Although winter is due to leave the islands, the air remains frigid and a thin layer of snow and slush still covers the earth. There are subtle signs of the approaching spring; small shoots of green cling to bare branches and one need only paw at the ground to find the new grass intended to feed the Inlets occupants. I stand motionless upon the melting snow, my spotted hide facing the forest and my eyes slowly traipsing up and down the clearing before me, waiting for the early morning sun to break through the fog.
I have been Doguns second pair of eyes for some time now but I am yet to officially meet any of his kin. With the battle and then the blizzard, I haven’t had much time to get to know Dogun either but as the sun’s rays slowly begin to peak through the mist, I silently make plans to rectify this. My father had taught me that, for a herd to be successful and happy, it needs to be united and I feel somewhat guilty for not mingling more. The clearing now bright with the morning and the pines alive with the sound of wildlife, I step forward and let a call ring out across the terrain.
Darius
THERE IS NO TURNING BACK