Title: Call to Chieftainship
Author: Cindy England
Disclaimers: Characters presented within are property of Rushwater Holt. ElfQuest is copyright Warp Graphics Inc..
NOTE: This fanfic is only a first, extremely rough draft and has yet to be edited in any manner as of yet. As such, it is a work in progress so please bear in mind that it is unpolished and will change. Also, please leave comments and suggestions as I may take then into consideration for the final drafts.
"You can't be serious," Stormhawk stared incredulously at her chieftain lifemate. "Go to the plains in the middle of a searing drought!"
"We have no choice," Snakethrower sighed. He knew the idea sounded mad but the tribe was in desperate need of food. "The river by the holt is all but a trickle, you know that as well as I, and the game has left for greener pastures."
"And you think the empty plains will be any better?" Stormhawk retorted. "There's more water here than there!"
Snakethrower shook his head. "Not water - shagback. Even a single, scrawny beast would do the pack and us well; especially you, my love," he almost pleaded with her, caressing her now-swollen belly which showed the promise of a cub to be born.
Stormhawk, however, wouldn't give in. No matter her lifemate's reasoning, she could not bring herself to give him the approval he seemed to be seeking. "Do what you must," she stated flatly before leaving to visit Dewhaze about her shrinking leathers.
Snakethrower sighed a second time as he watched Stormhawk's back disappear beyond sight. He absent-mindedly stroked his beard while thinking back to the time when he had decided to settle the tribe here at Forbidden Grove Holt. The irony of the amount of rain they had suffered through then bit at him, leaving a sour taste in his mouth. Shaking his head so as to clear his thoughts, he began packing the supplies they would need and send for the Hunt. Shagback; all they would need was a shagback or two…
Later that evening the wolf pack assembled as wolves and riders prepared for the journey out to the plains. Waterskins had been filled as much as possible yet were still slack. Several large hides had been assembled for makeshift tents should the expedition take a few days. Well-wishers hugged the hunters and Snakethrower was saddened to see Stormhawk was noticeably absent.
"High Ones keep and guide us. When we return, it shall be with shagback meat for all!" Snakethrower exclaimed heartedly before signaling their departure.