3 Chapters of my Novel

[Phantom]

Yeah. If you're one of my DA friends, I'm sure you've read this already or heard of it. But I'm posting it here cuz I'd like some further critique on my writing. So, you've got anything to say about it after reading, say so! I'd very much appreciate it! Oh, just so you know;

Lord = Dragga
Lady = Drappa
Captain= Beta

Enjoy!
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The air was cold, thickened with the driving snow which laced the wind with great, silvery flakes. Everything in the forest was sheathed in white. The grass, the pines, the very Earth itself seemed to be incased in winter’s icy clutches. High above the forest floor, the sickly grey sky, tainted golden by the setting sun, seemed to blend into the snow capped tree tops.

A howl pierced through the rushes of wind. A large, dog-like shape evaporated into being from the blinding whiteness. Its powerful legs propelled it gracefully over the piling snow. Its thick grey pelt was heavy with frost, and it fluttered away from it like dust as the wind whipped around. The creature was well suited for its surroundings; the only features that stood out through the storm were its twitching black nose, piercing blue eyes, and the pink tongue lolling from its mouth. Large ears flicked and its eyes narrowed, looking for any sign of life within the deepening shadows.

The wolf threw back his head and howled once more. This time, he was answered.

“Tante’!” He turned to see a tan and brown shape approaching him. It was another wolf, and its greenish blue eyes burned though the snowfall.

“Any sign of them, Lector?” Tante’ growled questioningly, but not without a courteous bow to his elder. Tante’ was young; only a yearling. Lector was in his prime at the age of four, and a phenomenal emissary and warrior. They had been assigned on a mission directly from Lord Blizzard, the Alpha of the Renegades.

Only a day before, the Beta of the pack, Captain Nokomo, had deserted his post with his mate, Miaki. Blizzard had been furious. Nokomo was his only child and the only heir to Lordship over the Renegades. He had, personally trained Nokomo under the cruel laws of the pack, and, in his fifth winter, promoted him to Captain. It had been a great honor, and it had ensured his future as leader of the most feared wolf pack in the land.

But Nokomo had broken one of the most important and brutal commandments of the Renegade pack. Alphas and Betas were not permitted to mate. Nokomo had fallen into a secret romance with a lone female. Blizzard had kept this hidden from the rest of the pack After all, there was no other eligible leader, and punishment for such a crime was death. He had forbidden Nokomo to see his lover again, and took the only surviving cub of their litter into the pack. That cub had been Tante’.

Now, Nokomo had broken the law again. He had often slipped away from his duties to frolic with one of the Renegade females- a beautiful brown and red wolf named Miaki. They had kept their relationship well hidden for many seasons until they had carelessly ventured too close to the Alpha’s meeting place, where they had been discovered by a pack mate and reported. By the time Blizzard had heard the news, the two lovers had vanished into the snow storm.

Lord Blizzard chose several wolves to track down the deserters. He ordered them to arrest Nokomo and bring him back, but to prevent Miaki from returning to the pack without killing her. Blizzard already had both of their fates planned out.

Lector let out a snort of frustration.

“There hasn’t been a sniff of those damned traitors.” He answered. “Nokomo has vanished like a ghost into the wind. His name suits him well.”

“They can’t be far,” Tante’ pointed out. “The storm is too strong to make escaping the territories easy for them. I cannot believe just how bad of a blizzard it is. Winter’s barely started.”

“Well, I sure hope they don’t freeze to death. I like flesh to be warm when I tear it.” Lector flashed a cold, apprehensive grin. He had been the wolf to discover Miaki and Nokomo at the meeting place. When Blizzard had chosen him to lead the search party, Lector took it as major victory. He hated Nokomo with every fiber of his soul. He had always been disgusted that that a fool like him had been made Captain. Here was the chance he had been longing for to prove his true worth to the pack.

The continued to make their way through the snow, their heads downs as they fought the wind. After a time, Lector spoke.

“Tante’. I want you to continue searching in this direction,” he ordered. “I’m going to round up the others. Meet me back at the meeting place within the hour.”

Tante’ bowed his head. “Yes, Lector.”

“If you find them, howl. I’ll bring reinforcements.” With a flick of his tail, Lector vanished into the blinding blizzard.

Tante’ watched him go, then waited until he was sure his pack mate was far away enough not to sense him. When he was sure, the yearling turned and began walking eastward. It was not in the direction Lector had ordered him to search.

But that didn’t matter. Tante’ had a mission of his own.

--


A rabbit was sniffing the air two feet away from its burrow. It’s brownish gray body stood out boldly against the snow, which it pushed it’s muzzle through in a desperate search of food.

Its teeth nibbled the long-dead leaves of a plant that had perished with the first frost. After such a long time without food, the rabbit decided that anything would be fine to eat, so long as its belly was filled. It began to scrap frantically at the hardening white layer that surrounded the plant. Suddenly, it paused, ears shot up in alarm. It stood upright, listening for the source of the sound that had interrupted its meal. Faint paw steps reached its ears, and it bunched the muscles in its hind legs, ready to flee.

The rabbit didn’t have the chance to run. It screamed as a silvery beast leapt down on it and bite into its spine, severing it instantly. It lay limp in the wolf’s jaws.

Nokomo growled as the rabbit’s blood tricked between his teeth. He held his catch proudly, for food had been scarce since early mid autumn. This bit of prey was thinned with winter’s hardship, but it would have to do. Miaki and the unborn cubs would need whatever nourishment they could get.

He turned and began to trot to where he has left her; in the shelter of a bare willow tree. Nokomo’s mind was frenzied with worry. Their short flight from the pack had proven to be exhausting to the pregnant Miaki, and the rising snows only made the journey harder for both of them. Miaki seemed to be weakening at an alarming rate.

Howling pierced through the screaming winds. Nokomo tensed in suspicion, but soon he recognized the cry.

“Father!” The voice yowled. “Where are you?”

Nokomo dropped the rabbit and lifted his muzzle in an answering song. After a few moments another wolf appeared in the snow. Nokomo let out a whine of gratitude to the Spirits, and, snatching the rabbit up once more, bounded to join his son.

“Tante’!” He called through a mouthful of rabbit fur. “You’ve found us! I knew you would, my son.”

Tante’ dipped his head and wagged his tail as he touched his father’s muzzle with his own. When he stepped back, his blue eyes were filled with anxiety.

