The Cloak Of Moonlight

Ch. 3: Quists' Rage/Chonos' Sorrow

The hunt went well, they tracked down a bear and chased it to the rivers edge, which had flooded to the point that the bear was cornered. The group he was with consisted of the Alpha Beta Luna Guardian and himself. They circled and closed in around the beast. The Luna Rutha, the sad sap that she was sent a mind link to the pack. Allow us to take a moment to appreciate his life, in the remembrance of the winters he endured. Let us thank the goddess for this bounty and give this beautiful creature comfort knowing that his life was chosen to strengthen not only our own but also the bonds of our pack. They lowered their head at her words and paused for emphases before attacking.

The kill was quick, with a total of four powerful wolves and one Quist, it was over in minutes. There was very little that could distract him from the taste of blood, but he couldn’t help to think of the rouge and what he had stirred up before he left.

That sad pathetic mutt should be taking her last breath now Why are you always so angry? Chono Asked Because once we control this pack we will not accept any strays. This again? I’ve told you even if Ranulf were to fall, the goddess wouldn’t permit you to lead. She won’t have a choice, After that rogue joined BronzeClaw, Ranulfs leadership has been questioned from every direction. I am next in line by blood. By birthright yes, but not by blood, and trust me the way this pack was raised there will be much blood spilled if your brother falls. It’s not for you to question Quist. But he had already retreated to the back of Chonos mind and blocked him out. He had a tendency of doing this when it came to words he didn't want to heed.

Chono shook his gray pelt sending blood drops flying, licking his lips he waded into the river leaving pools of red beneath his feet. Oh how he loved the feeling of sand under his paws. The few times Quist allowed him out to roam he drank in every smell, every sensation and embellished every sight as if it were his last. A small part of him despised his human, the rest of him pitied him.

Because deep down Quist was longing for approval, he had spent his pup and cub years searching for it. Now that he had his wolf he thought he could take it, and he would do anything to accomplish this. Chono was locked in his mind, powerless as he was his host. A bad one at that, he never let Chono out unless it suited him. Like tonight, Quist couldn’t join in the ambush on Mazicane. He would have been the first person they looked at, he needed an alibi and this hunt was a perfect one. It was convenient, he got to create havoc without dirtying his hands.

The pack had returned home with Ariam dragging the carcass back to the kitchen. Chono was alone, but he didn't mind, he was free. He sniffed the bark on the trees and tasted the cold spring water. His human wanted power, but he just wanted to be free. He wanted to live, and love, he wanted his mate. He wanted his pups. He pointed his muzzle at the moon, as he felt the sting of loneliness and sorrow. If only, if only he howled, a long and low deep sad howl. One only a wolf could understand, he heard a few replies in the distance as he sulked back to the manor.

The morning sun melted the frost and the birds sang cheerfully as Quist awoke from his slumber. COME! He heard Cathwulf call in his mind We must talk. NOW. Meet me at my cabin. He stretched lazily under the bay window and walked out to the corridor. The smell of fresh bread brought him to the kitchen where he casually grabbed a piece. NOW Quist! Cathwulf boomed in his head. Alright, Alright already.

“You know, I don’t appreciate being woken up like that.” Quist hissed as he walked into her hut without knocking.

“This is important, She’s alive.”

“Alive?? How is she alive? You had her alone, and I had her body guard in my sight!” he screamed, and slapped her so had she slammed into the wall shaking the fake china in the cabinet.

“I… I… I don’t know, when we left her she had to of been barely breathing, if at all. She fought hard, you said she would be easy, she nearly killed me with the dagger hidden on her leg any deeper and I would of bled out.”

“Where did you leave her?” He growled, noticing a faint scratch on her neck, thank the Goddess for fast healing.

“Where she laid, Halfway between the manor and her home.”

“YOU LEFT HER IN THE ROAD?” he roared, this girl is stupid, truly stupid, she didn’t check to make sure the job was done, and she left the girl in plain sight. It wasn’t her time yet.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t think she would make it and we got scared so we ran.”

“Where is she now?”

“The healers lodge on the edge of town.”

“Stay hidden for the remainder of the day and tomorrow, we cannot have you walking around with that mark. We’re not finished here.” He Hissed slamming the door of the hut hard.

What are we to do now Chono? We? He scoffed this was your idea. You’re my wolf, it’s your job to guide me. I’ve been trying to guide you for years Quist, when will you see there’s more to life then raw power? You’re going to get us killed with your stubbornness wolf. He could feel Chonos’ frustration. I know what you want to hear We lay low, access the damage, we find someone to finish the job. We fill the pack with unease about a strange malicious attack. Yes, you are exactly right that is what we will do, lay low access, and then act.

Chono shook his head, Quist may have a man form, but he had the decision skills of an untrained cub. He was the one who would put them in danger, his foolishness would end Chonos life. For this is the way it was written, and this is the way it must end. But it was his job was to keep the lass alive as long as he could, so that he may smell the birch and pine to taste the air and live to run another day. He wanted to smell the scent of his mate, and feel the earth beneath his paws, he wanted to live even if it was selfish reasons. He had to.