Chapter 7-Howl of the Pack

"And remember, no stopping!"

Alright, I get one chance to prove myself. He didn't say it, but... I just feel like it's the case. I can't let him down. So left right left right. No rest.

"Keep going! Faster, you useless mutt!"

Alright, faster. I don't know if I can do that, but I-I have to. Or else I really am just as useless as I think I am.

"Better, but nowhere near where you need to be!"

C'mon, faster! Why am I so bad at this? I have one job! One job!

Alright, that's how many laps now? Five? I really hope I can stop soon. Maybe he'll let me. Maybe I can read his face? Wait, who's he talking to?! I can't see much of them; their tattered brown cloak hides their features.

"Stop! Come here!"

Alright, I guess that's kind of a break. I wonder what he wants? Only one way to find out.

"Alright, mutt, this here will be your new handler soon. His name is of no concern to you. If you have a problem, too bad. Go to your stable now, that will be all for today. We'll get to a real start tomorrow."

Wow! A break! Finally, I can relax and get some sh-

"Actually, I have a few questions for him first. Most importantly, though, is what I'll call you. What's your name, young one?"

Is the new guy trying to get me beaten?! He knows I can't talk. But if he asked me a question, am I supposed to answer? I shouldn't ignore him either. Maybe if I tilt my head he'll get the message that he's a bit confusing?

"He is not permitted to speak. He is just a mutt, after all. He also cannot shift, thanks to the special saddle we gave him. It has a built-in shocker if you need it, too. Isn't that right, mutt?"

Wait, I thought he just said not to talk? I'm so confused. Why are they like this?!

"Good job. You kept your mouth shut. You may go now, no further questions, right, Sinhar?"

So his names Sinhar... that sounds familiar.

Wait, he's the scum that put me in the cage! Couldn't I get someone who is mildly decent?

"Fine, let 'im go for now."

Finally! Now, which one is mine? 66, right? Yeah, that's it. Looks... rough. Unwelcoming, even. The wood is old, splintered, and roughed with age. But it looks sturdy, in direct contrast to me. I just hope the inside is nicer. Wait, inside! It's pretty high, and has barbed wiring on the top. How do I get in if it's latched shut?

"Almost forgot, I need to let you in. Here you go, mutt. Can't even open a gate! Ha! Absolutely pathetic. Useless!"

Well... at least it's open. Wait, it's just a wood floor! There's no hay, let alone a bed!

"Get in. Now."

Well... I don't want to disappoint him. He's the only one that thinks I'm worth anything, including me, so I might as well get in.

"Alright, days over mutts! If you need anything, we won't hear you."

What, no dinner? No water? Ah well, I can last the night. I've done it before. Works out too, 'cause I don't see a bathroom anyways! Flames!

Wait a minute, did he says 'mutts'?! With an 's'?! There are others?!

"Hey, look, lads! A new one! You okay in there?"

He has a really deep voice. Commanding, even. It carries like a scent in the wind, but radiates power like... an alpha. I think he's in charge.

"Uhh... I think I'm okay? Maybe?"

"What?! Can you be a little clearer? Do you need help? Yes or no?"

Flames! Why did I have to mess that up?! I only get one shot at a first impression, and I messed it up!

"I'm-I'm sorry. I honestly don't know what I'm doing."

"You got steed duty, right?"

"Uhh... yeah? Yeah, why?"

"Lads, explain it!"

Is he mad?! They shot my erép for making noise!

"No! They might hear!"

"Relax, they never hear. Or if they do, they don't care this late in the night. In case you hadn't noticed, it's dark out. We also caht every night, so relax. You're safe for now."

For now? What in flames is that supposed to mean?!

"So at night, you get to rest. Usually."

This voice also sounds stern... but old. Maybe they're the elder or something?

"Alright. And during the day?"

"You'll run laps, practice various skills, and anything else they think is needed."

"Sounds... easy enough. Any advice?"

"Yeah. If they tell you to do something... do it, but don't appear eager. Regretful compliance is your friend. So is sleep, and these fools were talking all last night..."

"So were you, Vance!"

"I'm aware of that, Alpha. But you were too, hehe."

"Whatever. Let's just wrap this up. Anyways, it's a full moon tonight, and you can kind of see it through the cracks in the roof and doors, so shall we?"

"Thought you'd never ask, old friend. Arooo!"

And with that, the stable is filled with a cacophony of howls and barks. As for why, though? I really don't know. It's usually to stake out territory, but they obviously have none, despite having many participants, since the Etiord stole most of the land. But, I might as well join in, for old time's sake. As a reminder of what happiness and belonging sounded like.

No matter how short lived they and their memory may be.