Chapter Two

The Unpleasant Excursion

12 days later

Shortly after the encounter between the Kadzait, my parents, and I, we began moving West towards what we hoped would be a sanctuary. As we traveled, we passed a sign that read on the side that would be visible if you were entering, "Welcome to Wood Buffalo National Park". At this we knew that we were to never set foot there again. Along our travels, we began to notice that the mountains were beginning to transform into hills, and then further along plains filled with thousands of Coniferous trees.

At least a day had gone by since they had begun their travels when they crossed yet another sign, fearing that they had gone in a circle and come back to where they started. At the second that they were able to read the sign, the tension broke, as the sign read "Welcome to the Caribou Mountains Wildland".

Then there was a deathly silence as we stood without pace. I began to speak when my mother hushed me and told me to duck down. I promptly complied, knowing that there was a reason for this order. Suddenly I hear several pants from beyond the foliage and a piercing howl. At this, my father's ears and my mother's pricked up. They took up a defensive stance between whatever was coming and I, knowing that they could protect me, or at least give me time to escape. It was then that a small hare came running out of the foliage, but before there could be any relief sounded, a female wolf of large stature came bounding out of the foliage chasing the rabbit when she came up on us.

There wasn't a moments hesitation before two other wolves came loping out of the foliage hoping that Convel had caught something when they eyed the three intruders and bared their teeth at them.

"And who might you think you are to be waltzing onto Voucher Territory? You smell of the Kadzait! Leave at once, or you, your mate and yourpup will suffer the consequences!" Yelled hunter Convel.

At that moment, my father was about to retaliate with a response when A loud sound of which I am not familiar tore through the air, along with a loud metallic "ping". It was then that I heard a yelp and saw that my father was lying on the ground, missing an ear, howling in pain. I was about to run and embrace him when my mother held me back and went to help Jack. My father, despite the injury, got up and pursued the origin of the painful blow, with my mother trailing behind him, yelling back to what I assumed was me, "I will return! I promise you that I will return!" Shortly after that, I heard the wretched sound two more times and then hearing a yelp and howl of pain. Hearing this, I attempted to pursue them and end the wretched hell-bent life of whoever is causing my family pain, but I was stopped short as the rust-colored wolf stepped in front of me and held me back.

"No. There's no use losing another, especially one as young as you. Beowulf! Pick him up and transport him to Conri and Ayame. I'm sure that they will want to see him. I will be…examining whatever is left of his parents." Said Convel as she began to walk towards the location where my fears can only confirm what may have or have not occurred.

All I knew is that I had lost both of my parents in the same day, and at realizing this, I broke down into a mournful trance whilst being carried by Beowulf. I did not feel as if he or any of them felt any sympathy for me, though I did not care for anything but the last time that I had seen my parents. I was taken through a valley that was similar to my previous home in everything but the fluctuation of conifers. It was then that my day had taken a turn for the better when I witnessed another pup staring at me in awe and curiosity, while I, still tears in my eyes, just turned away and prepared myself for the inevitable. I then felt the same feeling that I had felt back in Wood Buffalo as everyone that saw me turned away in disgust: Disownment and Alienation.

I was taken to a hollowed out compartment in the valley wall, where a towering wolf approached me as Beowulf dropped me grudgingly. "What is this, dare say you?

I do not enjoy killing, you know. I employ you to do that to trespassers. Why is this thing here? " inquired what I figured was the Alpha of the so-called Vouchers.

"Convel, Hemene, and I were "on patrol" when we came upon three intruders, not just one. It was shortly after I demanded to know why they were here when a gunshot sounded and hit what I'm guessing was the father. Soon after, the mother and father took of towards the hunter. I can only assume that they are no longer alive, but Convel and Hemene are investigating to confirm this."

*Sigh*… "What am I to do with this one? Oh what to do…. what to do. I suppose that my wife can take care of him, but I'm sure she won't like it. I mean, look at him! He looks like a half-breed!" Conri said grudgingly.

"I think he is, sir. His Father appeared to be of the "other" species of canine. A dog, in general", said Beowulf in a Matter-of-fact tone. "That will be all, Beta." Said Conri, dismissing Beowulf.

"Yes Sir. Thank you, sir." Answered Beowulf before exiting the den.

"What are you called, little one?" Inquired Conri shortly after Alpha-Female Ayame entered the den.

I swallowed and pride or out-of-line tone and humbly said, "My name Felan, Sir. 'Tis Felan."

Ayame froze before leaving the den without gaining the attention of her husband.

"Hmmmm… Felan…."