Summer started off with a bang. The spring had come, and with it the heat continued to rise. It never stopped. Even now, the blistering sun pounded down on Halcyon's back as he moved towards Aplos River. Panting heavily, his pace was slow and weary. The water sources around Moladion had become crowded with other animals trying hard to gulp down as much of the precious liquid as possible. The lake had dramatically diminished to the point that he could have easily walked to the center island and the water would have only come up to his chin. The rivers that proudly swept across the land had become nothing more than small trickling streams.

What was even more terrifying was how dry the land was. The fields should have been green, but now they were brown and parched. They were a thunderstorm away from having a wildfire on their paws. Halcyon didn't want to think about what he would do if he were caught in such situation. So, as he neared the river bank, he cast the thought from his mind and focused on his dry throat.

The water levels here were just like the rest of the land. The banks were dry and the water was only barely moving along the river rocks. Halcyon sighed and moved carefully to the water's edge. The water tasted gritty and foul, but it soothed his aching throat and allowed his stomach to absorb the much needed liquid. With a sigh, he moved away from the river bank and found his eyes following the water to where Iromar lay. The swamp pack seemed so peaceful and his heart ached for his old home, but he knew he couldn't return, not yet. He still had so much to do in order to redeem himself.

It was time to find shade and wait for the damned sun to sink before he could hunt what little food there was in the free lands. Turning, he started to make his way from the river and the distant Iromar. He stopped when he heard his name called. Ears shot up and swiveled around as he tried to pinpoint where the sound had come from. The voice had been familiar and he found his tail waging in excitement at the thought of meeting an old friend. Turning again, he waited until the wolfess made herself known.