Amira took her first step off the ship and gazed around. She left Port Caynn two years ago but everything looked the same. Crammed into booths, vendors held shouting competitions to try attracting customers to their wares, painfully thin and barefoot children ran between the booths and nervous women stood on the docks, waiting for their lovers to return home. The high pitched neigh of her horse drew her attention towards a pair of sailors trying to coax her mare out of the ship. After being stuck in a ship for several weeks, Fiera distrusted sailors because they were the ones who led her onto the ship. Amira made sure to visit Fiera frequently, but she still received a glare when she approached. Slowly, Amira pulled out an apple and held it just out of reach of Fiera's mouth but clearly within view. Fiera snorted and shot the sailors a disdainful look before ambling forward.
"That damned beast of yours 'ad better move it along Miss. There's shipment of goods comin' and we need the space" shouted a cabin boy.
Out of the corner of her eye, Amira saw that boy deftly scrambling down the ship's ropes and sauntering onto the street. With skills like that, he would make a good shang. Unfortunately, Amira didn't have time to talk with him and his age would have been pushing the limits if her guess was right. As her eyes followed the young boy and saw a herd of children rushing up to him. Fiera impatiently butted her head against the apple. She could have just eaten it out of Amira's hand but Fiera respected her too much for that, perhaps. Once she was out of the ship, two animals twined themselves around her legs as a greeting. One of the sailors glanced at the animals and swore. He jumped back and held an accusing finger at it. "What is that thing?" His cried were drowned out by the vendors and bustling city life but the second sailor heard. They were staring at Birch and Snow.
Amira should have expected this. During the journey, she had Birch and Snow hide in her room but now that they were off the ship, they were enjoying the freedom. They always attracted attention for their strange appearance. Birch was neither a wolf, nor a dog; he was an odd mix that she found curled up in a shed. His fur was a light grey but had the build of a wolf. The only dog like portions of him was his eyes and puppy like personality. His mate, Snow, was the exact opposite. Her fur was pure black and the only hint to her lineage was her eyes. In the dead of night, even an experienced hunter would swear that they belonged to a wolf. Snow was loyal and serious, but whenever she was with Birch, they wreaked havoc with their games.
Before the sailors attracted more attention, Amira grabbed Fiera's reins, checked her bag, and walked away. Why must people react like that every time they meet Birch and Snow? They are incredibly loyal and weren't showing any hostility. Without even realizing, people seemed to create a wide space for the steaming woman.
Relax sister. They are hostile to what they do not know. There was a time when you were even hesitant to approach us. Snow's voice in her mind soothed her temper but it was still unnerving that she could silently speak to her. Birch was also capable of it but he was too interested prowling through the alleys and sniffing out the new scents. Shang refused to take the gifted but when Amira started, nobody took a second look at the scrawny girl who liked to hang out with the dogs. When she left the camp as the Shang Wolf, Amira knew that it was more than a love of the animals but did not dare speak of her suspicions. Wild magic was not the gift but it was still rare and did not know what the elders would do if they found out. A friend helped her master it and although Amira could not heal, she could speak to wolves and dogs.
Stopping by a booth, she bought several apples for Fiera and some pastries for herself. Birch and Snow did not like being fed; they preferred to hunt. Silently, they left the outskirts of the city and Amira mounted Fiera. Birch and Snow joined them and together, they cantered down a well-used path. Amira planned on visiting some of the villages now that she returned to Tortall but that would have to wait. The sun was starting to set so she sent Birch out to find a suitable place to camp. Ever the dramatic one, he let out a deep howl. Amira chuckled and she could have sworn the Snow rolled her eyes at her mate's antics. They soon caught up with Birch as he happily chased after a squirrel. Despite his current foolishness, Amira had to admit it; he chose the perfect spot. The field was large enough to hold an entire squadron and off to the side, there was a clear lake. Without even saying anything, Birch and Snow disappeared into the forest to hunt while Amira unsaddled Fiera. Once she finished, she produced the apple that she brought earlier and heard a crack.
It was subtle; most people wouldn't have heard it. Amira has lived on her own since she became a Shang three years ago and had to be alert. She could take down most men, but it was foolish to tempt fate by ignoring her surroundings. Silently, she asked Snow to stop hunting and come back. Amira pretended not to hear the crack and went about setting up a fire for the food. She fetched water from the lake and placed it in a pot over the fire as her ears listened for anymore sounds. As the water began to bubble, she pulled out her sword and began to sharpen it with a wetstone. It was the perfect excuse to have her weapon unsheathed; whoever was nearby would assume that she was sharpening it. Amira sensed Snow approaching, but couldn't see her.
I see them watching you behind the bushes.
How many are there and are they dangerous?
They are just two hungry pups, nothing to fear. I can practically hear their stomachs growling for food.
The water finished boiling and Amira threw in some meat and vegetables from her bag before walking over. "I know you two have been watching me. If you want some food, come out. If you intend to rob me, I suggest you find an easier target." There was a brief pause before she heard twigs breaking and leaves rustling. Two kids slowly came forth. The first was an older lad who was hardly more than ten years old. His face was smudged with dirt and in his hand, he held a dull knife. An even smaller hand was clasped in his free hand and Amira could see traces of blond hair behind the boy. Warily, they watched her and stopped several feet from her. The smaller child was a six year old girl who wore a shirt two sizes too big for her. They were clearly related; both children shared the same brown eyes and curls. There was a hint of stubbornness in the boy's face but it evaporated as he smelled the food. Amira held back a wince as she saw the look in their faces. Their eyes were glued to the pot and their mouths were practically salivating.
"What are your names?" The elder of the two snapped out of his trance and resumed a wary look on his face. "You tell me yours first!" he demanded. Sighing, Amira introduced herself and added that she was the Shang wolf. Normally, someone would have to pry her lips apart in order to get her to admit that, but it seemed to work for the children. Their eyes widened in amazement because they were facing a legend. The awe prevented them from running away, but they refused to budge, despite their growling stomachs. Amira returned to the pot and after stirring it, deemed that it was ready. She pulled out two extra bowls and poured some of the stew into them. After serving it to the children, she rifled through her bags for some bread. It was a bit stale, but to the kids, it was a feast.
Birch and Snow returned from the hunt as the children ate. They stretched out in front of the fire and ignored the children who had stopped eating. Everyone who knew of the wolf knew that she traveled with two wolves, but few people ever saw them. When Birch rolled onto his back like a dog and asked to be scratched, Amira chuckled. The little girl, named Sara, ambled over to him before her brother could stop her. Tentatively, she reached out and began stroking his fur. Birch started to pant like a dog and nuzzled her neck. Sara's giggles rang through the air and her brother slowly joined.
Behave. In response, Birch started wagging his tail and prodded Snow with his nose until she responded. Amused, Amira watched the children relax but wondered what to do with them. Neither seemed keen to return home, meaning they were probably run aways, but her conscience refused to leave them in the woods. Sighing, Amira realized that the only option would be to bring them to Corus and find work for them there. When she pitched the idea to them, the kids eagerly accepted as long as she promised that they wouldn't be separated. Now that the matter was taken care of, Amira spent the night watching the children play with Birch and Snow before she saw their eyes begin drooping. She gave her only bed roll to Sara and decided to sleep under the stars with Fiera. Before letting her eyes shut, Amira pulled out her sword and dagger and left them by her head in case of an attack.