I probably should have stated this in the first AN, but this will be an AU, it won't follow the canon of Zootopia, I am trying to steer it into cannon but at the moment it sounds like it's not matching up with the established lore.
For now, I'm keeping things as is, including the horses and the canine characters, sorry if that threw things for a loop. I already got the story figured out in my mind and will have it out soon. Forgive me for any lore inaccuracies as, aside from the movie, I don't know much about Zootopia. Consider all inaccurate as a part of the AU
ALSO sorry for not mentioning it, probably will edit it later, but consider all animals in this AU to be closer in height, i.e., rabbits can be roughly the same size as foxes, their heights mirroring humans. Animals like hippos and elephants will have wider girth but not as large as depreciated in movies. I can't imagine them riding horses in a world where transportation is a major factor, especially in this story.
I was aiming for two-week updates but work gets in the way of things. I spend half the week either driving or sitting behind a computer so I usually like to spend my free time away from screens now and then. Also, had a lot of news to report on lately so maybe this was a fluke, still aiming for two weeks, I want to get back to writing and maybe start another story, probably Halo. I know it looks like I'm splitting hairs, but I'm starting to think this is kind of therapeutic. Speaking of, hope you enjoy this chapter
2.
Ajé stared up at the pale blue sky and watched the soft clouds roll above her.
She looked down from the top of the mesa she was standing on and down at her clan. Their round wikiups dotted the small plain as wolves moved about them. She could see tiny cubs playing just outside of the camp. Females tending to the fires and doing chores. And the warriors, a mix of males and females, either fashioning weapons or dragging in fresh game from a hunt. Running along the outskirts were wild horses, leaving behind a trail of red dust in their wake as free as the wind.
It was beautiful, her people were home. Safe, where they were supposed to be.
She felt a large hand gently clasp her shoulder and she looked up at the wolf standing beside her. The sun was bright and hid his face in the shadows, but she knew who he was. She just felt it, deep within her, she knew who was standing beside her. It was the same person who showered her how to climb the mesa, who taught her how to hunt, how to fight, and who taught her to care for the people.
Father.
The dream ended as Ajé 's eyes opened. She wasn't in her homelands; she wasn't under open blue skies. Instead, she only saw the canvas of her tent and suddenly felt a familiar ache in her chest upon realizing her father wasn't there.
She stayed still and listened, wondering what woke her before she heard the humming coming from somewhere outside.
Curious, she carefully maneuvered herself around inside the one-man tent and crawled outside.
The dawn was just barely rising over the horizon, a grey fog surrounded the camp and gave a chill in the air. Ajé shivered before reaching inside the tent and retrieved the dark blue coat she was given. All three wolves were given uniforms, but have chosen only to wear the black pants and coat.
On the day their journey was to begin, the soldiers were startled when the three wolves arrived at the fort dressed for war. They wore only long loincloths, moccasins, rough leather shirts, and belts that carried their equipment. They were armed with war clubs, flint knives, and bows and arrows. They didn't apply their war paint yet and it was probably a smart decision as the guards almost fired on the wolves as they approached.
Their war leader was named Colonel Andrew Kayne, a feline of some kind that was huge, had orange fur laced with black stripes. He had snarled at them to follow his orders and only to call him Colonel. He gave them to their sergeant before ordering the cavalry to mount up and ride, leaving the fort as soon as the new scouts had arrived.
They have traveled for two days and were close to the desert. They made camp in a meadow large enough to accommodate the near one-hundred cavalrymen, their mounts, and the few wagons traveling with them.
The wolves stuck close to their new squad and pitched their tents close together as a war party would. They didn't interact together much, but they have gotten to know their companions a little.
The source of the humming that had woken Ajé paused and looked up from the fire he was attending to and smiled at her.
"Morning Ajay," said the canine. "Fancy a brew?"
It was one of the twin brothers in their group, tall canines that had initially intimidated Ajé at first before she got to know them. The Merrill brothers were tall, lanky, and always smiling. They both had long grey hair, large blue eyes that were almost lost in the curls, and an even wider mouth perfect for their friendly smiles. They were some of the strangest creatures Ajé had ever seen, and that's beside the fact of how alike they were.
The one she was currently talking to must be Kirk, but that was only a guess. His brother, Liam, was more likely to be muttering a poem rather than a hum. That's the only way the squad could tell them apart, especially when they dressed alike in the blue uniforms; Kirk usually sings a merry tune while Liam recites poetry about natures or past heroes.