“They’re searching for you.” Tante’ said. “I was one of those chosen to seek you out. Lector is leading a squad of several wolves back to the Meeting Place.”

Nokomo nodded. Silence fell upon them, and they stood still in a shared moment of worry. Father and son seemed to be standing before a mirror in the blizzard. Both had the same strong bodies and silver and white pelts. The only thing that set when part were their markings, the color of their eyes, and the scars that streaked through their fur.

Tante’s eyes wandered to the slash mark scars that crossed his father’s chest. The raised lines of pale flesh stood out brightly against his fur, even brighter than the other scars that adorned his body like medals. Those scars had been won in many a battle and raid. The marks on his chest had been given ceremoniously to him when he reached his first month on life. It was a Renegade tradition. Blizzard had never revealed why he had chosen such a shocking badge for his subjects to wear, but even the Alpha’s chest was marked by scars. Many thought up their own theories, but kept them to themselves.

The mark showed that a wolf has reached the training age and it worthy to learn how to fight. It let outsiders know that the wolf wearing it belonged to the Renegade pack for life. It was a sign of loyalty to those within the Renegades, but a symbol of fear and cruelty to those wolves that belonged to other packs.

“Where is Miaki? Is she okay?” Tante’ questioned.

“I left her under a willow tree so I could hunt. She is exhausted.”

Tante’ narrowed his eyes. “Then we must go to her.”

Nodding once more, Nokomo took the lead. They trotted together through the driving snows, and soon they came to a copse of bare trees. A large willow tree, it’s long, hanging branches stripped from its leaves, made a sort of curtain over the earth. Nokomo and Tante’ stepped through the branches. It was slightly warmer here than outside. The branches blocked out some of the wind and snow that coated the rest of the world. The ground was still white, and it was still cold, but the tree made a worthy resting place.

Miaki was curled up beside the willow’s trunk. Tante’ held his breath as Nokomo placed the rabbit beside her and began to lick her face. Her red and brown fur, usually well groomed, was scraggly, and every breath she took seemed to cause her pain. Her belly was swollen with the burden to unborn life.

At Nokomo’s touch, she muttered something in her sleep and began to stir. She opened her eyes to reveal bright brown orbs. The she wolf smiled fondly at the sight of her mate and licked his muzzle with affectionate kisses.

“I’ve brought you food, Miaki,” Nokomo told her. “And Tante’ is here too.”

Miaki struggled into a sitting position and beckoned Tante’ with a flick of her ear. Tante’ rushed forward and nuzzled her. Though they did not share blood, Tante’ had come to love her as the mother he had been taken away from at birth. He was deeply devoted to her, and her cubs.

“Tante’,” Miaki laughed. “You fool of a cub. You walked all the way through the snow just to see me?”

Tante’ pulled away and grinned playfully. “Of course.”

Miaki gently snapped at his ears. “Just like your father.”

“Okay, okay.” Nokomo couldn’t help but chuckle. Miaki was right. “Don’t forget there are real cubs on the way.”

He nudged the rabbit closer to her. “Not much meat, I’m afraid. But it will give you and the cubs strength.”

Miaki smiled, gratitude filling her gaze. She lay down once more and began to feed. Nokomo lay down beside her to offer the warmth of his fur to her. Tante’ watched them for a moment, but the good feeling that had filled him upon finding Nokomo and Miaki was slowly fading. There were other dangers for the family now.

“Where will you go?” he asked, his voice quiet.

Miaki paused mid-bite and stared down at the rabbit carcass in silence. Nokomo lifted his yellow eyes to his son.

“As far away as we can.”

Tante’ bowed his head in sorrow. Could he truly go on living without his Miaki and his father? Without ever knowing their cubs?

“We can’t make a life with the Renegades,” Miaki explained kindly. “Our mateship is forbidden, and our cubs…” She paused, staring down at her belly. “The Renegades’ ways break the laws of the wolf, even the ways of the lone wolf. I don’t want a life of violence for my pups. I want them to have freedom in their cubhood; the freedom that was not granted to any of us as cubs.”

“There are other territories with other packs,” Nokomo growled. “That is where our destination lies.”

Tante’ raised his head. He stared deeply into his father and his mate for a long moment. Fires of determination flickered in his blue eyes.

“Then I will get you there,” the snarled, “whatever it takes.”

--

“We’ve lost them in the storm, my Lord. Tante’ seems to have gone missing as well.”

Blizzard bared his long, yellowing fangs. “Where might he be, Lector?” he growled darkly.

“I sent him to search a little farther, near the eastern borders.” Lector explained. “He should be making his way back as we speak, if he hasn’t joined the deserters. You know how attached he is to Nokomo.”

The leader of the Renegades leapt down from the boulder he had been laying on and padded to the center of the Meeting Place. He stared into the snow-drenched forest, his eyes clouded. He did not move for a long while.

Lector approached, cautiously. “Lord Blizzard?”

Blizzard remained silent and still.

“Shall I-” Lector was cut off as his leader suddenly whirled around and fastened his teeth into the fur around his throat. Blizzard wrestled him to the ground, and Lector instinctively went limp. He whined pleadingly in submission as Blizzard choked him.

“Lord Blizzard! I-”

“Do you have any idea how serious this is?!” Blizzard roared. “It’s not only the fate of my son that is at stake here! My bloodline- the entire pack could be destroyed because of this!”

He released his chokehold, and Lector stumbled to his feet, gasping for air. His son?

“I’ve worked too hard, sacrificed too much for the sake of the Renegades for all of it to be thrown away by my fool of a son. If the pack is to survive, he must be the one to take over Lordship!”

Lector spoke, trying not to appear shaken. “What do you suggest we do?”

Blizzard swung his head to face him, his grey eyes smoldering.

“We will make him loyal to the Renegades. Nokomo will have no choice but to return after I’m through with him.” He snarled ferociously. “Lector, gather another patrol of our finest trackers and warriors.”

Lector bowed his head, his expression serene. Inside, he was grinning wickedly. “And when we find them, my Lord?”

“Bring Nokomo back alive, even if you have to break his legs,” he commanded.

“And Miaki?”

“Leave her be.” He saw Lector’s questioning look and continued. “If Nokomo does what I expect of him, then Miaki’s fate is already sealed.”

Lector let a snarling grin creep across his muzzle.

“Now go, Lector,” Blizzard said. “Time is short.

Lector began to bound away, eager to fulfill this enticing duty set upon him, but Blizzard gave one more demand.

