Mudminnow River obscura

He could have snorted in amusement. Most wolves were not so direct. They skirted around asking and hopped around, uncomfortable with his looks. So was he impressed with the honest and direct route? Perhaps. "War" he says now, his tail flickering once behind him in mild irritation. Not at the man, but at himself for having been brainwashed for so long.

Holland lifted his chin almost defiantly. "I defected. Others thought it best to teach me a lesson." He had been beaten and near death, dragged to the mouth of a cougar's den so the soldiers would not tarnish their deeds by killing a traitor. The cougar had been harrassing his people for years, and they sought to offer him as a peace treaty. 

Feed the cat the traitors. Leave the good little toy soldiers alone. Holly had fought with every inch of life left. "They would weep to know I am still alive."