Honestly, out of all their new companions, Ajé like their company the most. They weren't as suspicious of the wolves as the others were, always greeting her with a smile and their accents sounded beautiful to her. It sounded like they were going to start singing at any moment. Even if she had trouble understanding what the brothers were saying sometimes, she appreciated their presence nonetheless.
She took the cup he was offering and gave him a curt nod. Even though she found herself liking the brothers, she was hesitant to smile or to open herself up to strangers. They had only known each other for a few days and she was barely comfortable sleeping in their presence. She hopes their trust will improve before the first battle.
She took a sip of the tea and smacked her lips. Kirk had already sweetened it with honey. Where he got the precious substance she didn't know. Maybe the brothers had secretly smuggled some in their packs somewhere.
There was a rustle close to them and emerging from another tent on hands and knees was Kirk's missing sibling.
"Kettle's ready?" Liam asked as he stood and stretched, taking in a long breath of air. "Saints alive, it's going to be a gorgeous day, eh?"
"Not if you let the water get cold again," Kirk chides. "Hurry and grab a cup before the huntress here drinks it all."
It was only then that Ajé realized she had finished her tea rather quickly. She was thinking about having another cup but decided to discard it for now, at least until the others had their fill.
"What golden rays' slice through the fog," Liam said as he poured his cup. "That shows the way to new lands afar." He grinned as he looked at Ajé.
"We're almost there, eh Ajay?" he asked. "Almost to the desert?"
She nodded. She wasn't sure if her not talking was unnerving to the brothers, but if it were they never showed it. She was tempted to correct them on how to say her name properly, but she shrugged it off, figuring it was just the way they spoke.
"What you think we'll see there first, brother?" Liam asked as he stood shoulder to shoulder with Kirk. "Snakes? Cactus? Tumbleweeds."
"Sand brother mine," Kirk added with a heft of his cup. "We're going to a desert so there's going to be nothing to see but sand." He looked at Ajé again. "Eh?"
This time however Ajé frowned to herself as she thought a moment.
"No," she said. "There is dirt, but also rocks. Mesas. Canyons. And forests in the mountains. But further south to Azka there is a lot of sand."
The wolfhounds stared at her and blinked. She was curious by this before realizing this was probably the longest she had spoken to them. Their stares were making her uncomfortable so she slowly looked away from them.
"That sounds about right," a brusque voice suddenly booms towards them. "Boy oh boy, I can't wait to see the rocks again."
Ajé had tense when she first heard the voice and had the instinct to grab the knife on her belt, but she relaxed when she saw who it was. Or rather when she smelled who it was.
The mammal that joined them was filthy. Unlike the cavalry uniform everyone in the company was wearing, this one was wearing a dirty duster coat over an even filthier shirt and pants. Stains were covering him from head to toe, even his bushy orange tail looked like it was covered in grime. He smelled like a carcass left out in the sun, how he was able to emit such musk and not die from the fumes is a wonder. How she and the others hadn't died from the stench was just as much a mystery.
The male wore a large brim hat that was brought low over his face, often leaving only a sparkling green eye showing as well as his wide smile filled with sharp teeth.
He was a red fox named Cassidy Howell and he unsettled everyone.
He wasn't a soldier, but he carried a rifle like one and a pistol like an officer. She couldn't fully describe what she found unnerving about him, but it was obvious he was different from the rest of the animals from Zootopia. He didn't mind sleeping in the dirt, he walked with the confidence of a male walking into a war, and, probably the most surprising of all, he said hello to the wolves in their native language.
He didn't speak as smoothly as Sullivan did, but it was passable. He had explained he grew up in a wagon, selling wares to different tribes all across the lands. She found it unbelievable at first before he easily started speaking the language of the coyotes, bobcats, and javelina tribes, dialects that always eluded others in her tribe. Not that they spent much time learning new languages, they only knew a few words that helped with trading and negotiating. Zootpian was the only tongue the elders thought was worth learning fully.
Surely out of everyone there, the wolves could trust him, someone, who could understand them. But they didn't. There was something in his shining eye, his wicked grin, and the way he seemed to know everything that unnerved everyone. Like he was about to spring a surprise at any moment.
"Rocks Cassidy?" Kirk asked the fox as he joined their circle around the fire. "We're going to see an ocean of sand, mountains, and canyons apparently," he added after a glance at Ajé. "And you're excited to see rocks?"
Cassidy turned that glittery grin to Kirk. "Well, not rocks per se. I mean…well…"
He trailed off before looking at Ajé.
"What would you call the fingers that scrape the skies?" he asked in wolf.
