_ Ch. 3 _
Flynn didn't recognize her. It would be hard to, with her hair all matted and dirty. He blushed at her lack of decent clothing and attempted to speak to her.
"Um, I'm sorry, uh, are you lost? Do you need help of any kind?"
All he got in response was a deep, guttural growl mixed with a snarl. She glanced from her prey and back to Flynn. He noticed her darting glance and gasped, making her shrink back. He immediately looked apologetic.
"Oh, I'm sorry, did I scare you? It's just, that bird, the woman I work for, she's looking for him. He's important for some reason. I'd better call her."
He looked back from the direction he'd come, filled a lung full of air, and-
"ONUA! I FOUND HIM!"
He looked back at the girl, only to discover that she was now positively quivering in terror. A sudden crashing through the brush announced Onua's arrival, and a new wave of tremors from Daine.
"Flynn, you just can't go shouting your lungs off in the middle of a forest! Think of what might hear you!"
She looked to the place where Flynn was staring and gasped at the sight of Daine.
"Wha- Flynn? What's going on? Who is this?"
Daine glared at Onua. The woman stepped back and her gaze landed on the bird.
"Oh, glory! Flynn, you've found him!"
She noticed a flash of grey through the trees, and then several large grey and brown wolves emerged from the growth and circled around the girl and bird. Onua grabbed for her bow, and Flynn did likewise.
"Flynn, get the girl out of here and run before they attack her! I'll hold them off and get the bird! Go now!"
Flynn made a move to grab Daine, but the wolves quickly moved in front of her, barring the way. He tried to shoo them away, but they just growled and moved into a tighter circle around the girl. He stared at them in wonder.
"Mistress Onua, I think that they're… protecting her! They won't let me get near!"
"Don't be churlish, boy! They're wolves! They protect none but their own kind!"
And with that, she stepped forward, reaching for the girl. Frostfur snarled. She had no care for the girl-child, but that woman had gotten much too close to her nose for comfort. Frostfur didn't recognize the woman, but the boy she knew all too well. He was the village hunter's pup- and this particular pup had done just about the worst thing possible. While living in the village, this boy had killed her sister, Rattail. He had earned himself an eternity of begrudging from Frostfur.
At this moment, Onua's dog, Tahoi, bounded through the trees and halted by Onua's feet. He whined for a bit, then went over to the wolves.
"Tahoi, no! Come here! Now!"
Tahoi didn't listen. He moved forward a bit more, then, it what seemed to be mere grunts and growls, he conversed with Brokefang.
Cousin, why do you bar our path? Why do you protect this girl? I wouldn't think that a human would mean much to wolves, Tahoi wrinkled his nose. Especially one so smell.
Brokefang glanced back at Daine.
Daine is pack. The tides are changing, cousin. She is People, but looks human. She has a bond with all the People/ If she were not so scared, you would be able to speak with her.
He went over to Daine and nudged her, making the humans gaps in fear for the girl.
Daine, come and meet Tahoi. He has something to say to you.
Daine's eyes widened, but she could not disobey an order, so she crawled forward as the humans looked on in awe.
"It almost looks as if they're talking to her and she understands!" Exclaimed Flynn.
Daine crept to Tahoi.
Y-yes? She said silently.
Daine, is that right? She nodded. Good. Please listen to me. My humans, they mean no harm. They just want to help you. Your pack-leader and I agree on this- living with wolves is no life for you. You belong among the humans.
But- She protested.
No, Daine. Tahoi is right, Brokefang's voice came into her mind. You need these humans. They can help you in ways that we cannot. You must go with them, Daine. They can teach you to speak as a human again. You need this, pack-sister. You truly do.
The wolf interpreted the look on her face.
Daine, we will always be with you. I have heard of Tortall. They have plenty of forests and game there. We will be near you.
But Brokefang, I need all of you! Not them, Daine cried.
Her eyes filled up with tears.
Be good, Daine. Tahoi will look after you. Don't worry, we'll be around.
And with that, the wolves turned around and left, each saying goodbye to the pack-sister who had shown them so much.
