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“I wish you could come but I need you here to help Tuck and Little John.” I told him. His shoulders rose as he sighed knowing that our decision to leave him behind wasn’t an easy one, but he needed to learn control and his dominance helped keep others in line.
“I know, I just hate seeing you go.” He replied, frowning at the ground but I could read the real reason he was hesitant to let me go.
We were each other’s only family now. That thought made me want to keep him with me wherever I went to keep an eye on him, but I also knew that was no way to live. We couldn’t live life stuck together. He needed freedom just as much as I did but my heart still ached, the pain of loss still fresh in my mind.
“I’ll come back. I promise.” I told him again trying to ease his discomfort but knowing that only my presence would do that. “You’re strong and capable.”
“As are you,” he agreed, pulling me into a tight hug.
I fought back tears and instead concentrated on the smell of the leather on his chest and the crisp scent of stream water on his breath.
We parted, looking into each other’s eyes, each trying to reassure the other. I nodded then turned away and took a deep breath.
Einri was watching me and waiting with my wolves who were all outfitted with harnesses. Bags hung from their backs containing our essentials including food and water. We’d packed light intending to hunt as we traveled.
I nodded to Einri, letting him know I was ready. His form shimmered then bones cracked as his flesh changed into something else. I winced during the sounds of bone popping back into place but otherwise didn’t react.
Einri’s wolf shook out his fur then made a show of stretching after I put on his harness, so he was half crouched allowing me to climb on his back easier. I laid across his back, tucking my booted feet over his back by his tail. I grabbed the harness only needing it as an extra handhold since the wolf was really very graceful making the ride more pleasant than riding on a horse.
I waved goodbye to everyone then patted Einri’s shoulder. He gave a short yip, his signal to my wolves that we were ready to leave. Ruby trotted up next to us, his snout snuffing along the harness and my hands, making sure I was secure. I laughed, waving him away.
Einri leapt forward and my wolves followed his actions and within moments we were running through the sparse trees back to the kingdoms we’d both left behind knowing we may never go back.
Einri was right that the best and fastest option was to run like wolves. By the time the sun set on our first day we were only a couple miles away from the Thimmarian border. The air was warmer and smelled different than I remembered. I didn’t mention it to Einri because it seemed like a weird thing to say since I wasn’t a wolf.
The closer to Thimmaria we’d gotten the more withdrawn I’d become. This kingdom was the only home I’d ever known, and it hurt to think that it wasn’t any longer.
“We made good time.” I told Einri and the other wolves absently as I stared in the direction of Thimmaria.
Einri had shifted and dressed behind a tree before returning to where we’d decided to make camp.
“Yes, we did,” he agreed, looking at me with worry and understanding. He was the only one who understood what I was feeling. His presence and silent reassurance helped to keep the past at bay and my feet firmly planted in the present.
The other wolves were laying around the grassy knoll looking happy that the harnesses had been removed. They’d all kept up with Einri which was a feat in and of itself since the wolf’s main mode was fast. My legs were sore from being in one position all day, but it would have been the same if it was a horse.
“We’ll need to travel carefully tomorrow.” Einri said, looking in the same direction as I was. “Soldiers will be on the lookout for any wolves wandering around.”
“Yeah, seeing wolves with harnesses would surely draw attention.” I mused, absently petting Missy, the black and silver she-wolf on the head.
“We’ll go through the thick forests. We shouldn't see anyone.” Einri continued nodding as we watched the sky darken near the horizon.
“What’s the king like?” I wondered. We were heading to a meeting with him, but I had no idea what he was like. I’d heard rumors while at court, but I’ve learned never to trust rumors,especially those spun in court with the elites.
“Before all of this he was a good king, just and compassionate unlike our father who was cruel. Even though I was older I looked up to him because he was raised to be a leader while I had to learn as I went. We had mutual respect for each other,so when our father passed, I was surprised that he promoted me.” He shook his head sadly. “I’m not sure what happened but I can only guess that Asena got to him like she got to everyone.”
“Do you think since Asena’s been in Thimmaria that Rusalko will be open to forming an alliance with you?” Ever since I read the letter, I couldn’t help but feel like he was offering his brother an olive branch.
“I honestly have no idea. If he is, I’d be happy to reconcile.” Einri replied, showing what kind of man he was, willing to forgive and forget for family. We were alike in that respect.
“Let’s hope.” I yawned, feeling the muscles in my jaw and cheeks stretch.
“Get some sleep.” Einri said. The sentence wasn't quite an order but close enough.
I leaned back then rolled to my side, snuggling close to Einri’s side as the coolness of night began to settle over the forest. Ruby crawled over and laid down on my opposite side. I sighed, the warmth from both of them enough to lull me into a deep slumber.
A wet nose on the neck woke me the next morning with a jerk. Ruby huffed,and it sounded really close to a chuckle.
“It’s too early for jokes.” I grumbled, sitting up and looking around.