A small frown formed on her muzzle at how easily he knew of the sacred places in her land, let alone what her people call them.
"They are sacred," she answered in turn. "Something that needs to be kept apart, protected."
"Hmm," Cassidy hummed as he thought. "Sacred? Holy? Oh, how about monuments? I think that's a good word to describe them."
The word was foreign to her, so she couldn't object.
"Monuments?" Liam asked puzzled. "Who built them?"
"No, not a mammal-made monument my friend," Cassidy said. "Like I said I can't describe them, other than that they are a wonder to behold. I'm sure you'll be singing songs about them when you see them."
Ajé wondered if Cassidy got the twins mixed up because it was more likely that Liam would make a poem about the wonders and not a song. Or maybe the twins had moved when she wasn't looking, it was easy getting one confused with the other.
Slowly the camp came alive and more animals were emerging from their tents and starting to build their fires. They only had so long to eat and drink their fill before they needed to return to the saddle.
Her tribesmen, Ku'ní and Humenta joined her as they sat together by the fire, slightly apart from the rest of their squad.
Shivering violently, a small jackrabbit got as close to the fire as he could and held out his paws to the flames.
"Slept alright last night Jack?" Liam asked as he poured tea into a tin cup before offering it to the smaller mammal. "Didn't get frost on your ears yet did ya?"
Jack only gave a strained smile before taking the cup and drinking. Jack Cotton was very small compared to the twins, easily the tiniest soldier in their party, if not the company. He had to jump to get in his saddle and had trouble putting his feet in the stirrups, but he was able to hold the reins and was able to ride a horse well enough.
The fur on his face was very clean and smooth, with small violet eyes and a constantly twitching nose. He took care not to stare anyone in the eyes for too long and secluded himself from conversations. He was as secluded as the wolves, preferring to be alone and away from others.
Ajé heard the others whispering about Jack on occasion, many of them suspecting he's a boy and not of age. A young lad looking for adventures as they said. But Jack looked quite frightened most of the time, nervously looking around him as if expecting an enemy to suddenly appear and attack. Not at all looking like he was having fun.
She wondered how he was allowed to join the army, let alone a cavalry company going to hunt down a dangerous war chief. But he was able to hold a gun properly and was always helpful. Most of the time he would volunteer to carry the heavy pan and kettle the soldiers use to cook with and helped to prepare the food. Perhaps he was aware of his shortcomings and was doing everything he could to make up for it.
Just then, a tall figure approached from behind the rabbit and growled.
"Make way Cotton," the newcomer snapped, causing the rabbit to jump aside, spilling some of his tea as he did so.
The male stepped up to the fire and sneered at the kettle.
"Tea again?" the canine barked. "Didn't anyone pack any coffee?"
"Now, now," Liam said, somehow keeping a peaceful tone and holding up his hands in a calming gesture. "No need to get yer feather ruffled Hughes. I thought we could save the coffee till we get to the desert; saints know we probably need more of it then."
Hughes glowered at the hound until Liam finally broke eye contact, his smile suddenly looking strained.
"I don't care," Hughes said as he snatched up a cup. "Tomorrow make a pot of coffee alright? This boiled leaf water isn't doing me any favors."
Hughes stomped around the fire and sat some distance away from the others who did their best to ignore their rude companion. Except for the wolves who openly stared at him.
It has been days but they still aren't used to seeing Joseph Hughes. He was a huge canine, almost as tall as the brothers, but with broader shoulders and sharper canines. His snout was long and pointed, ears tall and ever twitching. His fur was grey with flecks of brown here and there. And his eyes, bright brown but narrowed in irritation as he sneered at his cup. The characteristics were all there, but they couldn't believe what they were seeing.
They were seeing another wolf.
Hughes yelled at them that he was no savage when they tried speaking to him in their language before stomping away from them. The others told Ajé and her friends that there were other wolves across the ocean; taller, stronger and, obviously, civilized.
The tribal predators still couldn't believe it. The idea that there were other wolves across the ocean was hard to comprehend, but stranger still was the fact that he was acting just like a Zootopian.
Hughes made it clear though that he wanted nothing to do with them and often glared and growled at the tribal predators, keeping his distance from them. Ajé hadn't known him for long, but judging from how the others accepted his rude manner, she suppose he always acted like this.
After the soldiers had warmed up, Jack got the pan ready and started cooking some of their rations. Somehow the rabbit was able to make warm bread with cooked vegetables and pound cakes on the side. It wasn't much, but for a long journey, it was most welcomed. He also got some dried-out fish from one of the supply wagons and warmed it by the fire for his predator companions to eat.
