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Spirit of the WolvesBy

Katherine Mary Young

Copyright Katherine Mary Young 2013

This is a legally distributed free edition from www.obooko.comThe authors intellectual property rights are protected by international Copyright law.

You are licensed to use this digital copy strictly for your personal enjoyment only: it mustnot be redistributed commercially or offered for sale in any form.


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Birth of a leader

Deep in the Siberian wilderness lived a single pack of wolves that thrived along

the bottom of the Tannu-Ola Mountains. The caribou were bountiful, there were endlessfields to roam, and other animals never gave them trouble.

Esperanza, the alpha wolf, had kept peace among her pack for many years. Shewas the reason that the wolves got along with everyone else who shared the land with

them. One such clan was the snow leopards; they had been rivals of the wolf pack eversince the first famine crisis that swept through Tannu-Ola. Esperanza not only solved the

problem, but she had formed a mutual relationship with the snow leopards by offeringpart of the caribou hunting grounds in case of another starvation season.

On the first day of spring, she met Toru. Like her, he was always concerned aboutthe pack, and he always went out of his way to solve problems. They were a perfect

couple. No wolf saw a better match than them. As their bond grew stronger, they decidedto have children. Esperanza became pregnant shortly before things took a turn for the

worse.The caribou had been gathering further down the mountain that year. Toru was

with his hunting group when they heard barking. At first he thought Esperanza sent morewolves to help them, but as the barking grew louder they realized that they were being

hunted by German Shepherds. Everyone scatter! he commanded.The other wolves were able to get away, but Toru was cornered between the dogs

and the side of the mountain. They took him to the ground and began shredding him.They left after their masters called them. He survived the attack, but his life was hanging

by a thread.

Esperanza was stunned to find that Toru didnt return with the hunting group.Where is he?

Im sorry madam, but we were chased out of the hunting grounds by dogs. He

was separated, so we went back to the bottom of the mountain. He wasnt there, onewolf said.

Do you think hes alright?

We saw blood in the snow. I dont think he made it.The tragic news wounded Esperanza emotionally. Not only did she lose the wolf

she loved, but it all happened before the birth of their child. A few weeks later, she wentinto labor, and the pup was a boy. She named him Timber.

The joys of motherhood

Esperanza was determined to keep her son out of trouble, but Timber had a strong

thirst for knowledge. He asked many questions as they strolled through the forest. Mom,I heard were not the only animals in the wilderness.

Who told you that?Some of the other kids.

Theyre absolutely right. There are many species of animals that share ourhabitat.

What kind of animals?


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Ox, caribou, snow leopards, small rodents, and many others.How come I never see them?

They have their own territory, and we dont wonder into their territory unless weare given permission. Our closest friends are the snow leopards. They live north of the

mountain.Will I ever get to meet them?

Maybe some day. They dont particularly like their territory invaded, so Isuggest you never go too far from our den.

Whats so scary about a snow leopard?They are fierce creatures that can rip your head off without any effort.

How can we be friends with them?Long before you were born, there was a feud between our pack and theirs. It was

a fight over a shortage of food. We eventually made peace with them once our preyreturned. Now-a-days we look after each other; we gave them the privilege of using our

hunting grounds in return for protection.Seems complicated.

It isnt really. I was responsible for uniting us.

Arent you afraid of snow leopards?Not at all. I know they have my back if theres trouble, and they know I would

help them in any emergency. As long as we remain united, theres nothing to fear.

Esperanza took Timber to the valley where all the other pups played. It was the

first time he ever saw such a place. Ive never been here before, mom. Why havent youtaken me here?

You were too little. Youre a grown boy now, and I think you handle playing inthe meadow.

As Timber looked around, he noticed that the kids were with two parents instead

of one. How come they have two mothers?Theyre not two mothers. One of them is a father.How come I dont have a father?

Esperanza didnt know what to tell him. Some pups have two parents and somehave one; things like that happen.

Oh.Cheer up dear. Having a single parent isnt all that bad.

I wish I was more like everyone else.Then you wouldnt be unique. You have a wonderful life with a mother who

cares for you. You dont need to ask for more than that. Timber nodded in agreement.Now, lets go see what the other wolves are up to.

