Caribou For Two

The gray wolf looks confused for a moment and Ricin wonders if Kichi doesn’t realize who he is. But the older wolf answers and the blue boy’s tail wags happily, quipping back when asked, “I’m good!” There is work to be done so they quickly get down to business, the boy pointing out the tracks and Kichi effortlessly picking up the trail. Ricin falls in behind the gray wolf, listening to the instructions that are given as they move. Head bobs in acknowledgment, uncertain if Kichi can see him but he still does it all the same. The herd soon comes into view and the blue boy mirrors the silver and white wolf, crouching low and trying to remain out of sight.

Luckily, Ricin has his prized elk pelt wrapped firmly around his shoulders and it helps to lessen his stark contrast of color in the pristine white of the freshly falling snow. He waits, muscles coiled and ready to run. Kichi nods toward a younger caribou stating it is their target and Ricin nods in agreement. Then they are off, racing toward the herd and their unsuspecting target. Heads swivel and an alert is belted out, the herd swiftly turning to flee. The youth that they have chosen is slower, not as well trained on what to do when two wolves are charging straight toward it.

Because of its lack of experience and the wolves speed, they are able to separate it easily. Long blue legs pump as Ricin easily races up alongside the young caribou, the taller boy deftly avoiding flailing hooves as he goes. He sees an opening and takes it, teeth flashing out as the boy grabs the leg closest to him and pulls. With a shout of alarm, the caribou goes down and a moment later, Kichi is there to silence any further noise. Blood paints the snow a deep crimson as Ricin congratulates Kichi. Together they manage to get the dead caribou onto the boy’s back and the triumphant hunters return home as the snow begins to fall more heavily.

WC:346
Total WC: 1770/1500
"Ricin Dauner"