Wolves Of The Ravine (abandoned)

Chapter 8

As they sped down the slope, they came to a halt as they saw a few wolves which had also returned from a hunt. "Tyun, I am surprised to see you scared, I thought you were a brave wolf." A small dark brown she-wolf barked, mock hanging at the edge of her voice.

Another bigger she-wolf turned to glare softly at the dark brown wolf. Her fur was glossy and silver unlike the other wolves, which seemed gray. "Silence, Amazon, every wolf can feel fear." She commanded, her voice surprisingly similar to angry Marigold's. The dark brown wolf; Amazon instantly shut her mouth, her lip curled. "You may speak, Tyun." Eclipse barked, nodding her head.

Tyun blinked gratefully, taking another sniff in the air before bristling with hostility. "It is not safe to hunt in the high grass above. I believe the Parnes are attacking, or perhaps that pack of rats." He reported.

Ferone cocked his head, why did Tyun fear the she-wolf that was much younger and smaller than him? And what were the Parnes? It was the second time he heard this word. "What are Parnes?" He asked out loud.

"'Who are the Parnes." The silver she-wolf- which he guessed was Eclipse swiftly corrected, Ferone shot a glare at Eclipse, earning a snicker from Amazon.

"Do not give Eclipse that look." Tyun scolded. "She is the Beta, you must respect her as much as you would respect Alpha."

"Fine." Ferone mumbled, still irritated not to have his question answered.

"The Parnes are the other pack of wolves, they're too loyal for their own good." Eclipse barked, as if reading his thoughts.

"By loyal, she means they trust their leader- who is a terrible wolf." Amazon quickly butted in, Eclipse gave her an approving look, making Amazon snicker boastfully.

A familiar voice, which Ferone recognized to be Brincel's boomed in the distance. "Eclipse, something stinks!" Eclipse flicked her tail. Suddenly the wolves that were feasting on mice behind them turned tail and ran past Ferone.

"Follow them!" Tyun harshly ordered. Alpha watched them with his hideous slitted eyes.

"Why have you not brought back a single mouse?" Alpha judged.

With her head hung low, Eclipse answered. "We shouldn't go further, our hunting grounds carry a revolting scent, most likely to be the Parnes, or that pack of rats."

Alpha surprisingly kept cool. "Then Beta, if you speak the truth, I should be seeing you organizing our pack into safety." He said in a challenging voice. Eclipse nodded and weaved herself amongst the wave of wolves.

"What do I do?" Ferone asked Brincel, who had not yet noticed him. Brincel jerked his head and jumped.

"Hello, Ferone! We just need to wait for Eclipse to get to us!" Brincel barked briskly.

"The Parnes could come any minute!" Ferone hissed, not pleased by Brincel's annoyingly bright attitude.

"The Parnes wouldn't dare, I bet it was those measly rats." Brincel intervened.

He spoke too soon,  Eclipse had already come face to face to him. "Youngsters, you go follow the rest down the slope, don't object, and go!" She barked harshly, forcing Ferone and Brincel on their feet.

The slope was thin, and Ferone couldn't help but steal a peek down. He was more apprehensive than the height rather than the battle. "How far do we have to walk?" He asked Brincel.

His acquaintance arched his neck to look further. "We're half-way." He answered. Ferone glanced up, it was almost the same height as the way to grass. Suddenly he felt regret, maybe he should have run back to Marigold when he had the chance. He swiftly shook his head and continued his way down the slope. He felt relieved to have his paws on the even ground.

"Is everyone down?" He questioned, slightly surprised by the minimal amount of wolves.

"Half the pack." Brincel again answered. Suddenly the earth shook, almost as frightening as when he took the fall.

There was an unpleasant howl, the elderly wolves and the mothers had ignored the tremor and were arguing over spots. Brincel didn't seem to notice it either. "So it was you, why do you dare intrude on our land?" Came Alpha's voice, which was now slightly hostile. The reply was surprisingly similar to his 'dream' a few days ago.

"For the good of my wolves, we must discipline you at the Star Wolves command. Or else they will curse my pack." A frightening voice boomed.

"Your words are like air to me, the Star Wolves never curse. You are obviously lying, so quit your load of dog-dung!" Alpha snapped back, Ferone was surprised at Alpha's loss of cool.

"We must avoid a fight, Alpha." Eclipse winced, trying to deliver peace. "We can sort this out without scars."

Then the frightening voice came again. "See, all you want to do is fight - and now the Star Wolves don't want you in the ravine anymore. It's clear the ravines belong to us now, they are sickened by your foulness reeking in the holy stones."

"Nonsense!" Alpha cut in. Then suddenly there were howls and the sickening sound of claws scratching at the hard rock underneath.

"All your pack must-" The frightening voice had begun, but was cut by Brincel.

"Are you okay Ferone? You look like you're day-dreaming." Brincel asked in concern, Ferone held his ground.

"You don't know?" He asked, surprised.

"All I know is that we are down there while the rest are up there." Brincel barked flatly.

"I hope this ends soon." Ferone muttered under his breath.

But what confused Ferone most was that Brincel could not hear the ruckus above.