The human season

Hunters had been going to the Tannu-Ola Mountains for several decades; theywere always successful in getting enough caribou for their meat industry and collect a

few fur coats for extra profit. Summer was usually when they started. Hunting seasondidnt take place in autumn for specific reasons, mostly because the summer had calmer


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weather that would make the wilderness easier to navigate through.One year they decided that the bottom of the mountain was the perfect place to

run their business. They started constructing a meat packing plant in the valley. Theanimals were unaware of the activity taking place in their forest only until Esperanza and

Timber discovered the humans on their way back to the den.It was the first time any of the wolves caught a glimpse of the strange creatures.

Any animal that saw a human never lived to tell the tale. Of course, Timber was full ofcuriosity. What are they?

I dont know. Ive never seen an animal like that in my life.They look funny.

Two legs; thats something you dont see everyday. I know bears stand on twolegs, but those creatures dont have fur or paws.

We should get a closer look.No Timber! Esperanza grabbed his tail. They could be dangerous. I think its

best we tell the others about our discovery.

Once they got back to the den, Esperanza summoned everyone in the main

chamber for a meeting. The other wolves were bewildered, for the only time they weresummoned for a meeting was for an emergency. They stirred and chattered, so Esperanza

had to request their undivided attention. Please everyone, settle down! I have somethingimportant to announce!

Whats going on? one wolf asked.Timber and I spotted strange creatures in the forest, ones that are not native to

this region. I dont know if their dangerous or harmless, but this is something we have tokeep our eyes on.

What kind of a report is that? New animals come to the mountains every season,and they eventually become part of our community, an elderly wolf replied.

This is different! Theyre building some kind of fortress in the valley where our

pups play. If we dont take precautions, we might end up losing some of our children.The wolves didnt know what to make of Esperanzas findings, but they werent

worried about it. They left the chamber and continued with their daily routine. It occurred

to Esperanza that convincing her pack that the new creatures were dangerous wasntgoing to be easy, but their lives rested in her paws.

Disappearing caribou

Everything was normal for a week or two. However, there was a slight change inthe caribou population, and the first ones to realize it was the snow leopards. They were

stalking a herd in the valley when they saw three humans with rifles closing in on theother side. They didnt know what they were doing there, but they didnt let that stop

them from focusing on catching their meal.Alakai, the leader of the snow leopards, witnessed how deadly the human hunters

were. The caribou heard a noise in the trees, so they scattered through out the valley.Loud shots echoed, and caribou were falling from an invisible force. Alakai then saw the

humans claim their game and take them back to their camp. The snow leopards agreedthat they should warn the wolves, so they paid a visit to the wolf den where they


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immediately contacted Esperanza.Madam Esperanza, my fellow leopards and I have something to share with you,

Alakai said.What is it?

Those humans are killing our caribou.Humans?

What do you think those strange, two-legged creatures are?How did you know what they are?

Ive seen them before many years ago. Theyve never come this far north before.Do you know how long theyve been here?

I saw them in the summer.And theyre still here? The last time humans came, they left after the season

ended. Its almost winter and they are still camping out at the bottom of the mountain.Did you see anything else? Something that may give us a clue as to what theyre

like?We saw them kill caribou with a force unlike any other. They carry whats called

a gun, and no animal can withstand its power. Snow leopards have been killed by them

and taken away to serve as fur coats.That could happen to any of us.

Have you told your pack about the situation?Yes, but they dont seem to care.

You better make them care because the humans are starting to take our foodsupply. At the rate theyre going, there wont be anymore caribou left.

Thanks for telling me.One more thing; make sure youre careful next time you go out hunting. Who

knows how far up the mountain the humans will go.With everything that Alakai told her, Esperanza told the pack about what the

humans were doing in the mountains. She explained how they were killing the caribou

and any other animal in their path. This time, the wolves understood.

Timber sneaks into camp

With the caribou numbers dwindling, the wolves and the snow leopards had tofind alternatives for their food. It was rough during the first winter, for they had to live

off of rodents too small to appease their appetite. Another starvation epidemic wassweeping through the mountains, and within one week it several animals didnt of

malnutrition.Im hungry, mom, Timber cried.

I know dear, but theres nothing I can do. We have to conserve whatever food wecaught to last us through the winter.

Will the caribou ever come back?This has happened before, and the last result was that they came back in double

the amount. Its just one of those cycles that we need to adapt to. Pretty soon the caribouwill return and you can eat to your hearts desire.

Im hungry now!Listen, tomorrow well go out and see what we can find. However, most


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creatures are hibernating during this season, and its highly unlikely that we will besuccessful. We will try though.

