Fennerin's Legend

By D. L. Skipper

Fennerin was born into a life of adventure, happiness, and the love of his kind. Far into the northern lands, lived the Cascade Pack. Wolves worked in harmony for the better good and followed a strict set of laws set down by the first wolf, Lupa. Fennerin was no stranger to these rules, yet there was always something out

• Language: English
• Publisher: Wolvenheart Publishing, LLC
• Release date: Jun 13, 2023
• ISBN: 9798987934029

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Fennerin’s Legend

D. L. Skipper

Fennerin’s Legend

Copyright © 2023 by D. L. Skipper.

All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, write to the publisher, addressed Attention: Permissions Coordinator, at the address below.

ISBN: 979-8-9879340-0-5 (Paperback)

ISBN: 979-8-9879340-1-2 (Hardcover)

ISBN: 979-8-9879340-2-9 (Ebook)

Wolvenheart Publishing, LLC

#203

4510 Charlestown Rd

New Albany, IN 47150

www.wolvenheartpublishing.com

For My Special

Angel

Acknowledgments

A very special thanks to

Rey Wicks

For helping edit this book

Contents

Prologue

1 Life Begins

2 Growing Up and Training

3 A Strangers Encounter

4 The Rogue War

5 A Hard Lesson to Learn

6 Life is not Easy

7 Returning to Normal

8 The Deadly Outcast

9 The Road Less Travelled

10 A New Sense of Hope

11 To Get that Berry

12 Lion Justice

13 The Journey Back Home

14 Reunions

15 A Promise to Keep

16 The Journey North

17 Mistrust Amongst Kinds

18 The Fight for New Agreements

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Prologue

The legend began with Lupa, the first wolf to roam the lands. She traveled far and wide until the day that she found others who looked like her. The young wolves joined her accompaniment, forming the first ever pack. Lupa named them the Northern Forest pack, for the part of the world they claimed as their territory.

Yet, over the years, the wolves of the Northern Forest pack became too powerful and started on a path of mischief. They killed without cause, destroyed plant life, and sought out fights with other wolves. The pack then wandered into parts of the lands where dangerous enemies were known to roam. Lupa tried everything to keep her pack in line, but she could not stand alone against the others. On the night of a full moon, Lupa foresaw a grim and dark future for her pack if they were to continue on this path.

In a desperate attempt to remedy the problem, Lupa called for a council meeting. Once the leaders came to an agreement, she created a code of ethics that all must abide by. This code became known as pack law and was to be absolute to keep order and peace amongst all wolf kinds. Punishment for breaking this law ranged from the demotion of rank to exile, or death in the most severe cases.

In time, the Northern Forest pack became too great in numbers to occupy a single territory. Others wished to roam in search of new lands they could call home and to spread pack law far and wide. This is how the world became divided. From sea and mountain, there were many packs and kinds, but all lived under the laws that Lupa instilled for the survival and harmony of all.

From the first wolf and the first pack, and passed on to every pack since, this law continues to serve our kind to this day. This story has been passed down from generation to generation. My grandparents told the tale to my parents, who recited it to my siblings and me. One day, we will pass it on to our pups. Every wolf knows the legend and they faithfully abide by the laws set down by Lupa and her pack.

Pack Law

The word of the pack Alpha is law.

A wolf shall hunt for the pack, before hunting for themselves.

Alphas, Alphas pups, and Betas eat first before the masses.

A wolf who leaves the pack by choice, may never be welcomed back.

No wolf may harm or neglect a pup in need or in danger, even if it is from another pack.

The assessment of membership in each pack is determined by the Alphas of said pack.

Interaction with humans or enemies of the pack is always forbidden.

If a fight comes between two pack members, it must be settled away from others. Lest others join in the fight, and the pack will be diminished.

Never by word or deed trust one who is a loner, for the pack may suffer in their stead.

A wolf who steals from the pack receives the punishment of death.

