A Wolfs Heart, Part Three: Emerging Shadows
#3 of A Wolfs Heart
A Wolfs Heart Part Three:
Emerging Shadows.
Authors Note: This is the third part of my series, A Wolfs Heart. There won't be any yiff in this chapter, but after this it will get good. As always, please don't read this if your underage or its against the law. Thanks.
On another note there will probably be a lot of errors in here, but I will be releasing a full edited version of the whole series once I've finished Part 4, 5, 6 and finaly 7.
I sat stunned for a moment, the shock of what I had just learned creeping over me like a forest vine. It didn't take long for this mood to pass over though, and my emotions erupted like the growls of a thunderstorm.
"You are absolutely sure this is correct?" I asked, trying to sound reasonably calm but my voice betrayed it.
Whisper looked worried but she nodded, acknowledging the fact.
"She may be in danger then." I growled lightly, thoughts raging through my head like the fury of a bear.
Why are the coyotes after my pack?
That question stuck out in particular like a thorn from a angry porcupine. It troubled me deeply that other creatures, from another region, another kingdom even, where after my own family. I knew I didn't have time to roll these questions around in my mind, I had to go find Dianna and make sure she was ok.
"When was the last time you saw Dianna?" I asked Whisper urgently.
Whisper considered this for a moment. Her eyes wandered off as she thought hard. "Before the moon conquered the sky and swept the land into darkness" she said with a hint of wisdom in her voice.
I blinked annoyed. "Mind translating that for me?"
She looked a bit dejected but she said "Around last night, she was with Lep."
I nuzzled Whisper gently. "I'm sorry for sounding cruel, but I'm worried sick about my pack and I wish no harm to fall on them"
She sighed, and smiled lightly. "It's ok Snowfire. I want to help you in your quest!" she exclaimed excitedly.
I looked at her with a serious gaze. "It's not like a tale of glory, Whisper. You could die or get hurt badly. I don't want to put you in harms way"
She looked half annoyed and half dejected again. "I know that, Snowfire! I want to help my friends! If I have to die for it, I will!" she stated defiantly.
I looked at her and considered her words for a moment. Her spirit seemed true, and perhaps she would come useful in the search for my pack. Without further debating, I nodded my head and mumbled. "Alright, you can come along"
This wiped the sorrow off Whisper's face immediately. She leapt in joy and nuzzled me happily. "I won't let you down Snowfire!"
I certainly hoped she wouldn't. I decided I needed to find out a bit more before we set out on the search, the more I knew about what my pack was doing, the better.
"What was Dianna and Lep doing out in the wilderness? Hunting?" I asked inquiringly.
Whisper nodded her head. "They we're trying to find a good storage of food for the cubs."
I smiled. It pleased me to know that the members of my pack we're doing all they could to take care of the young cubs as myself and my mate was. That didn't answer the question were Malfa and Quickpaw had gone to, though.
"Do you know what happened to Malfa and Quickpaw?" I asked, hoping for a good answer.
Whisper looked at me with a gentle smile and replied. "Malfa is helping the Head Wolfs daughter with her cup, and Quickpaw has been hired to the City Guard!"
I gasped loudly. I couldn't believe what I just heard: Quickpaw being a city guard?
"That's wonderful news as far as I'm concerned" I laughed happily.
Whisper laughed with me, but her face turned serious once again. "We'd better warn Ice where we are going off to" she said quietly.
"Ah yes, we'd better tell her before she gets worried"
At that Whisper and I bolted from the clearing, rushing through the trees like two white lightning bolts. Our paws hardly struck the ground as we soared through the forest, arriving at my den in record time. We collapsed in a snow bank outside of the den, gasping in exhaustion.
Ice rushed out, a look off worry on her face. I got up and nuzzled her gently.
"Everything is ok my love, Whisper here is going to help me find Dianna and Lep. Quickpaw is working for the City Guard, and Malfa is helping the Head Wolf's daughter with her cub" I said quietly.