“And, Lector, is you find Tante’ with Nokomo…”

Lector paused in his tracks and looked back at his Lord.

“Kill him.”

(c) Sam "Phantom" Gombas

[Phantom]

Tante’ squinted his eyes into slits as the snow swept unmercifully toward him. He stopped walking and turned his head. Nokomo and Miaki were still following. They walked slowly, heads down to fight the wind and bodies huddled together for warmth.

They had been traveling for hours. The Renegade territories were not as large as other pack lands, but the blizzard had slowed the wolves’ steps and masked their senses.

“We can’t get far in this,” Tante’ said, defeat in his voice. Nokomo snarled at his son from Miaki’s side.

“We have to! The edge of the territories can’t be much further away!” He growled desperately. “If we can make it there before dark, then-”

Miaki parted her jaws in a startled cry. Her body lurched forward, but Nokomo quickly steadied her.

“The cubs,” she gasped.

Tante’ and Nokomo’s faces were plastered with shock.

“What- now?!” Tante’ whimpered incredulously. “Here?”

Miaki nodded slowly.

Nokomo nuzzled her. “How long will they be-”

“Soon.” Miaki winced as another wave of pain shuddered in her belly. “Very soon.”

“Damn!” Nokomo swore. He threw is blazing yellow gaze in all directions. “We need shelter. Now!”

Tante’ looked at Miaki. The expression of determination on her face was tainted by the pain an anxiety showing through her eyes. Exhaustion made her legs tremble, and her belly moved as the cubs kicked inside. Tante’s throat tightened at the thought of losing her to the elements.

“I’ll scout ahead,” he said to Nokomo. His father’s gaze softened and he nodded in approval. Tante’ nodded in return, and looked at Miaki again. “Don’t worry,” he vowed. “I’ll find you a place.”

Miaki licked Tante’s face, smiling weakly. “Thank you.”

With one last glance, he sprang away into the snow.


It did not take him long to reach the border. The pines grew more densely, and their fawning branches shielded the earth from most of the snow and wind, just as the willow had done. Walking here would be easy.

Finding a suitable den was another matter.

Tante’ narrowed his brow in frustration as he pawed at the snow. The ground below was frozen; digging would be impossible in earth as hard as stone. There were no known caves on this half of the territory either, and he could scent no abandoned fox or badger sets wither.

Growling, Tante’ continued his search. Miaki needed a shelter to give birth- otherwise the cubs would freeze to death. He shuddered at the thought of it. It was a tragedy for cubs to die so soon after birth –healthy cubs- just because of the lack of a den.

“There has to be something here,” he muttered to the wind, looking around the shadows and snow.

Then he saw it.

Before him, coated with snow, was an impression in the earth. It rested beside a mound of upturned soil, laced with the remains of tree roots. Resting on the mound was a fallen pine. Its branches lay over the impression like a canopy, providing shelter for any creature that crawled into it.

The young wolf recalled a violent thunderstorm that had occurred during the summer. The winds had been so forceful that branches had snapped off trees, sending great cracks echoing through the forest. The noise had frightened Tante’ and the other youngsters who had never experienced such a force of nature. Now he was thankful that the trees had fallen that day. They would save lives tonight.

Still, he needed to check it out. Cautious but unwavering, he crept into the shelter. He felt the earth beneath his paws, dry and springy with fallen pine needles. Only a little snow covered the floor near the entrance. Looking up, Tante’ realized why. Miraculously, the tree was still alive, its roots still tethered deep within the earth. Its branches were green and healthy, and they would provide insulation and even a bit of light from above.

Tante’s eyes sliced through the darkness like knives as he continued his inspection. He sensed something odd, an open space deeper in the darkness. Slowly, he walked toward the farthest wall, sniffing. His eyes widened with pleasant surprise. He could feel the still air of a cavern, and see the short tunnel that would lead to it. Excited, he ducked his head and walked though it. In no time at all, he came to a wide den.

It was large enough for several wolves to occupy. Probably an old bear den, Tante’ guessed. But that didn’t matter. It was empty, dry, spacious and most importantly, hidden. Perfect for a wolf to give birth.

Tante’s ebony lips curled into a wolfish grin. He couldn’t believe his blessings.

--

Nokomo shivered as a gust of wind melted through his pelt. He curled his body closer to Miaki’s. They had lain down in the snow, curling beside one another for warmth and comfort.

Miaki’s pain increased as time passed. Her belly lurched more frequently, and her labored breathing fell into gasps as the contractions continued. Nokomo laid his head on her neck, listening to her breathe and murmuring words of affection to sooth her. It seemed to work. Miaki was drowsing restlessly now, and Nokomo began to feel his own exhaustion catching up with him. He blinked, slowly, as his eyelids grew heavy.

When he opened his eyes, Tante’ was bounding through the snow toward them. His stride was proud once more and his eyes, though fatigued, were bright.

“Anything?” Nokomo asked hopefully.

“Yes,” Tante’ answered. “A fallen tree- from the storm last summer. It’s made a perfect den in the earth.”

Miaki opened her eyes and looked up, expectantly.

“How far?” Nokomo growled as he stood on his paws.

“She’ll make it, but we have to go now. Before it is her time.”

Nokomo nodded, and turned to Miaki. The she wolf struggled to stand. Tante’ stepped forward and helped his father support her. When she got to her paws, Miaki gave a sudden growl and flashed her teeth. Both males were taken aback, but Miaki didn’t seem to notice or care.

“Let’s go.” Her voice was tired, but filled with purpose. Tante’ took the lead while Nokomo walked beside his mate once more.

Despite the instinctive determination filling her spirit, Miaki’s steps were as slow and unsteady as they had been before her brief rest. Several times she stumbled; twice she fell and rested for a few moments. If Nokomo tried to steady her, she would growl warningly at his touch, defiance overlapping the pain in her brown eyes.

This was her burden to bear, and no one else’s.

When they reached the tightly-knit pines at the border, the journey became easier because of the lesser amount of snow on the ground. Relief flooded over them at the sight of the fallen pine looming in the shadows.

Nokomo touched his nose to Miaki’s. She growled but returned the gesture. Tante’ bounded ahead and reached the den first. He turned around to watch Miaki and his father walking behind him. Instead, he saw Nokomo standing still, an expression of slight shock on his face.

