Swiftcurrent Creek I am not a legend, I'm a fraud

With a grunt of confirmation, Kaiaka set off at a careful pace. She didn’t want to spook the herd before she could get into position to drive them toward Mae.

Moving as quietly as she could, she weaved through the meadow, until one of the deer suddenly raised its head, eyes scanning the surroundings.

Kaiaka cursed under her breath and dropped flat to her stomach, heart pounding. She lay still for several painfully long moments, willing the animal to relax. When she finally dared to peek over the tall grass, she saw it: the herd was on alert now.

She’d have to be extra careful.

Rising slowly back into a crouch, Kaiaka inched her way toward the injured deer. Every step mattered, one wrong move, and Mae might be staring down a stampede.

At last, she reached a good position to break the limping one from the herd. Drawing a steadying breath, she lunged.

The deer scattered in a flurry of hooves and panic, but Kaiaka had eyes only for her target. Slower than the others, the injured one faltered just enough for her to close in. A few precise nips at its flanks sent it stumbling in the right direction.

Now it was Mae’s shot. Time to see the blind she-wolf in action.