Sheepeater Cliff My head is bloody but unbowed

Hi. :)

Her confidence in herself and her pack grew each day. Although she still clung to the title of second-in-command, Ariston allowed (and encouraged) her to come up with and execute ideas, sometimes even without his input. It could be intimidating at times, that sense of responsibility, especially coupled with the knowledge that she must take ownership of her role and accountability for her decisions. At first, it made her anxious. Presently, it gave her a sense of pride and accomplishment, as she gradually and organically grew into the role intended for her: Alpha female.

She thought about all of this as she crept down from the plateau toward the valley below. She passed her brother, Ray, on her way out and stopped to talk with him. "Will you take a midday patrol?" she asked him. "Sure," he said and the two went their separate ways, Ray climbing up to the plateau and Koontz walking through the springs. With Ray promising to take the lunchtime circuit, she didn't even need to worry about returning home until suppertime.

Happy to have the day to herself—though she intended to use the time wisely—Koontz began to walk in the shadow of Sheepeater Cliff. She did not intend to climb it, as she did not want to repeat the incident with Teklar. Her nose had healed quickly, yet the embarrassment had lingered a while. Nonetheless, her pale eyes drifted up to regard the bluff and she slowed in surprise when she saw a small tawny wolf tiptoeing precariously along the ledge. Koontz came to a full stop and watched him, unwittingly holding her breath. She wanted to call out to him, yet was afraid that in doing so, she would startle him and cause him to fall to his death.