Timber couldnt fall asleep that night because his stomach kept rumbling. He

wasnt about to let his fear of the humans stop him from satisfying his hunger, so onceEsperanza turned in for the night, he crept out of the den and down the mountain where

the human camp was.The smell of fresh meat led him straight into the stronghold. It was like a forest

within a forest, only with man-made structures instead of tees. Timber was nervous as hemade his way through the exotic territory. Darkness was his only cover from the humans

as they walked within inches of him.He eventually made it into the meat locker where hundreds of caribou and ox

carcasses were cleaned and ready to pack. He ate so much that he felt like his stomachwas going to explode. With his hunger pains gone, he was able to sleep. Unfortunately he

didnt have time to think about escaping the camp; he made himself comfortable insidethe locker and stayed there until morning.

Esperanzas demise

Esperanza normally woke up before sunrise to make a head count. As she looked

around the room, she noticed that Timber was missing. Her sudden burst of panic wokeup one of the elderly wolves. Lost something maam?

Timber is gone!Im sure he didnt leave the cave. Hes probably sleeping in another chamber.

No, hes scared of the cave. He wouldnt fall asleep in there unless I was withhim. He mustve gone outside during the night. She looked closely at the snow and saw

tiny paw prints going down the mountain. Hes at the human camp!

Do you know for sure?Last night he told me he was hungry, and the human camp is the only place

where hell find enough food. I have to go get him!

The rest of the pack woke up from her yelling. Wheres the forest fire? anotherwolf asked.

Everyone stay here; Im going to the human camp!

Footsteps entering the meat locker alarmed Timber. He was curled up underneatha counter trying to stay out of sight. A man entered the room and prepared one of the

carcasses for packaging. His boots were slightly touching Timbers paws. They shiftedback and forth until one wrong step caused Timber to yelp.

The man screamed with surprise when he saw the wolf pup run from under hisfeet. Wolf!

Those words sent a chain reaction through the camp, and all the hunters got theirrifles ready. German Shepherds barked wildly at the end of their leashes, waiting for their

masters to let them loose. Timber didnt know where he was going or which way he hadto go to get home. All he knew was that he was scared. With hunters flanking his right

side and dogs on the left, he was trapped.Esperanza climbed over the fence. Out of no where she grabbed Timber and ran to


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the other end of the camp. She was chased by a group of five dogs, and each jumped onher back trying to neutralize her. Gun fire made her run faster. Men were shooting

aimlessly as she leaped over the fence and retreated back into the forest.That wasnt the end; the hunters were determined to make the wolf part of their

next line of fur coats. They mounted their horses and followed the tracks. Esperanzalooked behind her and saw them closing in. In desperation to get away, she chose to

climb a sheer cliff where she knew the humans couldnt chase her.The dogs tried to climb, but the cliff was too steep. The horses galloped to the

bottom of the rocks when Esperanza made it to the top. More shots were fired, and in thechaos a bullet hit Esperanza in the neck. The jolt caused her to loose her grip on Timber,

and he tobogganed down the slope on the opposite side of the hunters.When he stopped falling, he found himself at the mercy of Ethan Mactavish; a

Scottish biologist who was hiking the mountain. He rescued Timber by bringing him to aresearch outpost mile away from the Tannu-Ola Mountains.

The pack was worried when they heard the gun fire, and they were even more

worried when Esperanza and Timber never returned to the den. They went out searching

for their beloved leader when they found her dead on top of the snow. They got to herbody before the humans did, and they gave her a proper burial.

To show their honor and memory for her, they howled a beautiful melody. It wasloud enough that even the snow leopards could here it. Alakai stood at the edge of his

domicile overlooking the forest. To him, Esperanza was the reason that the wolves andthe snow leopards were friends. Without her, the alliance would surely crumble.

A fox named Vixen

Timber was transported from one human camp to another. Mactavish brought him

to the rehabilitation ward where doctors performed a medical examination on him. Afterthat, they put him in a cage. There were many species of animals in the room with him.One of them was a young fox who thought Timber was cute.

Hey there! she said. My names Vixen. Whats yours?Timber. Where am I?

A research center.Whats that?

A place where humans learn things about animals. Ive been here for a while.Theyve observed me since the day I arrived. They finally decided to send me to the

rehabilitation ward to prepare me for when they return me to the wild.Youre going back to the wild? What about me?

It will be a while for you because youre a pup. Animals in the rehabilitationward that are too young to live on their own only get released once theyre grown ups. As

for me, Im waiting for my leg to heal. Why are you here?My mom was killed.

