Redtail Rise High Risk, High Reward

At first, there was the billow of feral bloodsinging as Masquerade signaled her and her littermates forth. But then a fog of chaos descended upon them all; Lilia was frustrated in her efforts; both Carrion and Wanderer were diverted from a flailing hoof by the pied body of Ancelin; Augur commanded them to retreat; there was the smell of ichor spilt.

Despite the confusion, her mind was able to settle on one frame and voice among everyone: the hunt-leader. Augur was the most powerful thing here, in her eyes, and she was attuned to him through the churn of many wolves and the swing of many elk weapons. Carrion skittered backwards and circled anxiously, coming to linger at Sun Stone’s side, who she felt safe beside despite their disagreements.

Lilia’s precarious position at the crown of the elk drew alarm from the small wolf – my meal ticket! – but her attention was drawn to Wanderer as she dove back in. She was frightened by the sight and experienced a grassblade of triumph when she saw her sister return bloodied but unharmed, a pound of elk-flesh artfully taken. Riley’s effort was likewise true in its aim, though he did not escape the beast’s proximity without a firm-hoofed rebuttal.

Carrion was not made to hunt such large game, but she was encouraged by the throng of Redtail wolves around her. She paced close to Sun Stone, feeding off her barely restrained energy, as she waited for the order to grab hold of the anchored ungulate.