Tales of the Wolf: Book 01 - The Coming of the Wolf by A. E. McCullough

of weapons and gear off to her left. “Since we lost most of our gear in the river, I gathered up what I thought we could use.”
    They ate the stew in silence for awhile, just enjoying the solitude of the forest. Tatianna felt strangely at peace. In the distance, she heard a wolf howl.
    Orca sat up and a few of the surrounding wolves picked up the song. It was a strange sensation sitting in the hollow surrounded by wolves as they began their nightly song.
    Orca joined in. As his voice would begin to die off another wolf would pick up the song and join in. Strangely, no two wolves would howl on the same note. Each voice was separate and distinct. Tatianna felt something primordial stir deep in her soul, she couldn’t explain it but she could feel it. The wolfsong only lasted for a few minutes but the memory of it would last the rest of her life. In that brief time, she was truly at peace -- no thoughts, no worries… nothing -- just pure and simple harmony.
    Without a word, Hawkeye laid back, drew his cloak around himself and closed his eyes.
    Tatianna followed his example but sleep was a long time coming. The memory of the wolfsong was in her mind and her soul. She felt restless until Orca moved up beside her, curled up and went to sleep. The warmth and comfort from his body combined with the night sounds of the forest, quieted her soul and lulled her to sleep.

Chapter 11
    The morning sun rose bright, yet shed little warmth as winter’s grip began to tighten on the Highlands. Tatianna rolled over and sat up.
    The hollow was nearly empty. Only two wolf cubs playing a few feet from one of the burrows broke the stillness of the forest. The cawing of a nearby crow ended the silence. The night’s rest had done wonders for her constitution but it also worsened her aches and pains, especially her shoulder and right leg. The shoulder wound throbbed constantly and her leg wouldn't support her weight for any longer than a minute or two even with the splint Hawkeye had applied.
    Hawkeye entered the hollow dragging several long tree limbs. “Good morning, how’d you sleep?”
    “Good. I’m just a little stiff.”
    Trying to ignore the pain, Tatianna took a tentative step, transferring all of her weight on the injured leg only to have it give out, dropping her to the ground. Seeing her fall, Hawkeye dropped his bundle and rushed to her side.
    Embarrassed, Tatianna rolled over and tried to push him away. “I’ll be okay!”
    Hawkeye pointed at the ground. “Sit down and let me check your wounds.”
    Through clenched teeth, Tatianna shook her head. “I’ll be alright.”
    “I have some skill with herbs which should help with the pain.”
    Tatianna’s pride wanted to resist but logic ruled out. Relaxing at his touch, Hawkeye rolled her over onto her stomach.
    Whipping out his knife, Hawkeye cut off the bandages and said, “Now hold still.” Checking the wound on her shoulder, Hawkeye noticed that it was beginning to fester and spread slightly. “This wound is great and beyond my skill. Only a shaman can help this wound and the closest shaman I know of is Anasazi, my uncle. He has a hogan in Itasca.”
    “A hogan? What’s that?”
    “A hogan is a type of semi-permanent lodge built by my people. Traditionally they are built with a combination of logs and mud. Nothing fancy but they are durable and comfortable during the winter months.”
    “I am discovering that my knowledge of the Highlands is sorely lacking.” Glancing over her shoulder she asked, “Wait… I thought you said your family is dead?”
    He flashed her a mischievous grin. “You’re right I did say that and I meant it. Blackfang and his beasts killed my family and friends but he couldn’t kill my uncle for he was already dead.” 
    Noticing the puzzled look on her face, Hawkeye chuckled slightly but continued. “You see, when any Highlander shows the ability and skill that is necessary to become a shaman, he leaves his family. In effect, he dies;