Rule#1: Never Leave The Woods

Every morning is the same. I wake up, clean and dress myself, make breakfast for Anna- my coyote friend- and myself, then go wander for a while. This morning is no different.

Anna and I run through the forest, my bare feet barely making a sound. i let my long dark brown hair fly around my face. Anna races ahead of me, caught on a scent that could be supper.

"Anna! wait for me!" I call out to her. I run faster, after her. "Don't kill it!"

I slide to a stop when I see her butt sticking out from behind a tree. I pull out my only knife, ready to attack, as I cautiously step around to see what my friend has caught us.

Shock reaches my face as I gaze down at the face of.... a man?!

Anna is licking this stranger's hands when, typically, she bites. I gather my wits about me and take a deep breath.

"Anna, back off. Now." I command her. Thank Goddess she listens to me.

I crouch down, next to the stranger. he's leaned up against a tree, eyes closed and his breath shallow. His shirt is torn, dark red blood seeping through the tan fabric. I lean closer to see what's causing the blood. Ripping his shirt a bit more, I see it. A hole in his side, the size of the tip of my long finger, is open and oozing blood.

"Damnit." I mutter under my breath. I stand up and look over my shoulder. "Well, Anna, we can't leave him here for the vultures. What do ya say? Take him home?" I ask my fierce friend.

Anna yips and chases her tail a bit, excited. I sigh and start to find things I can use for a sled. This is going to be a long day....