The warming scent of the jerky caused Ajé 's nose to twitch, but little else.
Ku'ní sniffed irritably. "I don't want any dried food," he muttered lowly so Cassidy didn't hear. "I want fresh meat."
The thought of flesh sizzling on the pan instead of carrots was a wonderful fantasy, Ajé could almost smell it, but she bit her tongue to break the thought.
One of the decrees of the treaty was that the wolves had to stop eating meat, immediately.
It was one the order that almost made the clan turn away and join Black Moon's war party instead of living on a reservation. It wasn't until the third child died from starvation did the wolves accept the parley. What the Zootopians offered wasn't meat, but it was still food they could eat.
The closest thing they could have to flesh was fish, but it wasn't as filling as a steak from a non-sentient antelope. The dried-up fish jerky was almost unbearable.
"Maybe when we get home we can ask the colonel if we can hunt," Humenta said, trying to comfort his friend.
Ajé didn't say anything. As nice thought as that is, it was unlikely the sour-looking colonel would do anything for them. She could have sworn she caught the officer staring at them whenever it was time for them to eat.
They silently ate their breakfast, the brother's barbs adding light entertainment all the while, before their sergeant marched over.
"Hurry and finish up lads," he said as he looked them over with a critical eye. "It's time to move."
Sergeant Jacob Korir was some kind of pig. He had grey skin that was mostly covered by light fur, making him different from the Javelinas that lived to the south of the wolves. However, one noticeable difference was his long snout and the large tusks that curved alongside them, giving him a very fierce appearance. To add to the intimidation was his dark narrow eyes that were half hidden under bushy eyebrows. At first, Ajé wondered if he could see, until his eyes bored directly into hers and she saw intensity hidden in the black orbs. It almost broke through her guard and made her shiver. He had a stout body, but like Jack, he proved he was capable of riding, if not more so. Although short, his arms were as wide as a young tree's trunk, she wouldn't be willing to bet on who would win a wrestling match with him.
Although the soldiers didn't talk to her much, she still had keen ears and often heard what they were saying. Through her eavesdropping she learned the sergeant was an old soldier, having fought in lands she never heard of before. His fur did look grey around the muzzle, but there was no sign of his age. But if half the stories she heard were true, then he must be a great warrior, he could even be considered a war chief by the clan's standards.
"We almost there, ain't we sarge?" asked Kirk. "I heard it from Wilcox, he's been there before on a resupply run."
"So the captain says," Korir grunted, before turning a baleful eye to Cassidy. "What about you Mr. Howell? You're our guide, how far till the fort?"
Cassidy grinned. "And here I thought you just brought me for my looks." He jerked his head towards the wolves. "You could also ask your scouts too sir, I'm sure they know exactly where it is."
A low growl began in Ku'ní 's throat before Ajé nudged him with an elbow. They knew the fort well. Aside from attacking it for years, it was also where the wolves were gathered before being exiled to the east. The thought of visiting the home of their enemy as guests was a foul one.
Korir looked Ku'ní over, almost like he was daring the young male to make another sound, but Ku'ní just averted his gaze as he glared at the ground.
"I plan to use them when we start tracking Black Moon," Korir finally said before returning to Cassidy. "Now, how long?"
Cassidy slowly rose to his feet and stretched. "Probably a day or two I reckon. Or three depending on how fast those wagons move."
"Will we get there in time?" Jack asked as he looked up at the sergeant. "Black Moon escaped almost a month ago now."
"I'll save that question for our scouts," Korir said with a jerk of this thumb towards the group. "That's what they're getting paid for."
"I'm getting paid too, right?" Cassidy asked with a raised hand. "Let's not forget that the colonel hired me first before the general sent us the wolves."
"You can discuss that with the colonel all you want," Korir said. "For now, just get ready to go."
Cassidy shrugged. "Whatever you say, boss."
Packing up camp didn't take long for the wolves to do, or Cassidy. They stood with their horses apart from the others and watched as the soldiers worked to get everything packed away. Ajé was curious as to why they had to fold their blankets up so exactly, why they had to tie everything down tightly, or why they had to dress and look exactly alike.
"Why do they do everything the same way?" Ajé asked Cassidy, watching Korir as he yelled at Jack for not folding up his tent properly.
"Zootopians just like things to be nice," Cassidy said as he chewed on a toothpick. "Also supposed to build discipline I hear, if the soldiers do what you tell them while packing, then they should listen during a battle too."
