A new start or the beginning of the end?

The young strong black and white wolf talked sense. I know that. That's what you do when you are a stranger in a new land - you listen to warnings and good advice from those who know. Those who have survived in a place, well a place like this where survival is not to be taken for granted. And yet I just can't bring myself to accept that I'm in danger. That I can't handle this terrain. A tough old wolf like me. I've been around. I was in some tough scrapes before this young wolf speaking to me now was even born. If I was back in the South, with my old pack I could have him kill.... No stop it.

Got to accept that life has gone. All those privileges went the day I turned and ran for the north. You are just another wolf here Eadred, not a descendent of a Saxon Prince. You should listen to what this young wolf has to say.

And yet as I speak I can hear pride messing with my mind. Am I really in control of these words tumbling out of my mouth....

"Thank you for your kind concern sir, but I assure you these lands hold no fear for me. Hungry? You cannot know the meaning of the word - I have been through hungry times that make this place look like a horn of plenty. I can look after myself thank you"

Idiot. I may just have turned away help from someone who could be a new friend.

But do I really deserve friends? Isn't friendship about loyalty. And what I have done in the past year is about as far from loyalty as one can get. This wolf ahead is showing concern and kindness, but the best kindness I can show him is to turn him away. He does not want to know me - trust me. Maybe once I was the nice guy but now....

I'm mad, bad and dangerous to know.

I'm conscious of my rudeness though.

"Look" I hail back. "Thank you for my concern, but trust me, you would not want to know me. Our paths have crossed, but from here we go our own way"