Miaki was barreling right toward him. Tante’ had barely leapt out of the way as the she wolf careened past him and into the darkness of the den. Shaken, he peered in and came nose to nose with a vicious snarl.

“Get out,” she commanded.

Tante’ obliged with a nod. Like most males, he new that a pregnant she wolf close to birth usually becomes irate and even violent toward others. It was a wolven law as well, that no one was allowed in the birthing den, even mates.

Nokomo padded beside Tante’, worry plastered on his face. “Miaki?” he called anxiously.

“I am all right,” she answered. “Don’t come in, Nokomo. You may not see this.”

Nokomo tilted his head in confusion, and, walking forward, stuck his head into the den.

“Are you sure?” he whispered.

“Leave!”

Tante’s ears flattened as Nokomo gave a yelp and lurched back from the entrance. The powerful male shook out his pelt in surprise, and when he turned back to his son, Tante’ couldn’t suppress and amused chuckle. Some of the grey fur around Nokomo’s ears was torn out. Specks of blood dotted his skin.

“That’s females for you,” Tante’ commented.

Nokomo glared at Tante’ good humouredly. “Oh, be quiet.”


--

Miaki retreated to the back of the shelter, her legs trembling uncontrollably. The pain in her belly was growing worse, yet the squirming of the cubs was beginning to cease. Her vision was swimming, too. But instinct made her strong, and, slowly, she made her way to the small cavern, and, whimpering, lay down in the cool earth.

Troubling thoughts filled her mind. This was her first litter, and she did not know what to expect. How many cubs would there be? What if something went wrong? What if…

I have to stop thinking of such things, she told herself.

Miaki turned her thoughts to memories of her cubhood, and her own mother. Then her beloved Nokomo stood before her in her mind’s eye. A feeling of guilt flowed over her. She hadn’t been herself these past few days, and Miaki regretted the way she had snapped at him.

“I’ll make you a proud father,” she vowed, and her whisper echoed in the cavern.

Another tide of pain slammed in her belly, bringing a snarl to her lips. It had been more intense than the previous pains. Nervously, she looked to the fading light at the den’s entrance. Then, laying down her head once more, she prepared herself for the task.

It was time to deliver her cubs.


--

Lector bared his fangs as he picked up the scents of the fleeing wolves. The snow had covered their paw prints, but the spores they had left behind remained, and the wolves’ keen noses followed them easily.

Lector gave a deep chuckle.

“Sir?” said one of the wolves who had come with him. “What is it?”

“They’ve come this way, recently too,” he said darkly. “And Tante’ is with them.”

The chosen Renegade warriors pricked their ears and gathered closely around Lector.

“So he has deserted us,” growled another male. “I thought so. Tante’ has always followed Nokomo around like a fawn to the doe.”

“What shall we do, Lector?”

“Remember Lord Blizzard’s orders,” Lector said, licking his lips. “We are to bring Nokomo back alive and spare Miaki.”

One of the wolves lifted his paw questioningly. “Why?”

“Blizzard has his reasons. But we’ll give Nokomo a beating he won’t soon forget.”

His comrades smiled, barely able to contain their excitement.

“But what about Tante’?” Asked the same wolf as before.

Lector’s eyes flashed with violence. “Leave him to me. His blood his mine to spill.”

--


Hours passed.

The two males kept watch outside the den, constantly testing the air for a trace of any Renegade patrols. Once in awhile they heard a growl or whine from inside the shelter, and they would watch the mouth of the pine cave expectantly, but they never approached it.

Nokomo seemed to be on the verge of a panic attack. The silver wolf had not been able to keep still. He paced outside the den, walking back and forth until the heat from his paws had melted a trail in the snow. His ears twitched nervously, and his gaze darted from the den to the forest continuously.

“The storm is fading,” Tante’ observed as he yawned. His eyes were growing heavy.

Nokomo looked up. Indeed, the winds were dying down, and the snow fall was considerably thinner than before. The clouds were beginning to swirl away into the sky, and bright moonlight began to flow through them and illuminate the snow on the ground.

“Yes, but…” Nokomo paused. “It will only make finding us easier for any search parties.”

“I know.”

Silence befell upon them once more. Nokomo sat on his haunches and stared out into the trees, his expression worried and tired. It was a long time before he spoke again.

“It’s taking a long time,” he said softly. “Do you think she’s okay?”

There was no answer. Nokomo turned his head. “Tante’?”

Tante’ was curled up in a nest of snow, his eyes gently shut, his breathing deep and steady. He was asleep.

Nokomo smiled softly. He approached his son, walking carefully so his paws would make no sound. He stood over Tante’ and looked down at him fondly.

Memory flooded his mind. He and Tante’ had been though so much. The yearling that lay in slumber before him was the only tie left to his former mate. After she had given birth to stillborn cubs, the two lovers had left the bodies at the birthing site for a while. Upon their return, they had discovered that a single cub, white and silver like his father, had survived. They named him Tante’, and Nokomo returned to the Renegades to fulfill his daily duties as Captain.

Within seven sunrises, Lord Blizzard himself had discovered Nokomo with his mate and cub just outside the northern border. Blizzard was furious, but, refusing to sacrifice the life of his son to the code of punishment, he sent the lone female away and took the infant Tante’ back to the territories to be suckled by another female. He had kept his son’s actions to himself, and no other wolf had dared to ask the origins of the seemingly abandoned cub at the time.

As Tante’ grew, Blizzard permitted Nokomo to train the cub in the ways of the Renegades. They grew close, and eventually, the truth of their kinship revealed itself to the cub. Nokomo and Tante’ kept this secret from the rest of the pack. Besides themselves, Lord Blizzard was the only wolf who knew.

Nokomo sighed, picturing his former mate. She would be proud, wherever she was, of how strong their son had become. Tante’ had learned quickly; fighting, hunting, and tracking easier and better than any other wolf his age. Not long after the arrival of his second spring, Tante’ had been promoted as a fully capable warrior- the youngest Renegade warrior ever.

Despite his skills, Tante’ had grown up with the Renegades’ suspicion of his origins. Many wondered why a cold and cruel wolf such as Blizzard had carried an abandoned pup, no more than a bag of bones and fur to be trained as one of their own. Others observed that Blizzard, Nokomo, and Tante’ all shared silvery white pelts. Rumors circled that they may all be kin, but the speculation faded when Blizzard pointed out that all wolves of far-northern decent have fur in such colors. This seemed to satisfy the wolves, and the rumors stopped immediately. But one wolf was never soothed by this claim. Lector.