Ajé wasn't sure what that meant. Whenever the wolves gathered in a war party, everyone did as they pleased. If a chief told them to do something, they'd do it. If they didn't like what the chief said, then they could leave. Something tells her the soldiers wouldn't be happy if she or her friends chose to leave.
She then noticed Humenta had taken removed the gun he was given from his saddle holster and was looking it over again. With nothing else to do, Ajé leaned over and admired the weapon alongside him.
"This is well made," Humenta said, nodding with approval.
Ajé agreed. They were given their rifles days ago, but it was without a doubt their most treasured possessions.
The guns the clan used before they surrendered were taken from dead Azkars, or traded with settlers. They were often worn; the wooden body was chipped and the metal greatly smudged. Some of the warriors had tried wiping them clean with animal hides, but they were never as clean as the weapon Humenta held now.
Self-consciously, Ajé reached for the new pouch now attached to her belt and patted it reassuringly. She felt the cartridges within, more than she had ever held in her life.
"Twenty-five shots," she said with slight awe. "Imagine shooting twenty-five enemies."
"And imagine taking their shots and shooting more," Ku'ní suddenly butted in, staring now at the musket with equal interest.
Only the best warriors of the clan were trusted with guns, they were rare, especially ammo. At most, Ajé could only remember at least twenty people of the clan having firearms. A lot of them were old too, short with a wider barrel at the end that didn't shoot their bullets as far as these newer guns.
The pups of the clan were shown how to load it, but many never had the chance to shoot. A majority of wolves had to make do with bows and arrows. Ajé though had gone with her father on a raid once where he was trusted with a musket. He would shoot the gun, give it to Ajé who would reload it as quickly as she could while he used his bow to continue shooting at the soldiers.
Humenta had earned the right to wield a gun after proving himself, but the clan had surrendered before he could use it.
"What are you dainty daises doing over here," a familiar voice gruffer. "Soaking in the sunshine?"
Sergeant Korir had wandered over to see what the rest of his squadron was doing. Cassidy watched as the warthog hesitated when he saw one of the wolves had a gun out before approaching, almost making the fox laugh.
Korir, like many soldiers in the party, had only ever heard the horror stories associated with wolves. For all his bluster, the sergeant was as wary of their new scouts as any other mammal.
"We're doing nothing sir," Humenta replied respectfully, careful to keep the rifle in his lap.
Korir kept an eye on the weapon though.
"Mind pointing that somewhere else?" he asked as he pointed to the musket. "I don't want any of my men being accidentally shot."
"It's not pointing at any of us sir," Humenta said patiently.
"Aye," Korir nodded. "But it's pointing that way," he pointed in the direction of the barrel, right at a cluster of soldiers who were still packing their gear. "And I don't want to chance to lose a man before we get on the trail."
Humenta considered this before reorientating the rifle until it was pointing in the opposite direction, away from any potential targets.
"Have you lot handled a gun before?" Korir asked as he looked at each scout.
"We know how it works sir," Ajé said.
"But I mean has anyone showed you how to do it the army way," Korir said. "Have you received proper training in how it works? How to clean them? How to secure them so they don't get banged up on the ride? How to make sure they shoot straight?"
Ajé looked to Humenta, who shrugged. Then to Ku'ní, who gave a glare as an answer. Ajé turned back to the warthog and shook her head.
"Saints preserve me," Korir glowered before shouting over his shoulder.
"Hughes!" he screamed. The Zootopian wolf had just tied on the last straps of his saddle to his mount when he heard the call. "Get over here!"
Hughes released a visible breath before jogging over, doing his best not to look up at tribal wolves as he did.
"Yes, sergeant?" Hughes said as he stopped in front of his squad leader. Giving the warthog his full attention and seemingly ignoring the wolves who were standing next to him.
"Hughes, I want you to teach this lot how to use their guns," he jerked a thumb to the tribal animals. "Show them how to"
"What!" Hughes's indignity cry cut Korir off. He looked like was going to say more, but quickly closed his mouth, looking like he was biting down on the inside of his cheek.
Korir glowered at the interruption but continued. "You're the best shot in the team, I want you to get our scouts up to snuff. I don't want them getting whacked by a club because they couldn't load their guns fast enough or having a malfunctioning musket because they didn't clean the barrel."
Hughes didn't look happy at all. "Sergeant, with all respect, I think they know enough about how to use a gun."
"Oh?" Korir asked before looking at Humenta. "How long does it take you to reload scout?"
Humenta thought for a moment. "12 count sergeant."
