Porcupine Ridge Second sight has paid off well

Others arrived. Taggarik was first, and Farstep was exceedingly glad to see the Alpha male. Not only because he believed that Taggarik would support him in this, but because he was generally glad to see his leader. He enjoyed the man's company. In the short time between Taggarik's arrival and the appearance of others, Farstep took a moment to show his respect and appreciation by ducking his head and waving his tail.

Yet when Vuk arrived, followed closely by Romulus, Farstep was all business. The quiet she-wolf was an enigma to him, one of the newest members of the pack, while Romulus was a difficult book to read even after a few encounters. He stood taller and firmer as they arrived on the scene. He didn't sense a desire in either of them to seize advantage over this challenge, but he knew it was a possibility. Either of them could rise up for any number of reasons. They could prevent Farstep from winning, and even challenge him for his position in so doing. They could ensure Farstep would win by ganging up on Terich-mir, and they could attempt to climb the ladder themselves. It was a scary thought, that they might turn the tables against him and try to take his place in the pack for themselves, but his assurance was fed by the belief that he had done a lot.

Terich-mir's arrival heralded the beginning. The tawny wolf allowed his greyscale rival to greet Taggarik accordingly, but when the man approached, the same rigidity that took hold of the DeMonte gripped Farstep. Exactly like before, the wolf raised his snout and stood with his paws planted firmly, prickling the hair along his back to make himself look larger and more dangerous. His tail was quick to rise, and there was no wag in it now. He was dead serious as he rose his eyes to meet Terich-mir's for the second time, wide and confident.