Land of Ice: Chapter 4
A Time for Mourning
Whenua couldn't believe what he was seeing. In front of him and the other Toa Metru, were eight wolf-demons. Each looked different from the others though Maggie had said they were all related.
Why haven't we seen any on Metru-Nui? He wondered. What type of technology do they have? How large are the packs they live in?
"Its late guys and I think a winter storm is going to set in soon…we'd better get some sleep." Maggie suggested, looking up at the night sky.
"And exactly where are we going to do that?" Matau asked, looking around at the ice-field before him. "I don't see-find a cave anywhere."
"Who said anything about a cave?" Sapphire asked. She had gotten on her knees and was now digging in the snow like a wild-dog. "You want a place to sleep? Dig a hole in the snow, get in, and cover yourself back up. Just make sure you put air-holes in it."
"You've got to be joking…" Onewa said, obviously not fond of the idea of covering yourself with snow. "We'll freeze under there!"
"No you won't." Brian said, shaking his head. "It's nice and warm under the snow."
"Yeah," agreed Jake. "We've been doing this since our parents died."
As soon as Jake said this, the other demons looked at the snow covered ground, pain in their eyes.
Realizing what he had said, the brown haired demon said, "Sorry guys…didn't mean to bring that up…."
Sapphire and Jess whipped tears from their eyes, Maggie just shrugged her shoulders, and Debbie had a hard look on her face. Kyle and David said nothing, while Brian let out a small, dog-like, whimper. An awkward silence lingered for a couple of minutes. Finally, Whenua broke the silence with a question.
"So, how old are you guys anyway?"
Uh…let's see…." Maggie said, thinking for a moment. "Kyle and Sapphire are the eldest out of all of us, and are from the same litter, and they're 17 years old, Kyle and I are from the same litter, and we're 16, Jess, David and Debbie are from the same litter, and they're 14, and Brian is 8."
Uh, why weren't there any more born in Brian's litter?" Whenua asked after a few moments.
Maggie sighed sadly, and replied, "There would have been, but the other came out dead."
Brian hung his head, another whimper escaping from his throat. Suddenly, the wind picked up, sending a chill through everyone's spine.
"I suggest you guys dig your holes soon." Jake said. "It looks like its going to get really rough out here!"
Not seeing any other options, the Toa began digging their own holes, trying to make them big enough to fit their tall bodies. Eventually, they settle down, and covered themselves with snow.
This is going to be a long stay-visit. Thought Matau.
To be continued…