"Jumping Jove," Korir muttered. "That bad?"
The answer seemed to have taken Hughes off guard as well. For the first time, his grimace seemed to have a reason.
"You can reload in less that time private," Korir said to Hughes. "Shave that time down to five seconds if not more, show them your tricks, and get them battle-ready. They're your responsibility and I want a demonstration before we ride into a scrap, understood?"
Hughes ground his teeth before answering. "Understood sergeant."
Korir nodded, gave the wolves one last look, and then strutted off.
There was an awkward moment of silence before Humenta turned to Hughes.
"I think I know how to-"
Hughes held up a hand and cut him off. "Just…Just wait until tonight," he said as he turned and stalk after Korir. "Let's go."
They watched Hughes for a moment before Humenta said, "I don't think he likes us."
Ku'ní snarled at that. "I don't think any of them likes us."
The ride out west could have been described as peaceful. With the long column of riders and wagons, they could have been mistaken for a very large trade caravan were it not for the uniforms and weapons. On the first day, they passed many towns and isolated farmlands, often passing excited cubs who would run alongside the horses, trying to imitate the soldiers and imagining they were riding horses.
On the second day, they saw even fewer farmland and fewer people.
On the third day, the grass gave away, the rolling hills became barren and after an hour, they left the evergreens behind them. Soon barren ground, dry brush, and solitude rocks surrounding them
"What happened?" one of the brothers, Kirk, asked as he looked around. "I could have sworn we just passed a field of poppies a minute ago."
Cassidy was riding alongside the scout group and let out a hearty chuckle.
"The desert will get you if you're not careful," he said. "Hope you boys listened to the sergeant when he said save your water, won't be another watering hole until we reach Fort Gatelock."
Liam gulped nervously and started to massage his throat, making Cassidy chuckle again.
Jack was riding near the forefront of the group, looking very concerned at their surroundings, but then noticed their wolf companions.
"They seemed happy," he said and nodded at them.
Their three scouts were riding slightly apart from the formation, a couple of steps to the right of the column. Sergeant Korir kept throwing disapproving glances at them as if wishing for the chance to yell at the three to fall in.
But the wolves probably wouldn't have noticed. They were looking around the arid environment as well, but instead of wearing looks of concern, they looked relaxed. Their shoulders were no longer tense, they weren't looking over their shoulders at the soldiers trotting behind them and they were no longer gripping their reigns for dear life. Instead, they sat comfortably in their saddles and were soaking in the sunlight. Jack felt like his whole hide had been soaked in sweat, but the wolves appear to be taking it in good stride. One of them, Ku'ní, she thinks, was about to shrug his shirt off when the female of the group said something to him in their tongue, prompting the young wolf to keep his clothes on but now with a familiar frown on his muzzle.
"This is their home," Cassidy said, looking rather content himself and not bothering to look around. "Imagine being away for a year while being told you'll never be back. I'd be dancing a jig myself if I was them."
"How could you dance in this heat?" demanded Hughes as he used his cap to wipe at his brow.
"You should ask them yourselves," Cassidy said with a jerk of his head at the wolves. "If you're not afraid of insulting them."
Hughes scowled at that and was about to give a curt response when Jack gasped.
"T-there!" the rabbit stuttered and pointed to their right.
He had been watching the wolves when he noticed the hairs on the back of their necks raised, their ears twitch before suddenly turning to the right and immediately bore their teeth.
Jack followed their line of sight and was terrified to see a small band of wolves, also mounted and touting spears and bows. They were a good ten yards out and were sitting on a small hill, five in all. Where in blazes did they come from? They should have been spotted a mile away, there was nothing for them to hide behind, yet there they were; watching them like hawks.
Cries of alarm made their way down the line. Soldiers grabbed their guns.
"Don't panic!" Cassidy shouted holding up his hands in a frantic sign of calm. "Don't panic! There's nothing to worry about."
"But they're wolves," Kirk said, paws gripping his musket, his usual smile wiped off his face for the first time. "What if it's Black Moon?"
"It's not nitwit," Cassidy said as he continued to gesture for calm. The mounted tribal animals just continued watching, not looking the least bit concerned as the soldiers came to an abrupt halt to stare.
"Cassidy," Sergeant Korir whispered as he pulled his horse beside the fox. "Are you certain?"
"They ain't wolves sarge," Cassidy said with confidence. "They're coyotes."
"What?" Hughes asked looking confused. "How can you tell?"