Hunters?Yeah.

Thats what happened to me, only no one was killed. I injured my leg trying toget away from them.


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How did you break your leg?A trap. I howled for help, but I was on my own.

Dont your parents take care of you?Sure, but once they teach you how to hunt thats it; thats the life of a fox.

Survival has been hard since the humans started setting up camp in the valley.I understand. Thats what got me into trouble. I was looking for something to eat

in the human camp when they caught me.Good thing Mactavish saved you, otherwise you wouldve been dead.

Whos Mactavish?The man that brought you here. Good lord, have you lived in a cave your whole

life?Actually I have.

Poor choice of words then. Mactavish is one of the researchers here, and hesresponsible for rescuing helpless animals like you and I. Hes the one who saved me from

the trap.What does a wolf have to do to get food around here?

Theyll be bringing lunch in about another hour.

I know I had a lot to eat last night, but all the excitement has worked up myappetite.

What do wolves eat?Mostly caribou. We had to find something else since the caribou were becoming

harder to find.Thats why we foxes dont hunt bigger animals; there are always cycles in

whether the food is plentiful or scarce. We stick to prey thats everywhere. Have youeven tried fish?

No.Thats the way to go. There are many fish in the sea, and they are ripe for the

picking.

I wish I thought of that before I put my mom and myself in danger.I know things may seem tough now, but youre safe now. Just enjoy yourself and

be thankful that youre still alive.

Growing up in rehab

Timber took Vixens advice and enjoyed the rest of his childhood with totalsecurity. In the research outpost, they didnt have to worry about predators or where their

next meal was going to come from. Mactavish even allowed animals to roam outside oftheir cages during the day.

This place is great! Timber said as he and Vixen frolicked through the snow.Dont you miss your family?

Of coarse.You seem to be having too much fun without them.

I am. You dont know what its like living in a pack. They make you sleep insidewhen it rains, curfew is before sunset, and there are so many rules on where and when

you can play. Lets just say youre lucky you never lived in a pack.Youre wrong. I was part of a pack once.


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I thought foxes lived on their own.They do, but its only temporary. I met my pack almost immediately after my

parents let me go.What happened to them?

They abandoned me once the hunters came. It was every fox for himself. I wasseparated from the pack and I never found them again. However, I dont think I would

ever return to them.Why not?

Like you said, youre not as free as you want to be in a pack. There are manyrules to follow. Living on my own allowed me to be my own boss. I make my own rules,

I go to bed whenever I please, and I eat whatever and whenever I want.Do you like living here?

In this facility or the mountains in general?The facility.

It has been the best recovery of my life. Its a shame to leave this place.Incidentally, when do you get released?

The doctors said Ill be ready to go in two days. My leg has healed almost

completely and Im able to run now. I wont have any hunting problems as long as I stayaway from the valley to avoid anymore traps.

Two days!? But we were just starting to be friends!Dont worry; theyll release you in time. When they do, well find each other.

Two days went by too fast for Timber. Vixens leg was checked for anycomplications, and then she was clear to be released into the wild. It was going to be a

long childhood without her around. The rehabilitation ward was too quiet. Vixen was theone who always livened the place with her stories and jokes.

Timber gets released

A year later, Timber grew up to be an exceptional wolf. Despite being raised in atame facility where he had complete protection, he was strong, healthy, and fit for

survival. Mactavish knew it was time for him to release Timber, but before he could do ithe needed the proper authority from the doctor.

Youve done an excellent job raising this wolf, Mr. Mactavish.I figure hes old enough to reunite with his family. Is he set for release?

Everything seems to be ok physically.I hope he finds his pack. Someone needs to teach him how to hunt.

Hell find them. Wolves have an uncanny ability to reunite with their friends andfamily. Theres a sanctuary several miles away from the valley. Its just about the same

place where you found him; no doubt his family is there waiting for him.Im worried about the hunters. What if they go into the sanctuary to hunt?

There are laws restricting them from doing so. Your wolf will be fine.

Timber made the best of his final ride in the jeep; sticking his head out thewindow and embracing the cold wind slicing his face. It was a sense of freedom that he

longed for, but he couldnt help but remind himself that his safe childhood was over. Hehad been sheltered in the research center under the care of loving humans and the support


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of other animals. Now he was about to embark a dangerous journey; the journey back tohis pack.

