Swiftkill-journey of the pack

Chapter 3 - part 1/4

Dawn was damp but not frosty. Swiftkill ached from her ordeal the previous day but she knew the pack had to move immediately. She and Troy woke the group and they ate the remains of the food from the previous night.

"We will have to travel downstream, the river is too strong and deep to cross here" said Troy as they gazed at the crossing. Swiftkill nodded "We'll travel together until the waters are less dangerous" she agreed.

The pack walked together, led slightly by Swiftkill and Troy. The ground was easier than the rocky mountainside but still slippy. The cubs huddled close to their mother and even the young males stayed within the group.

The weather had turned slightly and dark clouds loomed overhead. "We need to find a place to cross before the storm" announced Swiftkill. "The place we can cross is not far now" Troy replied "It's still dangerous but it's safer than here".

As the river widened it started to slow down. The banks became lower and more vegetation started to grow on the ground. "We're here" stated Troy "Thank goodness" said a relieved Swifthkill "The rain is starting". Large, heavy raindrops fell around the wolf pack. "We'll rest for an hour before crossing" Swiftkill shouted to the group "Everyone needs to go in pairs, the strongest to help with the cubs".

The group took shelter under a overhanging rock. "We shouldn't stay long" Troy looked at Swiftkill concerned "The river will rise with the rain". "The pack needs to rest, they are tired" replied Swiftkill "We are a family, everyone needs to cross". "Of course" Troy lowered his head. He had been a lone wolf for a long time. Meeting Swiftkill and becoming part of her pack had made him value their friendship. Despite his concerns he knew he would always follow her, even when he disagreed with her decisions.