"See those armbands?" Cassidy said, pointing to the colored patch on the arms of the tribal animals. "Only Coyotes wear those. Plus, they're smaller than regular wolves. Their coats are also darker too."
"How can you tell?" Korir asked this time. "They look the same to me."
"After a while it becomes obvious," Cassidy said with a shrug.
"So, they're not dangerous?" someone, a random soldier from behind asked.
"All coyotes tribes have been accepted as friends by the Zootopia government sarge," Cassidy said to Korir. "We're good."
"Hold on," someone called out. "What are they doing?"
The coyotes left their position and now rode towards the column. Jack thought they were coming to talk to them but was surprised when they veered off and headed towards…
"Oh boy," Cassidy said, hand now reaching for the pistol on his hip. "Now that might be trouble."
The coyotes reigned in just a few feet away from the wolves, who all wore such ferocious faces that it made Jack shiver. Their narrowed eyes barred teeth and raised hackles made it easier for him to imagine these predators eating other animals.
For all their snarling and gnashing teeth though, the coyotes openly smiled and laughed. One of them said something in an unknown language. This prompted the she-wolf to respond in kind, only causing the coyotes to laugh.
"What's going on?" Liam asked, eyes wide with bewilderment.
"Wolves and kai-yotes don't get along," Cassidy said. His eyes never left the group of tribals, keeping his voice low as if not to disturb their conversation. "Especially not when the coyote tribes started leading soldiers to the wolf villages."
Ku'ní suddenly snapped his jaws at one of the coyote's horses, causing it to whinny and skitter. This wiped the smile from the newly arrived canine faces, causing them to rest a hand on their weapons. The she-wolf continued to speak before being caught off by another coyote who barked out what was without a doubt an insult.
The third wolf, Humenta, spoke up. Whatever he said caused the coyotes to bare their teeth while making the other two wolves laugh.
"Sarge, you better do something," Cassidy said urgently. "They just got done insulting each other's fathers. They're going to start talking about their mothers soon and that's when trouble starts."
Korir was honestly unsure how to approach the situation and wanted to hear the "expert's" opinion. His being told to do his job didn't improve his mood.
The sergeant kicked his horse forward and put himself between the two tribal groups.
"Are there any problems here?" he demanded as he looked at the coyotes. "Anything you want?"
The lead coyote glowered at the wolves for a moment longer before looking to the sergeant.
Now that Korir was up close he could see a difference between the two tribal animals. They are both lithe canines, but the wolves were bigger in build and the coyotes had narrower features. They could have been mistaken for foxes, the sergeant thought.
"Where you going sir?" the lead coyote asked, sounding like he was chewing on the words before spitting them out. "Need a guide?"
Does everyone think we'll get lost? Korir wondered to himself before shaking his head at the coyotes.
"I believe we are fine," he said. The coyote blinked and looked confused, making Korir realize he probably didn't understand.
"No," Korir tried again in a firm voice. "We don't need a guide, not unless you want to help us find Black Moon."
Suddenly all the coyotes snapped towards him at the mention of the war chief. Their eyes widen and they started whispering among themselves before abruptly they turned their horses around and canter off.
The wolves started jeering after the retreating canines, but a quick wave of Korir's hand made them stop. They continued to scowl after them though.
"That's enough fanfare," Korir boomed loudly. "Let's get on with it."
Not needing to be told twice, the waggoneers clicked their tongues and tugged on their reigns and slowly the column resumed again.
Jack swore he took his eyes off the coyotes for a second, but when he looked back they were gone.
"Where are they?" Jack asked quietly.
"They're out there somewhere," Cassidy said, who finally relaxed but kept his eyes on the wolves. The wolves for their part continued growling among one another. "These tribal animals know how to disappear when they want to."
"Disappear?" Kirk asked. "Like magic?"
Cassidy just grinned at him.
"So, the coyotes are friendly then?" Hughes asked, still scanning the horizon for any more threats, determined not to be caught off guard again.
"More or less," Cassidy said with a shrug. "As you saw there, they'd offer their services to soldiers or caravans looking for guides. They're friendly, but keep your change deep in your pockets. They believe if they share hospitality with you then you're obliged to share all your stuff with them. Without you knowing sometimes."
The silence grew between the group for a while as they rode before Hughes asked another question.
"I'm assuming they knew who Black Moon was?" he asked Cassidy.
"Every animal and their mother knows who Black Moon is," Cassidy said. "His hatred knows no bounds, even friendly tribals who openly trade with settlers aren't safe from him. Or any wolves. Those coyotes may be itching for revenge, but they're not going to chase the wolf harbinger of death."