Mactavish pulled up next to the fence enclosing the sanctuary. He put Timber onthe other side and hoped he would take off, but Timber just stood there staring at him.

Dont look at me like that. Its not up to me whether or not you stay at the center. Youbelong with the other wolves. After Timber was through whimpering, he did as he was

told. Mactavish, feeling horrible about sending his wolf friend into the wilderness withoutas much as a goodbye, drove back to the research center.

The sanctuary had plenty of territory to roam and many new animals to meet, but

Timber didnt feel like doing anything. He was so melancholy that he lost his desire tofind his pack. He sulked underneath a small tree and wondered what was going to

become of him. What am I going to do? I have no food, no shelter, no family, andnothing to live for. What do I do? he asked himself.

Vixen overheard his one-sided conversation and waited for the right moment tointerrupt it. Balderdash! You have everything to live for.

Vixen!?

In the fur. I see they finally released you. I can also see that youre not happy.Mind explaining to me why that is?

Its been so long since Ive been in the wild; I dont think I know how to surviveon my own. I dont even know how to hunt.

Relax! All those instincts will come in time. I had to teach myself how to huntagain since I forgot all the techniques during my time in rehab. I have an idea; lets find

your pack! Theyll help you learn how to hunt in no time.Whos to say that theyre in the sanctuary?

I didnt say that they would be here. Thats why we have to find them.Find them yourself. Ill only be the laughing stock of the pack. A wolf who

doesnt know how to take care of himself is humiliating.

At least try. The wild is no place to be humiliated because all odds are againstthe weak. You wont survive with that attitude.

I am hungry.

Well.Alright, well look for my pack, but I dont think theyll recognize me.

The reunion

Timber and Vixen traveled all day, but there were no traces of a wolf packanywhere. Vixen, I think we should call it. Im probably the only wolf in the entire

sanctuary.We have to keep trying.

Timber saw something struggling to climb the rocks. Whats that over there?Its a mountain goat.

This is our chance to get food.Timber, without hunting skills, you wont be able to catch it.

Im going to do it. Just watch.This ought to be good. Timber didnt bother to remain invisible from the goat.


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He immediately made a B-line to it at full speed. Of coarse the goat ran like a bolt oflightning down to cliff and into the trees. At the cross paths, Timber trampled another

wolf who was closing in on the goat from the other direction.It was a female wolf who was also hunting. When she got on her paws, she pinned

her ears back and growled at Timber. Watch where youre going!Maybe I should ask you to do the same!

Ive been stalking that goat for hours. Because of you, it got away. Now I have tofind something else to eat.

Pardon me, but Im starving too.I havent eaten in two weeks.

Oh.Ive never gone that long without food.Next time you should monitor your mouth before you say something stupid.

Thats how you can get killed.Ok Miss I-havent-eaten-in-two-weeks, my friend doesnt want any trouble,

Vixen yelled. We were just looking for his pack when he decided to chase the goat. Hedoesnt know how to hunt anyway.

You dont know how to hunt? she asked Timber. He shook his head. In that

case, why dont I bring you to my pack? Well be glad to teach you.Sure, Timber replied.

Further north was a wolf den. It was hidden in a maze of trees and covered with a

thick layer of snow. Come in, dont be shy, the female assured him. Timber wasreluctant to enter someone elses cave. He remembered what Esperanza told him about

territory and how other animals dont like strangers in their midst.The wolves however, werent hostile at all. They welcomed Timber after they

were told that he needed someone to teach him how to hunt. The last wolf to greet himwas the alpha; a rugged male who didnt take kindly to outsiders. Who is this wolf you

brought to our den, Mary?

I found him by the cliffs. He doesnt know the basics of survival, and I thoughtthat perhaps we can teach him.

What is your name, stranger?

Timber.Do you live on your own?

I was living in a human facility; Im not a loner.A domesticated wolf, eh?

I wasnt always.You were born in the wild?

Yes. My mother was the alpha wolf.And your father?

I never had one.What was your mothers name?

Esperanza. Everyone gasped. Among their whispering, Timber could hear thatthey were referring to him by his name. How does everyone know my name?

Son!What?

My mates name was Esperanza. She was expecting when I disappeared.She never told me I had a father. What happened to you?


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German Shepherds. They injured me in the valley and I was taken by humans.They fixed my wounds and then released me two years later.

I cant believe all this time I had a father.Ive counted the days until this moment when I would meet my son. After the

pack told me they couldnt find you, we all assumed you were.Dead?

