Howl of the Wolf (Heirs to the Throne Book 1) by Diane Rapp Page B

to his sleeping ledge to avoid further rebuff from the aging bitch.  Although eager to make the journey to view the new two-legs, Kriegen wanted to confer with Tendra.  The gray finished his meal and sat patiently outside the cave entrance while Kriegen prepared for the journey.
    Tendra waddled to their ledge.  Take Konig, our best tracker on your journey.  The pack will stay to prepare our summer move , she advised Kriegen.
    He licked Tendra’s face. It is close to your whelping time and we don’t want you to be alone.
    Tendra growled.  What good is a male during a whelp?  He cowers and whines like a young cub.  Leave us with Amber and attend to Council matters.
    Kriegen sighed.  Be sure to keep your host near.  We would grieve at the loss of your ancestor voices…
    Tendra snarled, and Kriegen backed away.  Do not instruct us like a cub.  The ancestor voices give us good advise in the matter.  Don’t nag .   As Tendra stretched and licked the pads of her paw, her tail twitched and her ears flicked. 
    Kriegen saw bumps move across her belly. We will return before it is time to move the den or send Konig to help.    He leaped down from the ledge.
    He felt worried.  The first whelping for a young host could be difficult.  Amber settled next to Tendra and said, Have courage.  We are with you .   The warmth of Amber’s mental voice reassured Kriegen.  He resigned himself to his own task.
     
    *****
     
    Days passed in the spaceport without contact from the residents of Drako.  Donovan’s scouts failed to find Jarrack, so he terminated the search.  He avoided the crumbling structures in the spaceport, and his crew erected plasteel pods for temporary housing.  The crew adapted to the gravity and atmosphere on Drako without problem as they dismantled the Zebulon and stored valuable equipment in a cave system.
    Everyone seemed delighted at the prospect of living a normal life except for Doctor Alexander.  Since they landed he acted somber, jotting notes and frowning as he observed the crew at work.
    Donovan watched Krystal.  A cool mountain breeze stroked her golden hair, whipping it wildly about her face.  The annoying strands easily escaped a hair clip and stuck against her sweaty forehead.  She hardly noticed, but he felt the familiar stirring of passion.  After their mind-melding experience, they were inseparable.  Donovan intended to marry her and begin a family as soon as his crew was safely settled.
    Sensing Donovan’s gaze, Krystal turned from her work to smile in his direction.  Her white teeth glistened and she blushed.  Donovan knew she sensed his yearning but turned back to her work.  He forced himself to return to his own chores. 
    Dr. Alexander approached Donovan looking smug.  He said, “I’ve completed my review of talents within the crew.”
    “Good, let’s look it over in my pod.”  Donovan felt compelled to survey the landscape with uneasy eyes, feeling watched, as they walked toward the pod.  A movement on the cliff above revealed a black wolf.  The animal suddenly turned tail and disappeared, leaving Donovan excited by the glimpse of wildlife.
    Alex’s voice drew Donovan inside the pod.  “I was correct in my theory, the intensity of individual talents is logarithmic according to their Transfer charts.”  Alex appeared pleased. 
    “Don’t talk in code, explain.” 
    Alex chuckled.  “We all have enhanced specific skills and interests, developed during spans of working at an occupation or hobby. The more life spans spent in a specific job, the better the skill.  For instance, your leadership talent has been enhanced by two spans commanding a space ship, but your sports hobby intensified your physical prowess by a power of five.  Naturally, your physical strength and speed multiplied with each Transfer.”
    Donovan looked skeptical.  “So what does it mean in practical terms?”
    “Your readings indicate an exceptionally fast speed.”
    “I’m