"Revenge?" Jack asked. "Revenge for what?"
"Well basically everything," Cassidy said with a shrug. "For hundreds of years, the tribes of the west have been fighting for resources and territory. Suffice to say, the wolves were the kings of this land. They dominated all other tribes, forcing them to move away from the more hospital places and forcing them to endure constant raids."
"But if they had the resources, why do they fight each other?"
Everyone was startled to see that it was Korir who asked the question. He was riding silently beside them and kept his eyes forward so they didn't think he was listening. The sergeant still kept his eyes forward as if he hadn't spoken.
"Well, that's just who they are sergeant sir," Cassidy said with another wicked grin. "They're fighters through and through. Their rite of passage includes them hunting big game and raiding the enemy. They need to bring back good loot, preferably bloody ones to show they fought for it. The more loot they bring back, the better their status as warriors become."
"So, they're little better than bandits," Hughes said.
"Hey, none of that now," Cassidy chastises. "Didn't you just hear what I said? I said they ruled these lands, they forced all the other tribes out, you know how many that is? That's one tribe waging constant warfare against probably fifty others and they won every time. You can add the Eskabar empire to that count as well. They spent nearly three hundred years trying to tame this land, and Azka only tried it for a hundred years before the wolves chased them off. Today's borders? It was created by the wolves."
"They're that dangerous?" Korir asked in contemplation. The warthog had dealt with criminals, pirates, and professional soldiers in his time, first as a Oceas trooper and now as a Zootopian soldier. This is his first time out west and all he heard were myths and legends about the tribes. But the way Cassidy is talking he is starting to be inclined to believe in those myths.
"Oh, you better believe it, sir," Cassidy nodded. "It may take them a while, but they quickly adapt to their surroundings. They learned to ride horses, how to use muskets and how to kill soldiers; learning to use things they had never seen before in a few years. Scared the Eskabars badly when they figured out a little extra gun powder can punch through their armor. Don't be surprised if you see wolves riding along with swords and lances, or even wearing busted-up steel plates. They keep those as trophies, but they know how effective they are as weapons."
Korir looked to their scouts and watched them for a while. They were bouncing along, riding their mounts with confidence and seeming unconcerned about anything. They would occasionally scan the area for threats but the most part remained relaxed and silent.
"After everything, our boys did to them," Korir said. "How do we know they're not leading us into a trap? How do we know they're not taking us to Black Moon and delivering us on a platter?"
Jack made a small whimper, but Cassidy reached over and patted the tiny rabbit's hat-covered head, causing the bill of the cap to cover his eyes. "Wolves keep their word, usually. As long as your name ain't General Miles, you're alright."
"What does…" Hughes started to say but stopped when Ku'ní suddenly swung his head back and looked directly at the group. Everyone started at the sudden movement, made worse by the fierce look in his eye. Cassidy however gave a small wave, making an odd gesture like saying, 'what can you do?' The young wolf slowly turned away but kept casting a glance behind him.
"Best not to mention that general in their presence," Cassidy said in a stage whisper. "He is infamous out here; the wolves call him oath breaker for a reason. Breaking a promise is enough to get you exiled from a clan, so imagine how a male who constantly lies to chiefs must sound to them."
Korir rubbed his chin, deep in thought. He had heard of the many atrocities the wolves had committed against the settlers. For hundreds of years, they killed males, females, and cubs. Stealing whatever wasn't nailed down in raids. And, of course, killing every soldier they found. Those that were taken prisoner, were often found with steaks nailed into limbs and their paws declawed.
Then, on the other hand, he heard about General Wilford Miles, son of some Earl from Oceas. A male who has destroyed wolf camps, poisoned watering holes, and destroyed the tribal animals' homes to force them to cooperate. These tactics have won him many victories, and half the reservations are filled with dislocated and defeated tribes because of him. But just thinking about how the general had won these victories and thinking of the fierce look the scouts would suddenly show whenever they hear the general's name mentioned…
"What will happen when we get to the fort?" Korir asked Cassidy.
"Honestly sir?" Cassidy said. "When we come within sight of the fort, I'm going to stay as far away as I can. At least until the screaming is over."
Korir grimaces at the idea. "That bad?"
"Oh no sir," Cassidy shook his before giving another pointed smile. "Our reception will be much worse."
One more thing: I wouldn't mind having a beta who can look over my stuff before posting. I try to go over it before posting but as I said I am often tired and wouldn't mind some help. Hopefully, next chapter will be out soon, stay safe everyone