Please dont say it. I still havent gotten over the fact that Esperanza is gone.I havent either. I miss her a lot.

However, luck has smiled upon me, for now I have been given a second chanceto be a father. Welcome home my boy. All of the wolves howled with happiness over

Timbers return. We shall waste no time in teaching you how to hunt.Ill give him a few pointers, Mary offered.

Wonderful. The more help the better. Someone will need to train him while Imbusy with my duties. Tomorrow you will take him to the hunting grounds.

Yes sir.First you try to kill me, and now you want to help me? Timber asked with

confusion.

Its the least I can do for the future alpha of my pack.

Mary gives hunting lessons

There was one vast herd of caribou in the sanctuary; just enough for the wolves to

live off of. Mary wasnt exactly teaching material, but she was going to try. AlrightTimber. The first thing you want to do is search for your prey. Every scent and track in

the snow will give you their location.What do caribou tracks look like?

Youve never seen caribou tracks? Timber shook his head. They look like two

long, thin rock prints side-by-side. If you find a series of them, you know a caribou isnearby. Mary found a trail heading south. Follow these tracks and they will lead you toa caribou.

A single caribou the size of a moose was grazing in a small patch of grass thatdefied the cold weather by growing through the snow. Timber was overly excited.

Cari..Shh! You dont want it to hear you.

What do we do now?Were stalking; that means you have to keep still and make no noises. Dont

even breathe loudly.And then?

We wait until the caribou is off guard, and then we strike. As they waited,something scared the caribou. It disappeared into the trees before the snow leopards

emerged. Alakai!Wolves! Trying to steal our food again?

We werent stealing your food! Youre the ones who are in our territory.Theres no more prey in our section of the mountains.

Thats your problem.Back off wolf! I can rip that pelt off your bones in the blink of an eye if youre


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not careful. Dont antagonize me! Come on boys, theres nothing here for us.

Timber didnt understand why the snow leopards were hostile. Whats wrongwith them? I thought they were our closest allies.

Who told you that? Mary asked.My mom.

I guess that was before I was born. In my lifespan, the snow leopards have neverbeen our friends. Every time we find a caribou carcass, they invade our territory and take

it for themselves. Many wolves have died trying to stand up to them.When my mom was alive, she made an alliance with their clan.

How did she manage that?They used our hunting grounds, and we in return get protection. I guess they

figured our mutual relationship with their clan didnt mean anything after she died.Hopefully they wont be back here for a while. Well continue the hunting

lessons when theyre in their cave. For now, lets rest. The caribou we were stalking ismiles away by now, and I dont have the energy to find it.

Jealous Vixen

It was still too early to return to the den, so Mary decided to take Timber to her

favorite spot in the sanctuary. Where are we going? Timber asked.Im taking you to the lake.

Lake?Dont you know what a lake is?

Ive never seen one.You really had a dull life in that research lab.

There were no lakes near the outpost.

I thought you didnt know what a lake was.I dont, which is why the outpost didnt have any around.Well, you havent lived until youve seen one. I always go there after a hunt; its

the perfect place to relax and admire natures beauty.

Vixen was busy fishing when she saw Timber and Mary approach the lake. Withthe darkness gradually swallowing daylight, she was virtually invisible to them. They sat

down on the bank and fiddled with the water as they talked. Vixen became envious, forshe was friends with Timber long before he met Mary.

She stayed there watching the love birds bond, and every second that passed shegrew angrier. The tip point of her jealousy was when Timber gave Mary a kiss. That was

it; she couldnt watch them anymore. She went back into the forest, not going anywherein particular. As she made her way down the path leading the outer fence of the

sanctuary, she stepped on a trap.Help! she screamed as she tried to wiggle herself free. Off in the distance, she

could hear the barking of hunting dogs, a whole army of them. The trap was so tight onher paw that it cut off the circulation. She couldnt feel her leg, thus making it difficult to

pull it. Somebody help me!Timber heard the distress call. Thats vixen!


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Oh my, it sounds like shes hurt.Wait here. He ran through the trees, hoping to follow Vixens voice, but she

stopped calling. Vixen! Where are you? Vixen shrieked once more, and it was mixedwith barking. Im coming for you Vixen!

Vixen was surrounded by the German Shepherds; the only sign that hunters were

in the area. She regained her hope when she saw Timber. He chased the dogs awaydespite being out numbered, and then he got Vixen out of the trap. You came back for

me, she said in amazement.Hey, you never leave a friend behind. What I cant understand is why theres a

trap here.The only logic is that the hunters are in the sanctuary. Their dogs wouldnt be

around if they werent.Is your leg alright?

