Ankyra Sound the long way round

On her way back along the coastline, Wildfire pondered whether it would be reasonable to make a trip down to visit the caldera. She knew her parents were no longer there but she wanted to check in with her godparents and whoever else might still call the place home these days. Surely the latest batch of Firebirds would still be there, old enough now to come to the borders to meet her. As soon as she got home, she would have to consult with the commander about arranging the trip.

As she passed by the sound, Wildfire decided to take a quick detour to visit the Hyperion tree. But even as she stepped away from the sands toward the woods, she did a double take. There was a gray wolf fidgeting near the surf, its back toward her. Wildfire's mouth fell ajar as she noticed that telltale black stripe. Aunt Flea? she thought, wondering at the serendipitous timing. She began to gallop toward the wolf, disbelief mingling with hope.

When she reached the wolf, she gaped. "Eljay, is that you?" she exclaimed. Not only was it crazy to see him here, so far from home, but he looked like a wreck. "What happened?" Wildfire gasped, moving closer and touching her nose to the side of his skinny neck.