or anything like that, but they had all been alive.

The conversation faded into silence as the group continued on towards the south, Every now and then Tinder would attempt to strike up another discussion with Minerva, with varying success. Desert was glad that she was at least partially talking to someone else, and Tinder was a kind and polite young dog. It would be very good for Minerva to start really making friends.

At last they began to reach the area where the trees gave way to the meadow. Although its grass was still mainly stiff and brown, it looked like it was finally showing signs of the oncoming spring. The hunters began to spread out, sniffing the air and the ground for signs of prey in the area. The defenders hung back, so as not to interfere with their search but still close enough to act if Wind Pack showed up.