Anu knew that they would work together to catch their prey. The two eldest wolves read each other minds, seeing the thoughts through their green and blue eyes. Yes, there were two. Anu understood it now and Nani was able to tell her. There would be a day when the others would be able to understand the simplest glance or the change in the air that surrounded them.
The mother was proud that the pups could stay so quiet; when they sat to eat she would praise each one for being so silent. The breeze shifted, making Anu unsettled and eager to move ahead with the chase. If the wind kept up it might move in the favor of the hares allowing then to smell their approach. Her anxiety did not go unnoticed. Haven began to move forward, his instincts overwhelming him. Anu eyed him still placed a gentle paw on the other boy’s tail. It thumped with excitement, catching dust as it moved. She could see him about to lose focus.
Maybe, there was a burrow full of kits, a late litter ready to leave the nest just before winter. It was a high hope, but as she stood to begin the hunt she held it close. The undergrowth was think, a blessing and a curse. The rabbit might use it for cover, but then so could they. The smell brought her to the sight of molten furs of white and brown.
In an instant Anu took flight, racing toward the large male that stood above his den. He was startled, though his face gave her no inkling of it. Instead he ran but with the speed of a surprised beast and faltered in his step. He was heavy with fall foliage and the lasts of the summer’s greens. Maybe it was too easy, but she controlled his direction and faced him toward the watching pups. In moments she was able to slow him enough that the pups were able to join the chase. |