"Race you to that tree stump," David challenged the other pups. They had reached the alpha school so early that the leader of the pack hadn't returned from hunting-something they would soon learn. The other pups squealed gleefully and ran toward the large stump. They crashed into something a few meters closer than the tree stump. The result was a huge tangle of little legs and heads. Daisy looked up and gasped.
"Winston! Grandfather! What are you doing back here so early?"
"The hunt was quick. We came home with a caribou. Speaking of prey, let's learn the first lesson of hunting: stalking. Now, I'll stalk across that clearing, so you can see how it's done. Then we will play a game of Red Leaf Green Leaf. You approach me by stalking, and if I hear you I'll turn around. Some prey won't notice you if you stand still, just like in the game, but you should still be quiet. Got it? Good. Let's go."
David wagged his tail. Red Leaf Green Leaf was his favorite game when he was a pup. He watched in awe as his grandfather, despite his old bones, sunk to his belly and moved fluidly across the clearing. He could only hear the slightest whisper of tall grass, that could have been mistaken for wind anyway. Finally, Winston called across the clearing, "Now you try!"
The pups did their best to imitate the pack leader. The early-fall sun, still strong, heated David's back. His black fur grew hot quickly, and he was grateful that it was still early enough for the dew to stay on the grass. Then he broke concentration and, not looking where he was going, stepped on a twig. The crack from the tiny stick echoed around the clearing, and Winston jumped up and spun around. David flattened his ears against his head and pressed his belly to the ground.
He heard a "Whoa" as Heidi shifted her weight too far and fell over. The grass rustled where she fell. Winston rolled his eyes, but David could tell he was holding back a laugh.
"Heidi, go back to the beginning."
The stalking race was almost complete by the time the sun was high in the sky. It was down to him and Daisy. Daisy was the quietest, and also moved the most efficiently. David was envious of her slim build. It would be very useful for hunting.
"Very good, guys," Winston congratulated them as they all reached the other side of the clearing. "We are going to learn a few more techniques today, then we'll try out your skills on real prey tomorrow."
The pups practiced their hunting skills all day, and by the time they arrived back at their cave they were worn out. They excitedly told their parents about how Winston made everything seem like a game, and that they mastered stalking, pouncing, biting, and scenting. When they finally retired to their nests, curled up for warmth in the cooling night, Kate smiled proudly.
"See? I told you they would be fine!"
Humphrey grinned back. "You're always right, Kate."
Kate laughed. "And don't you forget it."
The next day, the pups returned to the alpha school clearing, enthusiastic for another lesson.
"Okay. Let's go into the forest. Be very quiet, and remember to scent."
Daisy nodded solemnly. She had been taking her lessons very seriously, and she was looking forward to contributing to the pack.
She set her paws down carefully, thankful for the pine needles that were quieter than deciduous leaves. The scent of squirrel flooded her nose, and she followed the scent trail. She could see that the squirrel hadn't been climbing trees, for some reason. Finally, she found out why. The squirrel was right in front of her, limping. An easy kill, and she would put it out of its misery. She tensed the muscles in her hindquarters, preparing to leap. Then the squirrel looked at her.
The two animals were locked in each other's gaze, neither daring to move. Daisy could see the pain and fear in the squirrel's eyes. It could smell her. It was young, still in the prime of life. And those eyes shone with intelligence. This was no mindless piece of prey. This was a real animal, with feelings and hopes and fears, just like her. She turned away, and the squirrel saw its chance and ran. Okay. So I can't kill squirrels. No big deal. I'll try mice, or caribou. They seem pretty stupid, she reasoned with herself. But a little voice in her head was taunting her. Winston's gonna kill you, it chanted.
A thin paw stomped by her, snapping her out of her thoughts and back to reality. A vegetarian. Her lips were still blue from her recent "meal."
"What were you doing to my pet squirrel? Surely you weren't thinking of killing him," she said threateningly. Her breath smelled of berries, sickeningly sweet.
"Who? Me? Never," Daisy sputtered. The vegetarian sniffed, but let her go. She ran off. Then the vegetarian turned and shouted, "My names Ashia, by the way!" Daisy rolled her eyes. Then she slunk back to Winston and told him that she didn't have any luck with prey. She hated lying to the pack leader, but how was she supposed to explain what she felt about squirrels?