Redtail Rise High Risk, High Reward

The wolves of the rise came swiftly. Lilia swept in first, moving to Augur’s opposite flank. Then Riley and several of the pack’s youngsters arrived in rapid succession. Ancelin’s warning was appreciated but, Masque noted, unnecessary. The Toweards fell into place at the rear, excited but cautious. They had been trained well.

As Masquerade’s eyes flicked from face to face, studying the various expressions, they felt a rush like they had never known before. All these wolves had come at their call. It didn’t make them feel powerful, it empowered them. Their bright marigold gaze lingered on her face as Avicus herself obeyed their summons.

Feeling elevated by the pack’s show of strength and support, Masque glanced at the two leaders beside them and shifted so that the three of them stood shoulder to shoulder. They retrained their attention upon the elk, confident that nearly a dozen wolves could take the beast, even if half of them were inexperienced hunters.

Ruff bristling quite spectacularly now, Masquerade snapped their jaws and took a step toward the bull. He backpedaled but did not pivot or run. His head lowered again, tines pointed at the pack. Growling continuously, they looked to Augur. Although they thrilled at the opportunity to help lead this pursuit, the execution still belonged to the Ulfhedinn.

When he surged forward, Masquerade glanced backward, signaling for their younger siblings to follow their lead. With another rallying cry, they charged past Augur to leap toward the bull’s hindquarters. Minding his hind legs—and warning the young hunters to do the same—they leaped for the vulnerable flesh dangling below his tail like enticing fruit.

Let’s do open rounds! I’ll start the next one once everyone’s had a chance to post or in a week, whichever comes first. :)