Part 5: Kachinahey
Taima and Nodin run towards the packlands, as Sooleawa and Kachinahey wander back along the same game trail that she followed Roady on to get to the glen. they both stay silent for a while, Sooleawa hangs her head low, barely watching where she is going as she follows Kachinahey, following him almost purely by watching his hind feet.
Kachinahey, older and wise, stops at the outcropping overlooking the lake, where Roady had howled from before. He turns and sits, motioning for Sooleawa to do the same.
Sooleawa starts to speak, but is quickly shushed by Kachinahey.
"I know what you are going to say Sooleawa." Says Kachinahey, pausing to collect his thoughts "Sooleawa, I am getting old. I fear I may not be around much longer to protect you."
"No, don't say that." Sooleawa says, beginning to tear up.
"Sooleawa, look at me." Kachinahey says softly, "I can't control my own pack, you know it, I know it, everyone knows it. It is only a matter of time."
Sooleawa looks down at the ground again, hiding her tears. "Taima and Nodin have no honor, I do not want to see them winning over full control of the pack from you, you can't give up now." She says, sobbing.
"They bring shame upon this family," Kachinahey says, lowing his head as well. "But there is not much we can do. Even with Nayati's help, I doubt they could be kept in line."
"If you give up the Alpha spot to one of them I will be leaving."
"You and Nayati both, very likely. He feels the same way." Says Kachinahey, shaking his head. "So, tell me about the new wolf?"
Sniffling, as she looks up at Kachinahey, Sooleawa tries to compose herself. "Roady?"
"That is his name?"
"Yes, he is from a pack from the plains. His whole pack was killed by humans."
"Oh," says Kachinahey, frowning "That is unfortunate." Pausing for a moment he asks, "He looked about your age?"
"I don't know, I think so, why?"
Pondering for a moment, thinking about what a young energetic lone wolf could do for their pack, Kachinahey replies, "Maybe he can help?"
"How? I do not think he will fight for us, it isn't his battle. I get the impression he would rather move on, then get involved in our drama." Sooleawa replies.
Nodding knowingly, Kachinahey asks, "Do you like him?"
Blushing Sooleawa lowers her gaze again, "I don't really know, I only just met him. But he seems nice."
"Hmmm" Says Kachinahey, clearly preoccupied with an idea, but changing the subject on purpose, "I am sorry for yelling at you back at the glen."
"It is okay Kachinahey," As she frowns a little, "It has been a long night, I am tired."
"Then we best get back to the den," Kachinahey suggests, calmly. As he gets up and heads back to the Den for the night with Sooleawa.
. . .
Meanwhile, as Taima and Nodin head home, they begin to talk as well.
"Did you see me knock that wolf out?" Taima brags,
"Yeah! That was one mean pounce."
"I was totally going to finish him off, if it wasn't for Kachinahey." "Yeah, that wolf was trying to steal Sooleawa from us, I could see it. You should of seen how angry she was when she pounced on you." Nodin says. "Hardly felt a thing, but thanks for jumping in. I wouldn't of wanted to hurt her too much." "She had it coming." Nodin says, chuckling "Besides, since when has she let us near her lately. It was a nice chance to get physical with her, even if it was in aggression." "You just have a thing for her. As far as I am concerned, she is part of this packs problem." Taima says. "She is nice to look..." Nodin says, before beign interrupted by Taima. "...No!" Taima growls, "She is holding us back. She doesn't respect our leadership. She still follows that old excuse of an Alpha we have." "Easy brother, easy. I agree!" Nodin says, "I am sure we will win her over. But if we don't, well, she should get out of our way." "If you think so." Taima responds. "So what do we want to do about the new wolf?" "He is as good as dead if he stays around here." "Yeah, we just have to distract Kachinahey one of these nights. Get him distracted, and we can go down and take care of the newbie." Chuckling, both of the wolves continue their walk back into their territory. As the morning sun begins to light the sky on the horizon.