Ice looked delighted at the news. Her eyes became watery and she beamed with pride. "I am so proud of both of them!" she laughed happily.
"I am to, Ice, but we have grimmer news to share" announced Whisper as she emerged from the snow bank.
Ice looked downcasted at this and she looked at me expectantly.
"I found Whisper being surrendered by a pack of coyotes, certainly not from this part. I fended them off for her, and it seemed that the coyotes believed they had trapped Dianna. In turns out that they are looking for Dianna. No other wolf looks like her"
Ice looked angry and shocked at this news. "They won't touch her, those scummy outlanders! I will rip there skulls apart before they set a paw on them"
"Easy Ice, you must protect the cubs and care for them. I will be back, don't worry" I nuzzled her more closely.
"You better be back soon my love" she whispered gently.
With that last comment, me and Whisper turned away and walked back towards the clearing. I had a feeling this would be a long trip. The sun set in front of us, the beautiful colors of red, orange and pink giving my heart hope that this would turn out ok. We set out into the forest, are eyes we're alert and ready for anything that could stand between us, and the quest to find my missing pack members and to make sure no harm fell there way. As the setting sun cast shadows around us, a eerie feeling begin to overcome me.
"What's that sound?" Growled Whisper suddenly, crouching down listening intently.
I stopped in my tracks and listened carefully. Soon enough I heard the distance sound of...marching?
"Follow me, be silent!" hissed Whisper and she darted into the thick forest. I followed behind her, being careful not to tread on any branches. We struggled through the trees until we arrived at a small clearance that looked down at the valley, that marked the outside of are town and the beginning of the Prairies.
Below us, was a great host of coyotes, marching grimly into are valley. I gasped at the shear number of them, there had to be at least a thousand of them. I looked at the other side of the cliff opening and saw a City Guard crouched behind a wall, looking down with interest at the large host.
"Looks like there's more to this then we originally thought" commented Whisper, looking down at the great host of coyotes marching into the valley.
* * *
(This will be from the point of Quickpaw).
It was almost dusk when I spotted them. There was a great army of coyotes, marching steadily towards the valley and the city gate of the forest lands. There had to be a thousand of those vile creatures, maybe more.
Harold, the City Guard who was with me at the time was peering down in fright. "Are they going to come and kill us?" he kept asking frighteningly.
"Them, kill us?" I laughed. "Let them TRY to kill us, they won't succeed in the long run"
Harold didn't seem to feel the same way. He looked shocked at the mass of the coyotes, all armed and ready to fight.
"They actually have swords and armour" he said in terror.
"We don't lack that either, Harold" I replied and tapped my halberd on his helmet that covered his head, the sides of his head, and one piece that came down protected his nose.
This seemed to silence him. I knew I had to alert the Captain of The Guard, so I told Harold to stay put and I jumped down the narrow tunnel that lead to the bottom of the valley, and the city gate. I climbed down the dark stairs swiftly, my sight aided by the torches as I rushed towards the bottom.
I arrived outside the passage and already a great host of City Guard was assembled, muttering worriedly amongst each other.
"Greetings. Has the Captain been informed of this yet?" I asked excitedly. I couldn't deny this was a bit exciting. It was a chance to fight for my city, it was a chance to show everybody I could help!
"Yes, he has been informed" replied a dark furred wolf with one eye missing. He was looking a bit worried. I noticed that Harold had joined us.
"Why the troublesome face?" I asked, hoping I was not sounding too cocky.
The grim looking guard looked at me for a minute, before replying. "This is most unusual, young wolf. I have not seen anything like this sense the Great Battle. I feel the peace in the lands are vanishing once again. Evil is brewing, I can feel it"
I considered this opinion for a moment. The Great War was something almost everyone knew about- it was when almost every species had clashed for over a year, before finally peace was settled. It had brought with it many casualties, and many hoped there would never be such a battle again.