I cant feel it now, but nothings broken. I should get the feeling back soonenough. You better tell the rest of your pack.

Mary finally arrived at the scene. Is everything alright? Vixen didnt answer;

she walked away with her nose in the air. Whats with her?I dont know. Vixen, come back!

I dont want to talk to you if shes here, Vixen replied.How come?

Why does it matter to you? Go off with your new girlfriend.Vixen! Dont be like that!

Too late. Im going back to my home.

Mactavish was hiking to the sanctuary to check on the animals when he saw

someone on horseback beyond the fence. It was Vladimir; head of the meat packingindustry and leader of the hunters. He was leaving the sanctuary with freshly killed game.

Hold it right there! Mactavish ordered.Out of my way, Scottish lad! Cant you see Im in the middle of something?

Its against the law to be hunting in the sanctuary!Oh pardon me, but where else am I going to get meat for my business?

You dont have enough game to hunt at the bottom of the mountain?No. The population of caribou and ox is running low this year.

I wonder why. Maybe because youre killing them all!Its not my fault that people have to have meat in their diet.

Thats not the point! This sanctuary is to protect animals from hunters, andyouve crossed the line!

Im going to hunt wherever I want. Theres nothing you or anybody else can do

to tell me otherwise.

The spirit

Mary and Timber didnt waste any time in sharing the news with the pack. Toru

was deeply concerned. He had been pushed by the humans so far that he was fed up.Theyve forced us out of our home, taken our food, and killed dozens of our family


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members. Its time to stand up to these hunters and reclaim what is ours!What are you suggesting? That we fight for the land and caribou? Timber

asked.If its necessary, well do it.

Have you seen what the rifles are capable of doing? What about the GermanShepherds? We wont stand a chance.

I understand, but a battle is something that has to be done. Weve been relocatedto this sanctuary to be safe, and now the hunters are violating those protection laws just

so they can kill more animals. Personally, I cant take it anymore. Timber, as future alphayou will have to lead the pack.

Excuse me?You and I will lead the preemptive strike against the humans.

Wait a minute! I cant even hunt one caribou! Youve got the wrong wolf to leada battle.

Its your duty as my son. I have faith in you.

Timber never wanted to hear those words because then he would feel like he was

letting down his dad. They were going to battle in the morning, and he had butterflies inhis stomach. He was so nervous that he contemplated on running away.

Once everyone was asleep, he left the den and into a snow storm. He planned togo far away from the sanctuary as possible, but the snow was too strong for him to make

such a journey. He stopped at the lake when he collapsed from exhaustion. Fighting thehumans? Ive never heard of such a preposterous feat, he said to himself.

A cluster of snow blowing in the wind formed a silhouette of a wolf, and the wolfintroduced herself as Esperanza. Only if you give up, my son.

Mother?The spirit nodded her head. Anything can be accomplished if you believe in

yourself. Lead your pack to victory against the hunters; your very existence depends on

it.Well be looking straight into the barrels of their guns.Sacrifices will be made, but in the end you will triumph. Its your destiny.

I cant even hunt.That doesnt mean you cant do anything at all.

Dad and the pack think I can do this. I know theyre counting on me, but I mightlet them down.

Youre letting them down by running away. Ignoring your problems wont solvethem; it will only exacerbate the situation.

What do you want me to do?The spirit never answered his question, for she felt that he could figure it out on

his own. The snow drifted away and the silhouette faded.Timber! Toru called out.

Im over here!Thank heavens! I was worried when I didnt see you in the cave. Are you

alright?A little confused. I had the strangest dream that mom was giving me advice

about our battle against the humans.Perhaps it wasnt a dream; it was a vision.


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Whats the difference?A dream isnt real. A vision on the other hand is what your mind sees even when

youre awake. Therefore you mustve been face to face with Esperanzas spirit.Either way, she told me to lead the pack to victory.

That certainly sounds like something she would say. She never hesitated when itcame to defending her family. She did the same thing with the snow leopards when we

were at war with their clan. She truly was an amazing wolf.I cant fill her paw prints though.

No one can be exactly the same as the wolf before them. Everyone has their ownchallenges and they will tackle them their own way. You have to do whats right.

Dad, get the pack ready because were going to fight for the valley.