“My son,” Nokomo murmured to Tante’. His voice was barely audible. “What will you do when I depart with Miaki?”

He dipped his head and nuzzled Tante’ briefly, placing a light kiss on the sleeping wolf’s eyes.

“What will I do without you?”

“Nokomo.”

Nokomo pricked his ears at Miaki’s voice. His heart began to pound, and he turned to face her. She looked even more exauhsted than before. Her eyes were liquid with emotions that Nokomo could not decipher.

“Miaki,” he breathed with relief, padding up to her and touching his nose to hers. “Are you all right? How are the cubs?”

Miaki looked into her mate’s eyes, then turned to walk into the den. She beckoned to him with a flick of her tail. Nokomo followed as she led him under the fallen pine and into the den.

Nokomo felt talons in his chest as he entered. Miaki sat down near the back of the cave, looking down sorrowfully. Through the darkness, Nokomo could see three small bodies lying still at her feet.

“Oh, no,” he whimpered. The talons gripping his heart had just pierced it. He lowered his head, slinked forward, and crouched beside his stillborn children. “Oh, Spirits, no…”

“They were born dead,” Miaki explained sadly. “I tried to wake them, but their souls had already gone.”

She bent down and groomed each of the cubs. Nokomo joined her, and when he lifted his head once more, he saw tears welling in Miaki’s beautiful brown eyes. He kissed her gently.

“It’s not your fault.”

“It doesn’t matter,” she whimpered, and a soft sob escaped her muzzle. But she quickly regained herself and continued. “We must care for the living now.”

Miaki pulled away from Nokomo’s touch and lay down at the opposite wall of the den, her back facing him.

“Come over here, Nokomo,” she called quietly.

Nokomo came, and peered over Miaki’s slender form. His eyes widened and he gasped at what he saw. Miaki spoke once more. The strength in her voice had returned.

“Meet your daughter.”

The cub laying beside her was no more than a scrawny lump of dark, damp fur. Sensing her mother’s warmth, she wriggled to Miaki’s belly, grasped the teat in her tiny jaws, and suckled voraciously. She gave loud, squeaking whimpers, which filled Nokomo’s mind with memories of Tante’s birth. He too, had been the sole survivor. A single, precious miracle.

“Oh, Miaki,” he whispered. “She’s… so beautiful. Just like you.” Nokomo nuzzled his mate and kissed her face.

Miaki smiled weakly, returning his licks. Nokomo lay down beside her and she rested her head on his neck, sighing contentedly. The pup seemed to have eaten all she could, for she was now curled up close to Miaki’s for and was drifting off to sleep.

“How are the cubs?” said a yawning voice.

Nokomo pricked his ears as Tante’ entered the den. The yearling yawned hugely again; he was just waking.

“Cub, you mean,” Miaki said. “Only one is alive.”

Tante’s fur stood up in alarm for a moment. He looked to the side and saw the stillborn cubs lying on the floor, then padded up to Miaki and Nokomo and sat down beside them.

“Just one?” he asked, sounding sad.

Nokomo nodded solemnly.

Tante’ lowered his head and gazed at the sleeping she cub. He smiled and, very gently, licked her ears. At that moment, he vowed to protect this small creature with his life.

“She’s beautiful, Miaki,” he said, touching her nose with his muzzle.

Miaki smiled. “She was well worth it.”

“What shall we name her?” asked Nokomo.

“They’ll be plenty of time for that,” Miaki replied. “But I want it to mean something. Perhaps a name like yours, Nokomo; a name from the northern lands.”

Nokomo dipped his head to her in a mock bow. “I’d be honored, my Lady.”

Tante’ chuckled at his father.

But then his ears perked as the faint sound of paw steps echoed from outside the den’s entrance.

“How touching,” growled a voice.

The small family turned their heads to see a powerful male at the threshold of the den, silhouetted against the moonlit snow.

It was Lector.

(c) Sam "Phantom" Gombas

[Phantom]

This part sucks, I I know. I can't write a fight scene for my life. >.<

Tante’ and Nokomo flattened their ears and, snarling, rushed to their paws. They stood in front of Miaki, blocking Lector’s view of her. Beside her, the little cub has woken and begun to whimper.

“Get out of here, Lector,” Nokomo ordered.

“I have orders from Lord Blizzard,” Lector growled coldly, “to bring back traitors who have broken the code of the Renegades. You must come with me.”

“Make us!” Miaki had risen to her paws and stood shakily over her newborn. Lector saw the cub and narrowed his eyes.

“Lord Blizzard will find this interesting indeed,” he said. “Shall I bring back the body of your cub as further proof of your betrayal, Nokomo?”

Nokomo snarled defensively. “You wouldn’t dare!”

Lector gave a gruel laugh, bearing his fangs. His trap was set.

“Watch me.”

He leapt into the den and charged toward Miaki. The she-wolf stood her ground, snarling viciously at the intruder.

A savage howl split the air in the den as Tante’ propelled himself off the ground and flew at Lector. He crashed into him just before Lector parted his jaws to strike at Miaki. Lector was knocked back and he nearly tumbled out of the den. He scrambled to his feet and out of the entrance.

Tante’ was right behind him, snapping his fangs. Before he could feel his teeth in Lector’s fur, something slammed into him and pinned him to the ground. He opened his eyes to see Lector’s four subordinates standing around him, snarling. One pressed him into the snow with massive paws digging into his chest. The others lashed out at Tante’, clawing and biting at his legs and belly.

Tante’ kicked hind legs, and caught one of the wolves in the face with a strong blow and pointed claws. Instantly,, he twisted his body as he felt one set of jaws loose hold. He swung his head and bit into the shoulder of another wolf who was biting into his foreleg. The wolf screamed in pain and let go. Tante’ wrenched himself free of the remaining wolves and sprang to his paws.

The wolf whom he had kicked in the face was launching toward him, blood streaming from claw marks on his forehead. Tante’ prepared to leap at him, but stopped as Nokomo appeared before him. He took his son’s attacker by surprise and clamped his powerful jaws around the wolf’s throat. Nokomo wrestled him to the ground, and, through a mouthful of fur, yelled to Tante’.

“Don’t let them in the den!”

Tante’ turned his head to see Lector approaching the cave. His other three comrades were coming right at Tante’ for a frontal attack. But they were invisible to Tante’. All that mattered was keeping Lector away from Miaki and the pup. Bracing himself, he lunged.

