Mate Camp

Chapter Seven

Upon entering the forest, we have to use our sense of smell to pick up on something strong that lingers in the air, or something unusual you wouldn't find in a forest... like vanilla! My eyes snapped open and I began pacing towards the heavy scent of vanilla. I ran deeper into the trees feeling the cool air running through my fur. My paws are hitting the ground shaking the dirt loose as I keep up my pace and sniffing the air. I could sense the smell getting stronger and could see another purple flag in the distance. I passed the flag letting out a short howl to signal that I've completed task five. I kept following the vanilla scent not skipping a beat. I heard a loud cracking sound and suddenly a large tree came crashing down towards me. I dodged it just in time by jumping up on another tree and bouncing myself off of it over the fallen tree. I continued the path and out of the corner of my eye I spotted another purple flag. That must have been task six. The tasks are constantly changing. It may be the same for Cecilia and I today, but next week's candidates will have a completely different set up. However, the tasks always involve one element, that is chosen throughout training. Rumors are, it's the one element you're struggling with the most. For me that is water.

As predicted I followed the vanilla scent to the river. The water is flowing rapidly. I closed my eyes and focused on my surroundings again. A slight hint of vanilla is coming from up the stream. I have no choice but to jump in the water and swim upwards against the stream. Once I got out of the water I shook my wolf dry and continued on my path with enormous speed. I can smell the vanilla much stronger now deep into the woods. Pacing through, jumping around trees left to right. I came to an abrupt halt. The scent is around me now. In fact, it seems to be underneath me. I put my nose to the ground and sniffed the earth. Bingo! My snow white paws dug into the dirt and I found the last purple flag. I grabbed the piece of fabric with my mouth and listened for sounds around me. I focused on the crowd noise and knew where I needed to go. My paws picked up speed and I could see the light shining through the trees in the distance. My heart pounded not knowing that to expect emerging from the forest. Would my wolf be able to sense our mate yet? Will I notice the change within me? 

The light came closer and with a few strong leaps forward I reached the clearing of the field. I noticed something different in the atmosphere. Like I've crossed an invisible shield by crossing the finish line. My eyes adjusted to the brightness and I looked around the cheering crowd. My parents were all big smiles and clapping their hands together. Feeling a little overwhelmed I made my way to the changing booth. I shifted back and quickly got dressed in jogging pants and a hoodie with the camp logo on it. I took a deep breath and exited the tent. My friends and family were already waiting outside for me. "You did it honey! Oh I'm so proud of you." My mom embraced me. "Thanks mom" "Come here and give your old man a hug! Congratulations you're officially rid of us." My dad said smiling but I could hear a tinge of sadness in his voice. Jill and Katie waited until my parents and grandparents were done congratulating me before they attacked me with a thousand questions.