Spirit of the Wolves Read Free

said. “A wolf is dead at the spear of a human, and it’s this drelshik’s fault.” She jutted her chin at me. “We need to get rid of her and all who share her tainted, human-loving blood.”
    Zorindru stood. He had ruled the Greatwolves since longbefore any wolf I knew was born. He was so gaunt that his spine showed through his ragged fur and he seemed much frailer than I remembered.
    He stared at Kivdru, who still stood atop Ázzuen. Kivdru glared back. Zorindru held the younger wolf’s gaze so long, I was ready to howl to break the silence. Then the oldwolf lifted his lip. His teeth were worn down, and I wondered if he could still even hunt for himself, but his snarl held enough power to make Kivdru lower his ears and step off Ázzuen, who scrambled to his feet, coughing.
    Milsindra stalked over to Zorindru, her haunches still shaking. She was half a head taller than he was, and her muscles showed as clearly through her sleek fur as his bones showed through his. Still, she seemed to fear the ancient wolf. When she spoke, there was entreaty in her voice.
    â€œThe humans killed the oldwolf, for no reason at all,” she said. “It’s only a matter of time before they start hunting wolves throughout the land. Humans and wolves always fight. It’s happened over and over.”
    It was the greatest challenge to fulfilling the Promise. Wolves had to stay with humans to keep them from feeling separate from the world around them, but every time wolves and humans came together, they fought. I was supposed to change that.
    â€œWe told the drelshik that she, her pack, and her humans could live if she was able to keep peace between humans and wolves,” Milsindra said. “She hasn’t done so. The only solution is to get rid of the humans and the wolves who run with them.”
    â€œYou told us we had three moons,” Ázzuen interrupted. “It’s only been one moon since we started.”
    Kivdru leapt for him again, then staggered back as a large, black-feathered shape dropped from above and slammed into him. The raven spread his wings wide as he landed in front of Ázzuen and stared beadily at Kivdru.
    Tlitoo was a young raven, but his head still came up to Ázzuen’s chin and his wings were nearly as wide as a wolf is long. That, plus a thick beak and sharp talons, made him a formidable fighter. He had been my friend since I was a smallpup and a staunch ally against the Greatwolves. He was also the Nejakilakin, the raven who could move between the worlds of life and death. He could bring me with him, and could also take me into the minds of others. But I was the only one who knew that.
    I took advantage of the distraction he’d caused to check on TaLi. The girl was standing on her tree stump, watching us carefully, her stone blade still clutched in her hand. She was safe, for now.
    Tlitoo eyed Kivdru and spread his wings.
    â€œGruntwolves think they rule,
    But sometimes must be humbled.
    Ravens help with that.”
    Ravens often spoke in this strange way. I usually found it annoying, but when I saw Kivdru’s frustrated expression, I wanted to lick Tlitoo from beak to tail. For some reason I’d never understood, the Greatwolves were wary of ravens. Kivdru stepped back.
    â€œThe youngwolf is correct,” Zorindru said, inclining his head toward Ázzuen. “There is not yet war between thewolves and humans here.” His tawny eyes met mine. “How do you plan to make sure it stays that way, Kaala?”
    â€œI’m going to find my mother—” I began.
    Milsindra interrupted. “Your mother who broke the rules of the Wide Valley by whelping you!” She glowered down at me, deliberately turning her back on Zorindru as anger seemed to overcome her fear of him. “This oldwolf and the fools who follow him believe that she has the answer to why wolves and humans cannot live side by side, and that her answer will