Vol.1/Chapter 3: Travel

"Stand up, my fellow brothers for as today, we shall find food for our tribe and replenish our energy through the festival!", Chief Rakthu proudly says as he looks in each eyes of the warriors.

And at last, he looked at my eyes with fierce yet compassionate look. It's like telling me that he's glad I am on their tribe. This gave me some inspiration and courage to further help this community.

"Luca! Alas, the boy we saved 15 years ago alongside my son, Theo, is now venturing out through the wilderness and is now helping our community!", he screamed with pride.

The warrior wolves replied with cheerful glee and I couldn't help but smile because I may have found my family.

But something is still missing.

He then looks at his adoptive son, Theo as if telling him that he's proud but should be careful as Theo is a carefree wolf. The chief didn't utter a single word but the pack knows how much he loves his son.

"For as long as I live, I will protect this pack and family with all my might. I wanna thank you all for taking care of me and the other saved ones such as Luca.", Theo said with compassion, thankfulness and love.

The meeting took 2 hours to finish. Chief Rakthu detailed us how to get to the Hunting Grounds.

First, we need to cross the river by the valley, River Sharpturn.

Next, venture through the thick Redwoods with a lot of dangerous animals.

And at last, we will arrive at Sharpturn Hunting Grounds where we will hunt some Longhorned Angus. Their meat is one of the most prized treasure of this tribe because of its taste and rarity.

Ring!

"What the- I swear I heard some ringing of bells.", I said to myself confusedly

I looked around like an idiot left and right to find the source of sound but to no avail. Maybe it was just my imagination. I should just focus on the mission.

16 hunters, alongside me, Theo and the experienced Alder started the expedition. All gears set, all supplies set and our will to let the village feast is now set. Out of nowhere, a tiny little voice reached out to me.

"L-Luca, h-here's some anklet f-for protection a-and I hope you'll be safe.", the voice said.

"Tyla! I was wondering where I could find you, your mom was worried. But still thanks for this anklet, I know you worked hard to make this.", I cheerfully said to Tyla.

Tyla is an 8-year old female demiwolf cub of Chief Rakthu and her wife, Almira. She's a sweet but shy white demiwolf with a small stature, silky smooth fur and a cute smile. She is mostly sociable even though she's shy.

"Sis, I was wondering where I could find you! Mom was worried about you because she can't find you anywhere!", Theo scolded Tyla.

"S-Sorry Big Bro, I-I was just collecting pearls and some stones by the river to make these anklets. I'm sorry for making you and Mom worried! H-Here's one for you!", Tyla reached out another anklet for his brother and ran off to the Chief's Hut.

"Cut her some slack, Theo. I know she just have good intentions.", I sighed while talking.

"I know but the riverside is quite dangerous, she might fall into the river and get swept by the current.", Theo worriedly said.

"But she didn't and she's safe. Let's just go to the gate for the initiation rites.", I replied.

"Fine, let's go."

We both walked towards the gate where Almira, the wolf seer and the wife of Chief Rakthu is. We announced our presence and Theo explained to her mother that Tyla is safe in their home.

"Very well, I should start the incantation.", Almira said

By the power of heavens and earth, the turns of tide and turns of days. I shall grant you the protection of our god Lunala! Moon Blessing!

Every hunters including me felt an aura that somehow soothes us and derives us to make us more resilient.

"With this magic, it should grant you extra protection to your endeavors and I hope for the prosperity of your hunt!", Almira proudly said

The wolves howled as they screamed and shout with happiness and pride. I also joined the party as I raised my spear. Everyone saw it and did the same thing. After that, the wolves did their temporary farewell to their families. As calculated, the festival will start in 3 days at the night of the full moon. At that time, we shall have the prized meat for the cooks to dish out.

"You be careful out there, Theo. And you too, Luca. This is both your first time going to the hunting grounds. Heed my words and cherish your protection.", Almira warned us

"I will, Mom."

"Me, too, ma'am."

The group walked through the gate with their eyes looking forward while others looked back to their families, giving them their farewells.

This is my first time venturing outside of the valley. I hope I can learn more about the world. And I-

Ring!