The young silver and white wolf charged right into the three. He knocked one over with brute force. Tante’ clasped his fangs into the scruff of another wolf’s neck and threw him to the side. Only one more stood in his way. He bounded toward Tante’, snapping his jaws. Tante’ evaded him and, with a mighty leap, jumped over him, his hind paws brushing lightly against his enemy’s ears. As soon as his paws hit the ground, Tante’ was running as quickly as his paws could carry him.

Lector poked his head into the den, his tail shaking with cruel excitement. For a moment, Tante’ panicked, but his hope was restored as Lector’s body jerked and stumbled backwards. He snarled in pain, blood flowing from deep scratches over his right eye.

Suddenly, Miaki was standing defiantly at the den’s entrance. She was snarling violently, and Lector’s blood stained her claws.

“You good for nothing bitch,” seethed the male. He swiveled his tongue around his lips to lap at the blood flowing down his cheek. “You’ll pay dearly for th-”

Tante’ slammed into Lector’s side before he could finish his sentence and knocked him down. Lector landed hard on his back, and the air in his lungs deserted his body. He lay gasping, momentarily helpless.

Tante’ towered over him

“You dare attack her again,” he growled, “and I’ll tear you apart!”

“Lord Blizzard… will have you pelt for this, Tante’,” Lector said, panting. He struggled to rise but fell back into the snow. “Yours… and Nokomo’s.”

“Never.”

Lector hacked out a laugh. “Seems to me my warriors are already skinning him.”

Tante’ turned his head and his eyes widened. Nokomo was pinned down to the frozen ground by Lector’s four followers. He cried in rage and pain as they tore into his pelt with their sharpened fangs and claws. He struggled against them, but his movements were weak. Blood pooled in the snow beneath him, steaming in the cold and moonshine.

Miaki remained just outside the den. Her muzzle was curled into a snarl, her body straining to defend her mate but wanting to protect her cub as well. Trembling with fatigue and rage, she was frozen on the spot.

As Tante’ watched, horrorstruck, Lector made his move. Twisting his body, he gathered his legs under his body and pounced, snarling furiously. His jaws closed on Tante’s throat, and he slammed the yearling violently into the snow and held him down. Tante’ gasped for breath, kicking his legs and scouring the air with his claws.

“Lector, no!”

Tante’ shifted his vision to who had spoken. It was Nokomo. He too, was held firmly to the ground but he managed to lift his blood-splattered lips in a warning snarl.

Lector made no reply to Nokomo’s words. He bit deeper into Tante’s throat. Small streams of blood flowed from the wounds made by his teeth. Tante’ felt his windpipe close under the pressure. He couldn’t breathe at all now.

“Stop it!” Miaki howled desperately. She began to run toward Lector and Tante’, but came to a skidding halt as Nokomo’s commanding voice split the night air.

“Miaki, stay near the den!” he growled. He had understood Lector’s plan when he felt his captor’s grip ease as Miaki left the den unguarded. “This is a trap!”

Trembling still, Miaki retreated a few steps back. Her eyes were blazing.

Nokomo swung his head back to Lector. He still held Tante’ in an iron grip. The young wolf’s eyes were beginning to glaze over.

“Lector, I beg of you,” he pleaded. “Release him.”

“And why should I?” Lector hissed between his teeth. “A traitor like you has nothing to offer.”

Nokomo gazed sadly at his son, choking under Lector’s crushing jaws. “Then take me.”

“No!” Miaki gasped. “Nokomo, you can’t-”

Nokomo ignored her. “Take me back to Blizzard. He can do with me what he wishes. But, please, let Miaki and Tante’ go.”

Lector stood still, his stare hardening. Then, with a low growl, he released Tante’ from his jaws. Tante’ gasped loudly as air flooded back into his body. He lay on his side, weak and coughing.

“Very well.” Lector turned to his comrades. “Release him, but don’t leave his side for a moment. We’ll flank him until we reach the meeting place. If he slows, bite him.”

Nokomo rose, shaking with the effort. The wolves surrounding him immediately snarled in authority. The wounded Captain growled softly in weak response.

They’ve only taken my body prisoner, he told himself. My heart and spirit shall remain here…

“Come on, move it,” snapped a warrior, who then pushed Nokomo so roughly that he stumbled.

As they began to escort him, Nokomo cast his eyes to Miaki. She stood rigid, her eyes misted with sadness and her mouth agape with incomprehension. She seemed to stare right through him.

“Miaki, it’s the only way,” he explained sadly. “I’ll make it back to you whatever it takes. Take care of our cub until I return.”

Miaki nodded slowly. Tears were spilling from her eyes. “I shall…”

Nokomo looked down at Tante’. He was breathing normally again, and he began to rise on tremulous legs.

“Tante’, my son.” Nokomo struggled to get the words out as quickly as possible. His captures were pushing him away from his family. “Look after your sister. Protect her- and Miaki too.”

Tante’ bowed his head. “I will,” he murmured.

“Hurry up!” Lector called from the front of the procession. “I want to bring the traitor back by sunrise.”

They nipped at Nokomo’s heels. He began to follow more willingly, them paused. He looked back at Miaki, mournfully.

“I love you,” he whispered.

“Move!” One of the guards sank his teeth into Nokomo’s shoulder. The silver wolf flinched, and with one last look at his family, followed Lector and his warriors without resistance.

Limping badly, Tante’ approached Miaki and stood beside her. They watched as Nokomo and the others vanished into the trees, astonished and feeling incredibly lost. Their eyes remained staring for a long time.

Miaki turned to Tante’, studying the tooth marks in his throat. “You’re still bleeding,” she said in a wavering voice.

“I’ll be okay.” Tante’s voice was horse. “Go back in the den. Your daughter needs you, and you need to rest.”

Miaki nodded slowly as fresh tears ran down her pretty face. “All right.”

“I’ll be right behind you,” he reassured as she crept into the shelter. Miaki smiled, faintly, then let it melt off her face as she entered the darkness.

Tante’ remained outside and looked around him. The moon had finally broken through the clouds, illuminating the blood stained snow and the scuffling paw prints that lead into the forest. Along with the pain of his wounds and the fatigue of the journey, it was the only evidence to prove to Tante’ that all this had really happened. It was almost unbelievable that they had come so close to escaping, only to be hunted down, beaten, and robbed of a father and mate. It had all happened in the blink of an eye.