CHAPTER ONE

Life Begins

What makes a legend? Is it what someone does that makes others remember? Is it what happens while they are alive or long after death? Better yet, how is a legend classified? So many questions swam through my head, and one day I knew that the answers were out there, somewhere. Looking back, I laugh at the fact that we pups were so naïve. There was so much more than enemy packs that threatened our way of life.

My apologies. Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Fennerin and I have dark gray and black fur with yellow eyes. I am a wolf who loves to explore new mysteries. My history lies in stories of adventure, violence, and rebirth. This is the story of it all.

As with any great story, it works best to start from the beginning. I was born on a late spring day, and though I don’t remember much of the early months of my life, I do remember my family. My mom, Nola, was a white, Arctic-Tundra wolf with beautiful brown eyes. My dad, Shadow, was a sable gray Timber wolf with yellow eyes. My parents were strong and muscular and valued members of the pack.

I had three siblings. My older brother, Lobo, had fur as black as night and eyes that could light up the darkest of places. My younger brother, Faolan, had a golden-gray coat and stunning green-colored eyes. Then there was my younger sister Kirra, who was a perfect likeness to our mom. The only difference was the stripe that ran down her back.

Though we didn’t know it at the time, we were born into the Cascade pack. It was a small, quaint, and quiet group. The lands were rich for hunting and provided protection from what surrounded them.

We pups knew little about what our futures would hold. There was no telling what adventures we would find. We only knew that we would soon become contributing members of our pack whether we were ready or not.

At three months old, our parents finally let us leave the den. It was the first time we saw the territory through our own eyes. We stood on a steep cliffside that overlooked rolling green fields and dense forests. Deep beyond that were sprawling mountain ranges that led to parts of the world I had yet to understand.

Wow, the pack lands are huge! Lobo looked out with his mouth opening into a wide and excited smile. His eyes filled with tears and his tail stood high as his head whipped in every direction.

I led the way down the rocky slope with my brothers and sister close behind. I wanted to explore every inch of the territory and discover everything there was to find. The clearing was a grassy area that went as far as the eye could see. Other wolves in our pack came to greet us while they were performing their daily tasks. Most were welcoming and wanted to help us learn all the important parts of the land. I listened to everything they had to say about the different grounds and dens in our part of the world.

As the late summer sun warmed the dirt beneath my paws, I saw others coming in from their duties to enjoy the afternoon as well. Everyone gathered in the open landing to chat with one another and rest when they weren’t working.

We had explored most of the clearing when we returned to our den. I snuck a peek into the southern forest where the thick trees had not yet started to change colors. They were so large they could hide a full-sized wolf. It was thrilling for our first time outside without our parents, and we looked forward to doing it again.

Three months had passed, and my siblings and I were having the time of our lives. Some days, we would go and explore the territory or play in the clearing. But then there were the days when we wanted to be lazy and do nothing. However, that was all about to change.

I’m on your tail, Lobo! I shouted to my brother as we chased each other through the clearing.

You’ll never catch me. He laughed and dashed forward. Lobo gasped and slammed his paws into the dirt. His body twisted and turned as he struggled to stop. I let out a loud yip. It was too late to stop and I crashed into my brother and tumbled right into a much larger wolf.

I giggled when we came to a stop. Got you!

Lobo’s eyes were wide and his muzzle dropped open. Sorry, Alpha Raphael, we were trying to play. Lobo’s ears flattened to his head as he turned away from the elder wolf.

Well, little one, there is a time for play, and a time for work. The alpha responded with his infamous stern voice and furrowed brow to Lobo.

Raphael, the alpha male of our pack has jet-black fur and golden color eyes. Alpha Raphael followed pack law without error and expected the same order from the rest of us. It was his job to keep us safe and keep pack law.

A sound of paws on the ground approached. Is that coming from the wolf who thought work meant it was time to play when he was younger? A wolf came from behind Alpha Raphael, her voice filled with sarcasm.

Claudette, the alpha female of our pack. She had snow white, soft fur, and a personality to match. Her kind, chestnut eyes could fool any enemy into thinking she was weak. But Alpha Claudette was strong and fierce and would get revenge on anyone who meant harm to our pack.

