grin and bear it

Patrols. He'd begun taking on more responsibility, begun patrolling on his own. Hazel said something about him being capable and competent enough or whatever, so here Dread was. Doing the thing. She'd set him up on what she considered an easy, quiet route. Maybe there would be predators, but no other wolves to contend with. He was alright with that. Dread was happy to contribute, to step up, to begin to pull his own weight within the pack. Hazel's instructions had been very clear-- follow the marked path, trust his senses, be observant and diligent in his work. Call for backup at the first sign of trouble bigger than like, a coyote or whatever. The day was comfortably warm, the mid-morning sun filtering through the trees.

Trouble. Dread found trouble in the shape of a bear. A big bear. A large male, from the looks of it. He'd come over the Armada's borders, likely looking for something to eat. The boy tipped his head back to call for backup and draw the predator's attention. As the bear swung its head and targeted him, Dread could feel the rush of adrenaline in his system. Tucking his head low, he rushed it. Moving in to grab at the bear's shoulder, it was game on.

"Dread Fatalis"