Bramblepoint BWP3: PREY OPPORTUNITY

Ezekiel's howl from the south interrupted his other engagements. Had it been a howl from any other pack, he would have moved on, but Phocion was hell-bent on answering the call of a Silvertip wolf. The cry was mixed with a certain urgency--Ezekiel needed assistance, and now. Phocion took off running, a white blur across the flatlands, skirting the forest of their rival pack.

When he arrived in the thick, tangled forest from which the call had sounded, he picked his way through the vegetation, following the scents that hit his nose. It was an. . .interesting mix, for sure. Wolves, definitely. Fresh meat. Something else, too, acrid and pungent. . .bear? Sure enough, as Phocion caught sight of wolves, he also caught sight of a big black beast, savagely ripping entrails from what appeared to be a vanquished opponent. Another bear.

Ezekiel was here, as was Steady. They were talking with wolves from another pack, and were outnumbered five to three. His ears picked up bits and pieces of the conversation as he approached--Steady was inviting the others to work with them to take this bear down, as the meat gained from such a venture would be more food than they had seen in days. A female from the other group, who carried herself like an alpha, shot back with a query of their strength and size. Perhaps, Phocion thought, a compromise can be reached here. And food for us all. . .

Phocion padded up to stand next to Steady and Ezekiel, giving them each a stiff nod of greeting. He stood wordlessly, keeping his mouth shut, giving the leaders the opportunity to talk it out. While he listened, he sized up the black brute, whose teeth and muzzle were smeared with fresh blood. Even thin with hunger and wounded from his fight, he still was a formidable opponent for any wolf, especially for Phocion and his small stature. But if the wolves grouped together, they might be able to overwhelm the creature, whether that meant taking him by force or chasing him off and running him down until he tired and collapsed.

Food. Phocion's stomach gurgled. He waited with bated breath for a command from his superiors.