Getting help from Alakai

Although Timber and Toru were confident that their pack could handle battlingthe humans, they need support from the one clan that would provide them with muscle

power: the snow leopards. They went out looking for Alakai when they saw the leopardsfeasting on an ox corpse. Alakai! Toru got their attention. We have a proposition for

you and your fellow snow leopards.Oh yeah? Does it involve leaving the mountains to make more room for our

clan? Or maybe youd like to surrender your food supply to us?No, we had a better idea. Were going to chase the humans away from our home

and reclaim our caribou.Whats in it for us?

A negotiation. As before, youll have privileges to hunt in our land if you give usprotection, but we have to work together to get the humans out of the valley, Timber

said. We can form another alliance.

Im not impressed. Your mother was a better negotiator.Im sorry, but Im not my mom. If you dont take my offer, then you and the

other snow leopards can go and get your heads blown off by a shotgun. We wont save

you if they decided to ambush the sanctuary.You make your point clear.

Do we have a deal?I suppose we can help you win this battle. My leopards and I will give it all we

have, and we wont stop until the last one falls.The other wolves werent too excited when they heard that the snow leopards

were going to help them, but they werent going to complain either. They could use allthe help they could get.

Battle of Tannu-Ola

In the front of their army stood Alakai, Toru, and Timber. They looked down at

the building nestled in their valley and all the humans that were occupying it. When dowe make the first move? Timber asked.

Not until the humans are vulnerable.


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The second that no one was watching the industry entrance, Alakai roared loudlypreparing his troops for the assault. Vladimir was riding his horse around the base when

he looked at the top of the slope. Dozens of snow leopards were running at full speedtowards the valley. Men! Grab your shotguns and crossbows! We have company!

Gun fire didnt slow down the leopards. Alakai continued to charge until they hitthe fence, and then all hell broke loose. Come on! Its our turn to join in! Timber

screamed. As the wolves sprinting into the valley, heavier gun fire filled the air. Thenoise made it sound like an actual war was raging. Timber and Toru stayed in the lead,

and they went snout first into the mayhem not even worrying about getting shot.It was bloodshed on a massive scale. At close range, the hunters had a difficult

time shooting the attacking animals, but they were able to beat them using the butt oftheir shotguns. Their German Shepherds assisted them in the short skirmishes. However,

the dogs couldnt match the power of the snow leopards, so the animals had the upperhand in the battle.

Timber saw Vladimir galloping away like a coward. He chased him to the fence

where he jumped up to the horses back and knocked Vladimir to the ground. The horse

ran away in panic. You crazy wolf! Vladimir yelled. Say goodnight! He pointed hisrifle at Timbers forehead when Mary grasped his leg in her jaws.

She tugged on his pants until he swung his rifle at her. He shoved it onto her snoutand made her unconscious. Mary! Timber cried. He tried to get Vladimirs leg like she

did, but he got the same result. The rifle hit him so hard in the face that he couldnt seestraight. Vladimir wouldve put a bullet through him if Vixen didnt come to the rescue.

Vixen fell on Vladimirs shoulders from the roof of a nearby garage. His rifle fellinto the snow and that gave Timber a chance to recuperate. He helped take the evil hunter

to the ground, and in that moment Vladimir was no longer a threat.Vixen, you came back. You couldve been killed.

Someone told me that you never leave a friend behind. I came back here to

rescue that special someone and I did.Im glad you decided to come back.

The animals claim victory

The battle was in favor of the animals, and the humans retreated back to

civilization. They vowed never to return to the mountains even for hunting season.Instead they were working on other places to get their food supply. It would have to be

somewhere free of any wolves or snow leopards.Alakai once again formed an alliance with the wolf pack. He was pleased with

their service in the battle, and he promised his friends that they would never be enemiesagain. Any human that would return to the valley would be facing the furry of the

leopards, for they were the protectors of the land.Mary recovered from her battle injuries, and Timber later announced that they

were mates. As for Vixen, her envy gradually disappeared. She stayed with the wolf packas if she was one of them, and she remained friends with Timber.

Toru was extremely proud of his sons victory in the human camp. Your motherwould be proud of you if she was here. I know I am, he said.


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She must be because she is watching over us.I may be skeptical, but at times I feel her presence.

Esperanzas spirit was lingering in the cracks of the mountain listening to her twoboys talking about her. She couldnt ask for a better husband or son. Like they said, her

spirit never left; she watched over her family for generations to come.

End.

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