"Do you think old alliances will be reformed?" I asked quietly, staring out at the advancing host.
But before I could hear his opinion there was a great commotion behind us. I turned around to see that the Guards we're getting into lines. I hurried to join them with the grim wolf beside me. We both knew what this meant, the Captain was here.
The large timber wolf was looking weary, but not afraid. His deep tan fur was shining in its glory as usual, and his great sword was sheathed at his belt. He was wearing a chain plate as well as a chain skirt, and the customary Guard Helm with his golden trimmings that made it clear he was the captain. His golden cape flapped about behind him as he walked forward, looking at the great host with a annoyed look.
"Good morning Guards! It looks like we have company. Are they here to join us for tea? Or perhaps a morning snack?" He greeted us all in a calm and unnerved voice. He turned towards me and Harold, and he beamed brightly and beckoned us to step out of line.
"These, my friends, are the two guards who first spotted the host of ballerinas heading are way!" He boomed, showing us off like a hunting trophy. He put a arm around me and continued. "One of which, is a new guard! Not even a week on his job, and he's already performing excellently!"
I smiled as he stepped back and peered at me..
"So, young Quickpaw, could you explain to us what you have seen?" he asked loudly.
I bowed towards him, and then towards the rest of my companions in a sign of respect before speaking. "About a hour ago I spotted a host of animals heading towards us. It took a little longer for me and Harold to realize they were coyotes."
"Excellent! Rumbeard, light us some torches! Night approaches on swift wings!" ordered The Captain.
"Yes Sir Captain Talon!" replied Rumbeard as he ran off to get the torches lit.
Captain Talon turned towards Harold this time, making his pale grey fur get even more paler. "Ahh, Harold, would you tell us what these coyotes seem to be planning?"
I watched Harold repeat the bowing procedure. He looked terrified!
"Captain Talon, it appears they are here to strike up a battle. They are armored, not heavily, but they are definitely armed for a fight. They bring banners as well!" he said stiffly.
Behind me, Rumbeard had finally started to light the torches. The shadows fell across the small courtyard, giving us a small but useful light.
Captain Talon's features glowered in the torch light as he considered what to do.
"Quickpaw! Send word to the Warlord, we must be prepared for a fight! Harold and Flame-Eye, I want you to ride out as diplomats, find out what they want! Coldtooth, rouse the Scouts and send word for all wolves to return to the city! None shall leave!" ordered Captain Talon.
"Yes Captain!" I replied with the sea of agreement as I rushed up the court steps, passing by shops and houses. I turned down a lane that led to the richer homes of the city and arrived at the first one.
I gasped, catching my breath peering at the small but rich house in front of me. A gate blocked my way. Before I could take anymore details of the house the Warlord rushed out of his house and approached me.
"Young Guard! I'm hearing word there is a army of Coyotes outside are gate!" He exclaimed. The warlord was bundled in amour and I could just barely make out his face. His amber eyes glowed out, He seemed...rushed.
"You hear correct, My Lord. Captain Talon wishes to hear your council." I replied calmly.
The warlord looked annoyed at my calmness but agreed anyways. We set back off towards the courtyard, the warlord's heavy amour clanking each step he took.
Captain Talon was busy bossing the guards around as I approached him, with the warlord desperately trying to catch up.
"Thank you Quicksilver, take a rest but be prepared for a fight!" Captain Talon complimented.
I left the two for there debates and sat down on a barrel, still trying to catch my breath from the past five minutes. It seemed like I was going to experience my first battle soon, maybe by morning even! I was more excited then I ever had been, as I sat there on the barrel watching the Guard rushing about trying to complete their various tasks.
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End of Part Three!
I really enjoyed writing this and I hope you will like reading it, as you see theres going to a big brawl, the next part will be told mostly on Quickpaws view. Feel free to leave me comments! I will be taking female bios as well, so leave me some.