He limped into the den, head down and eyes drooping. His muscles were aching and the bites and scratches he had sustained in the battle were smarting furiously. He wanted nothing more than to lie down and sleep.

Miaki was already asleep, her body curled carefully around her cub. Tante’ lay down beside her, tucking his paws close to his chest. He wiggled close beside Miaki so that the cub was nestled warmly between them.

Nokomo’s words echoed in Tante’s memory as the pup whimpered quietly in her sleep.

“My son, look after your sister. Protect her- and Miaki too.”

He kissed the pup softly as he laid down his head and fell into a restless slumber. Before his world turned dark and still, Tante’ vowed he would protect the little she wolf with his very life.

--

Nokomo spat out a mouthful of blood.

“That will be enough, Lector,” said Blizzard darkly.

Reluctant but obedient, Lector backed away from the bloodied Nokomo. He sat on his haunches and began to clean the blood from a hind paw. His final kick to Nokomo’s face had knocked out one of the traitor’s fangs loose, making blood dribble from his gums. They’d been beating him for hours, and Nokomo still refused to speak.

“I’ll ask you once more, Nokomo.” Blizzard’s voice was no more than a murmur, but it quickly rose to a roar of anger. “What gave you the incompetence to disobey the laws again?!?”

Nokomo leapt his lead low, but raised his gaze to his father. “You don’t understand-”

“Understand? I don’t understand?!?” Blizzard gave a huge snarl. “It is you who doesn’t understand!”

Nokomo winced at the words, but remained silent. Blizzard furiously lifted a paw and raked his sharp claws across his son’s muzzle, leaving thin lines of blood.

“I was born into the great Northern pack,” Blizzard began, stepping away from Nokomo who struggled to stand but failed. “They are the last of the wolves who live by the ancient ways. The tribe his large, but they’ve no need for many warriors because they live so peacefully. However, when it comes to fighting, they posses great skill. A single northerner can take out four of our warriors with little or no difficulty.”

Lector’s jealous growl echoed from the back of the cave.

“The Northern Tribe are closer to the ancient Spirits than any shaman. Their Lord and Lady speak directly to the stars; they don’t need to divine messages from the elements. It is this alone that makes them so strong.”

Blizzard paused. “During my cubhood, I was taught the ways of the outside world. At that time, great wars had torn apart entire packs over territories. Man was on the move, and they took the land and all it’s creatures for themselves. As I listened, I found that I agreed with this way of life. Fighting for what is rightfully ours made more sense then endlessly praying, and training to acquire skills we would never use. As I grew, so did my questions; questions that made my pack turn on me.”

“So what did you do?” asked Nokomo weakly.

“I pillaged other packs. Under the cloak of the new moon I slipped away from our territories and raided on the blood of nearby packs. I never went out alone. I had three or four loners who always joined me in the carnage. It did not ask their motives, but eventually I found out why they enjoyed the killings so much. The packs they shoes to attack had cast them out into a harsh, unforgiving world. They too had to become unforgiving to survive. They killed heartlessly, youngsters and elders from their own packs, simply for revenge.

“My pack knew of this, but they did not say a word. I suspect, in their faith, they thought I would change. But I made sure to let them know that they were dead wrong.”

Though he was filled with horror, Nokomo listened intently.

“Your mother was the first to be slaughtered.” Blizzard snarled at the memory. “She had given birth recently and as I held her throat in my jaws, she begged me to let our litter live. That was a promise I could not keep, but I loved her and honored her dying wish. I spared the strongest male, you, and left the rest of them to the scavengers’ beaks.

Nokomo let out a feeble whimper, tears squeezing past his clamped eyelids. Learning the truth of his mother’s death tore at his already wounded soul.

“We destroyed half the tribe and left the northern land. After a long journey, we found this unused stretch of land. I began to build a pack of the unwanted, the corrupt, and the banished. We would be free to wander, but forever bound by the marks we bear so proudly.

He looked down at the scars on Nokomo’s chest, his eyes flickering.

“Our pack is feared by all. The scars we carry run deeper than the marks they give us, and it makes us stronger than any other pack, even the Northern Tribe. It’s what makes us who we are.”

“And you’ve done a fine job of breaking our laws and betraying us all.” Lector had gotten up and stood over Nokomo. He lowered his muzzle to the silver wolf’s ear and whispered venomously. “But you’ve been so generously given the chance to redeem yourself, Nokomo.”

Blizzard stepped forward and Nudged his son’s bleeding muzzle, gently. “My son, you are our future; the only heir to Lordship. Without you, the renegades will fall apart.”

“I don’t want anything to do with them! Or you!” Nokomo snarled, and heaved himself to his paws. His legs trembled weakly under his weight, and drops of blood splashed into the trampled snow. “I don’t want Lordship. I don’t want to lead raids on other packs. All I want are Miaki and my cubs to be free of this… this bloodshed!”

Blizzard bared his fangs and leapt, knocking Nokomo on his back and pinning him to the ground. He snarled so ferociously that drool began to dangle in slivers from his chin. His eyes glinted like knives in the moonlight.

“Then so be it,” he hissed in Nokomo’s face. “Their very souls will be free, as you wish. But you will remain here, and take over Lordship.”

“Are we at an understanding, then?” Lector growled.

“Yes, yes!” Nokomo pleaded, almost in hysterics. “Anything, just let them leave the territories in peace!”

“Leave?” Blizzard questioned. “I’m afraid you’ve misunderstood me, Nokomo.”

“What do you mean?”

“In this world,” said Lector darkly, “Life is an endless battle. We fight for all we posses, even the very breath in out bodies. Blood must be spilled to ensure survival. To deny bloodshed is to deny life.”

Nokomo was deeply puzzled, but he felt dread at Lector’s words. “What are you saying?” we whispered.

Blizzard narrowed his eyes. I believe you know exactly what I expect you to do.”

Lector chuckled throatily as Nokomo’s eyes grew huge with realization and horror.

“No…” he stammered. “No! I can’t! I won’t!”

“You must suffer the pain I’ve suffered I’m to allow you to remain Captain. This act will only sculpt you into the leader you were always meant to be.” Blizzard’s voice was hard as ice.

“I told you, I don’t want to be Lord!” Nokomo wailed. “Torture me, kill me if you wish. Only let my family go!”

