Chapter Seven "The Spike of Death"
Diary of the Wolfgirl--May, 1822 (The Neverwoods)
Tonight as the moons shine high, we sing again
the song of death. A single spike of steele from an
Indian's bow was fired upon Starlite, the Beta
Queen. We have done all we can for her, but in
our hearts, as well as our minds, we know she will
not survive the night. Midnight will die with her,
as he cannot survive without her. Once lifemated,
their fates are bound as one.
Our single worry was for the survival of the pups
she carried. Two were dead when the spike struck.
Three remain yet, but they are weak even now.
Only one shows any sign of survival. She will be
taken in by Crea, daughter of Nightmare and
Moonbeam. If she lives the night, she shall be
lifemated to Harley, and she shall be called, "She
Who Survived The Spike."
Los Angeles, California 1822: Two days before the Full Moon
Harley sighed heavily, as he laid down to sleep, his muzzle settled between his front paws. He was a foolish pup for leaving, he now saw the truth. The adventure he had so eagerly looked forward to was nothing but a disappointment.
In his side, he could feel the pain of the spike of steele, that had pierced the beta queen. The once proud Starlite was now silent to his mind, as she and her life's mate had died together. Thier bodies would be burned to ashes in the clearing where the wolves danced. Together, they would blow off into the wind.
Of the three surviving pups, two were already dying. The third, destined to be his. He should have been there to see her born.
Using only his eyes, Harley looked around the tent. He could hear the Angry human that held him captive laughing in joyful glee. Stupid human. The fool actually believed he had won. He would soon see the error of his ways. The full moon was fast approaching, and Harley did not have to be outside to see it. He could feel it coming in his bones, his soul, and his heart.
The dance would come with it. Their dance was ancient to their kind. For ages, wolves had sang to the full moon.
In the days of his captivity, Harley had done some thinking. Indeed, he'd had nothing but his own thoughts for company in the early moments after his capture. He finally realized what his father had been trying to tell him before he'd left. Harley had a responsibity to the Pack. He had his future and the future of the Pack that would somday be under his own command to consider. Wandering from the Woods was something a young pup would do, and Harley was no longer a young pup. At six months old, he was old enough to hunt for the Pack and prowl the Woods for intruders.
Realization dawned on Harley as the first thoughts of the One who would soon be his entered his mind. It was time to grow up. She needed him to grow up.
Sitting at one of the tables outside the tavern, Diego groaned inwardly, watching Ramone, as he practically strutted out of his quarters. After being held in jail for a full day, Felipe, Diego, Victoria, and Mendoza had been released. Cassandra had not yet returned. . . naturally, the Alcalde had a bright grin on his face, and was actually whistling, happily.
Unlike the Alcalde, Diego knew the battle over the wolf was not yet over. Cassie would return, it was plainly obvious, and yet, there was Luis Ramone, acting as if he had not a care in the world.
Mendoza had been banned from guarding Harley and the Corporal Gomez had been ordered to make sure the wolf was fed, dispite Mendoza's protests that the wolf did not want food. The meals, of course, were left untouched.
Victoria exited the tavern, and cast a look over at the tent before collecting the dishes in front of Diego. Her tavern was empty of customers, with the exception of Mendoza and a few of his men. Most of the others in the pueblo had turned the cold shoulder on her for trying to have the wolf set free.
Victoria eyed the Alcalde, with a disgusted look. "Does he actually think she's not coming back?" She commented, shaking her head.
"It appears he does." Diego responded, distantly.
"Do you think things in her woods are alright?"
"Mendoza said that was a Death Song that Harley was singing last night." Diego remembered. "I would guess that things are not well with the Pack."
"She will come back, won't she?"
Diego finally turned to meet her gaze. "I have no doubt that she will." He replied. "And it will be before the full moon."
"What's going to happen to the pueblo if the Alcalde doesn't give him back, Diego?"
Diego took her hand in his and gave her a reassuring look. "He will give the wolf back if I have to go in there myself, and break that cage open."
Victoria stared at him. Rare were the occasions when Diego actually showed a temper.
Diego, realizing what he'd just said, gave a shrug. "I'm sure Zorro will have his hands full protecting the people." He put in, quickly. "He might need some help this time."
Victoria nodded in agreement. "Diego, we have to evacuate the people before she comes back." She told him, worried. "There are children in this pueblo, and innocent people."
"The way the people feel about that wolf being released, that may be a bit difficult." Diego remarked, thoughtfully. "Then again, we've got two days to figure out a way to do that."
"Just tell them an entire Pack of those animals is coming." Victoria pointed out. "And if what we've heard is true, the others are much bigger then that one." She shivered at the thought.
Watching Victoria take his dishes inside, Diego frowned. She had a point.
The Neverwoods, May 1822
It was the middle of the night, as Cassie sat on the cliff overlooking the Neverwoods. In the light of the six moons, she could see as if it were daytime. Starlite and Midnight were now gone and four of their five pups had died with them. Fortunately, Spike was doing well, with Crea taking care of her. It was good that way. She would live for them.
Shadow and Crea had assumed the duties of the Beta King and Queen. They had a three pups of their own, in addition to Spike. When the Pack was called, Crea would remain in the Woods to care for the newborn pups. The Indian who had shot the wolf was now dead. When the other indians had found out what he'd done, they had thrown the offender into the Woods to keep from becomming victims themselves.
The Arrogant Human Ramone had thought he'd won. He actually believed he has bested the Wolfgirl. A small predatary smile curved on Cassie's lips. He would learn. It would soon be time to return. She would not leave Harley to these ignorant humans. Not now.
She would return. And this time, she would return without a disguise. She would come boldly, in her true form. The Ramone human would have one chance before she would summon the Pack. When the Pack stood before him, flanking her sides, she would demand the release of Harley. Assuming he still refused after that, not even Cassie herself would be able to stop the slaughter when it started. Neverwolves were fierce, uncaring of whomever should get in the way of their own family. They killed without remorse, without fear.
Standing now, on the moonlit cliffside, Cassie stared out at the Woods below. She couldn't stop the tears that streamed down her face. Perhaps the wolves killed without remorse, but Cassie herself could sense the pain of those around her. Just as she had in the town destroyed so long ago. She could still hear the screams inside her head. . . .
End Chapter Seven
A/N I apologize for the long delay. I've been so busy and really my writing is seriously suffering for it. As I said, I DO know how this is going to end. There will be two more Chapters. The next will cover the night of the Full Moon, and the one after is merely an Epilogue. I want to thank my dedicated readers, who have kept up the pestering me through emails and reviews to finish this story. Without you...well, this story would have ended long ago.
For you my readers, and the members of the New World Zorro discussion and Fanfiction groups, I WILL finish this story. I know this chapter is rather short after all this time, but I am on a role and I have resolved to finish it this time, so check back soon. The ending will shortly follow.
Thanks again, all of you. I really appreciate your help and encouragement.
--Cassi
