Tithe

This land was still new to him, but the wolf wanted to make sure he knew where he was before he could call it home, or before he could find a home. His comfort was directly impacted by how at ease he felt in one place or another. For a long time he had made sure to avoid other wolves, not sure if he was ready to face others after he had lost those he held close. He was not sure if he wanted to grow close to another soul, only to have them ripped away from him again. Alone, and intending to be alone, he had made his way to the caves of the grotto. Taking a deep breath he took a step into the maze.

A deep sense of comfort settled on the beast’s fur and he felt like he could breath again in the dark caverns. He felt at home in the caves, alone. The sound of another wolf made him start and growl softly to himself. He did not want to have his peace intruded on after he had finally found a place that reminded him so much of home. With a sigh he picked up his feet again and started to try to leave. The trails of the caves started to twist and turn. Panic began to fill the squire’s heart and his pace picked up. More scents and noises started to bombard him, fear crept into his mind. He started to run blindly through the rocky hallways nature had created.

He stopped dead when he found the gathering of canines that had found their way to the grotto. In an instant his fear vanished. Everything vanished from his body and his eyes as the visor of his mask fell and his guard brought up. There were so many. It was not enough for him to protect himself with his defense. Teeth bared, paws splayed, Tithe drew his weapons, and waited until he could leave.