“I cannot allow that.” Blizzard’s tone had suddenly changed. He spoke softly, almost sympathetically “You are the only heir, my only son. You are the only one I can entrust the position to. I love you, Nokomo.”

Nokomo bared his bleeding fangs and lowered his gaze. He remained silent.

Blizzard dipped his muzzle and licked the blood from Nokomo’s nose. “Very well. I’ll give you time to ponder the fate of our family.”

He turned to leave as Nokomo struggled to stand once more. Suddenly, he paused and looked back.

“But know this, Nokomo; they will be killed, be it by your fangs or by the fangs of our warriors. In my opinion, a death by your teeth would be a blessing compared to the alternative.” He turned his head to Lector. “Let’s go.”

Lector bounded up to his leader, bowed his head, and trotted away.

“I shall give you until the sun sets to make your decision,” Blizzard continued to Nokomo. “I trust you to make the right choice.”

Nokomo growled, weakly.

Blizzard took a step forward, then, unexpectedly, stepped backwards. He lashed out with his hind leg, and his paw connected with Nokomo’s muzzle The blow thrust Nokomo backwards and dislodged his loose fang. It flew out of his mouth with a small stream of blood that splattered a fresh red line in the snow.

Spitting out a mouthful of blood, Nokomo rolled feebly onto his side. He closed his burning eyes and lay still, panting. Images of Miaki filled his mind; her face, her elegant movements her deep brown eyes. She would be sleeping by now, curled up beside their newborn cub with Tante’ keeping watch. They were safe. For now, anyway.

But this picture of serenity was replaced by terror. He saw the Renegades stalking into the den; Tante’ fighting back bravely, but outnumbered, ultimately vanishing into death amongst a mass of tearing fur and ripping jaws. Miaki being dragged out of the den, tortured and dying in slow agony as she bled from dozens of wounds. His tiny daughter flung around like a rabbit skin. Squealing as her tiny body was torn to shreds.

Nokomo buried his muzzle under his paws with a muffled sob. Tears flowed from his eyes, cutting small rivers through the blood drying on his fur. Grief overcame him until he felt utterly helpless; his powerful muscles were so weak he couldn’t even stand, and his fierce love for Miaki and his cubs was not enough to save them.

He did not know how long he lay there, but when he opened his eyes Blizzard towered over him, his white pelt gleaming golden in the dying sunlight. He was flanked by two guards, but Lector was nowhere in sight.

“Well, Nokomo?” Blizzard prompted. “Have you made your decision?”

Nokomo shut his eyes again. His body began to tremble as a hot flame flickered somewhere inside him. Maybe there is a way, he thought. If I can get them out of the territories without anyone knowing, Father might just believe that I’ve slain them.

“Well?” the old Lord repeated sternly.

Nokomo stood, staggered a bit, then balanced himself uneasily. He bowed his head low, and when he spoke at last, his voice shook.

“Lord Blizzard… Father. I shall carry out your orders, as you’ve requested.” He paused. “I will kill Miaki and my pups, and upon my return, I’ll resume my training to succeed you in Lordship.”

Blizzard looked pleased. “Very well, Nokomo. I am proud of you.”

Nokomo nodded solemnly. His strength was ebbing, and he sank down onto his haunches.

“Warriors,” Blizzard turned to his guards, “go out and hunt. Bring fresh meat to Nokomo and bring him to my den after he’s eaten. Then fetch the Healer. Nokomo needs to have his wounds cared for.”

The two wolves bowed and padded away. Blizzard addressed his son again.

“After you’ve recovered from your wounds, I’ll train you further, then send you on your mission. You are to find them and kill them by winter’s end, even if you must follow them out of the territory.”

“Yes Father.”

“And when you go, Lector shall accompany you.”

Nokomo felt his heart stop, but nodded nevertheless. “Yes Father, I understand.”

Blizzard nodded back. “My boy, I am so proud of you.”

With that, Blizzard walked away, leaving his son with a heavy, troubled heart.


--

A few nights later, the cub’s eye opened. Tante’ and Miaki were astonished. When a wolf cub is able to open its eyes, they are always a soft shade of blue, like the sky in an early spring morning. But the small she wolf’s eyes were not that color; they were a bright, shimmering yellow.

“She has Nokomo’s eyes.” Miaki kissed her pup with pride and love.

Tante’ nodded in agreement. He couldn’t help but smile as the cub gazed up at him, her eyes still unable to focus.

“I’ve decided what I want to name her,” Miaki said. “Your father’s name is the Northern word for ‘snow ghost’. Well, I want his daughter to have a name with the same meaning.”

She fell silent, studying the pup for a moment. “I know. ‘Phantom’.”

Tante’ tipped his head to one side. “Phantom?”

“Yes,” Miaki explained. “’Phantom’ is another name for a ghost. They are silent and as free as air. They can move so swiftly that you would never even know it. They can be guardians of the living, or spirits of the Earth. But, whatever form they take, they can never be captured or broken, for they are Spirit itself.”

“Phantom,” Tante’ repeated again. “I like it.” He dipped his head to where the pup lay. She lifted her head and pricked her tiny ears at him.

“Hello, Phantom,” Tante’ said. “I’m Tante’, your brother. I’m here to look out for you.”

Phantom moved her head forward and sniffed at Tante’s muzzle. She blinked, then thrust out her tongue and licked Tante’s nose.

Miaki laughed softly. “I think she knows you already, Tante’.”

(c) Samnatha Gombas

Well, that's a taste of what I've been working on all summer. I'm writing chapter twenty three right now, so I've gotten pretty far in the story... I hope to get this published one day. Which is why I'm only posting the first three chapters.

Thanks for reading! Hope you liked it!

[Wolfbane]

Okay, I read this before, but I decided to post.

This creation of yours has potential, no doubt, but with every story there comes criticism. Some of the characters seem a bit underdeveloped - sort of like.. you know what you're talking about, but we don't. Like a secret we're not in on, catch my drift? I also think you could further detail pieces here and there, give us more of an insight to what everything looks like - think: vivid mental images. In some places, I also feel that there is too much character interaction without said interaction being described thoroughly enough. You know?

Keep it up, Phantom, I'd love to review/edit your other chapters PM me or note my dA!
absinthe-dragon.deviantart.com

[Phantom]

OMG Wolfbane, thanks so much!

Thanks you so much for the critique- it's very much appreciated. I'll be sure to work on it.

Thanks again!