The air called to him in song.
Panuk had forgotten the trauma of his birth. Since the day of his mother’s death, he had grown. His eyes had opened. He had learned the magic of sound. The earthen pup knew nothing of what he had lost. Yet, there was a feeling of it that remained attached to his heart. It was a feeling he did not understand.
Padding on clumsy paws to the mouth of the den where they had been living, Panuk searched for his father or his brother.
Rodyn was never far from his sons. He couldn't bear it. He would not leave them without both parents. So he stayed and he doted. He taught them what he could for their age.
Today he came upon Panuk at the den mouth an antler in his jaws.
Laying it down, he nosed the top of his island boys head. Hello Panuk.
The boy was visibly pleased when Rodyn appeared. Large paws lifted and plopped back to the earth. His rump waved with the wagging of his tail. There was a treat in his father’s mouth that conjured an excited yap from the boy.
Panuk’s movement could not be broken. He wiggled and swayed his way to his father’s paws.
Movement sang in the blood of Panuk. The island boy who belonged to the sea. There was no doubt in Rodyns mind of that.
Panuk swayed and swiveled towards him. Excitement tap tapping from his paws.
The yellow of his father's eyes burned with delight and he felt happy truly and completely for the first time in far too long.
It is an antler.
Ahnt!
Not quite capable of following his father’s speech, Panuk offered what he could with a joyful smile. His bright pink tongue flashed out to swipe at his face. His eyes shifted to the antler with a curious gleam. It looked hard and sharp. He wondered how his dad had found it.
Ahnt?
This time, more like a question. Panuk plopped to his round puppy bottom and gazed up at Rodyn.
Rodyn's heart tightened and sang. But hurt too his sons smile so much like his moms. At least to the grieving father.
Yes. I hunted it. Me and your auntie Heph. You'll meet her soon. Antler.
He repeated the word and pushed it gently towards the child with paw.
Be careful. Sharp.
with muzzle he motioned towards the sharper end.
Chew here.
he demonstrated for Panuk where to chew and then backed up a paw step so he could explore with guidance.