Alpha Raphael cleared his throat. He straightened up his back and lifted his head high, not looking anyone in the eyes. Yes, well you pups run along and train yourselves. You will soon test for your pack positions. He wore a little grin as he rested his attention on Alpha Claudette.

Every wolf in the Cascade pack had a pack position. These pack positions included hunter, warrior, scout, and healer. Every position was important, no matter how menial. When each pup reached the age of six months, he or she would be assessed in every area.

We bowed our heads in respect to the alphas. Then bounded off toward the meadow to chase dragonflies and get a drink of cool spring water. The grass was a deep shade of green that waved gently in the breeze. The water flowed fast through a wide creek near the southern forest. Sometimes there would be minnows that we nipped at, and a few times I found turtles sunbathing on rocks. Lobo and I started to discuss what pack position we would be trying to train in.

With my speed and agility, I could be either a hunter or a warrior for the pack. Lobo paced with his chest puffed out. And with your stealth and tactical thinking, you would make a great scout.

I think I would prefer to be a scout, or maybe a warrior. I tilted my head to imagine running around the borders. I thought about scanning for intruders or fighting wars. Then, I thought about taking down deer and shook my head. Hunting is not really my thing. I snorted in laughter, then Lobo and I bounded for the clearing to see what everyone else was up to.

We found Faolan and Kirra near the northern forest. It looked as if they were practicing hunting. Lobo and I hurried over and discovered that they were playing a game.

Come play with us, Kirra said.

Yeah, come on, follow me. Faolan ran into the forest.

We played until everyone got bored. Faolan suggested going to the river. We all agreed and ran off to the shoreline. The water cut straight through the northern pack lands. It spilled into the valley just before the mountains.

On our way, we spotted the Alphas talking to a group of other wolves. They stayed hidden within the tree line of the northern forest. To say that we were a bit nosy would have been an understatement. I immediately padded over, trying to stay as quiet as possible. I hid behind several different trees so I could hear what the discussion was about.

The pups of the pack are getting to the age to be tested for their positions. The wolf’s voice trilled, sounding as if he was concerned.

They are ready. All positions are willing to take them in for their training. Alpha Raphael held his head high with his shoulders back.

Another wolf shrugged his shoulders and shook his head. Just as long as they know what they are getting themselves into.

No pup had failed during testing, but that didn’t mean that it would never happen. When we heard the conversation begin to die down, we tiptoed away and continued on the path to the river. The three of us kept repeating what we had heard, trying to figure out why the other wolves seemed worried.

CHAPTER TWO

Growing Up and Training

Testing day had finally arrived. As we made our way from the den, my legs shook and my heart pounded. Lobo’s tongue hung out as he panted his way to the clearing. A few other pups were already there waiting, as well as one of the adult wolves.

Good morning pups! The wolf said. I sure hope you rested well last night. You will need your energy and your tactfulness working the best they can to get through these tests.

The wolf’s voice was energetic and up lifting. He was none other than Malakai, the beta wolf of our pack, and the right-paw to the Alphas. He was a younger, more muscular grey wolf. His eyes were a combination of yellow and brown, which I thought was odd and interesting at the same time.

First, each of you will begin testing as a hunter. Then you will move on to scout, then warrior, and you will finish the testing off with healer. Whichever position you show the most proficiency in, will be your future duties from here on out. He nodded his head and led us to the hunting grounds.

Beta Malakai turned to the group and shared the instructions with us. This is your first task. Throughout the hunting grounds, there are several targets placed down. Your goal is to use your best hunting technique to navigate this challenge. Do it well and take down your intended target. The pups and I yipped and wagged our tails. I was ready to show off my skills although I wasn’t excited to be a hunter. He let out a light chuckle. It appears you all are ready. Shall we begin?

I was the first to jump up in excitement. We all howled and ran to the starting position. Lobo was chosen to go first by Beta Malakai. I watched as he trotted forward with a bounce in his step. Everyone whispered about his confidence in completing the task successfully. Lobo dropped so low that his body nearly disappeared into the grass. He stalked his intended prey, moving closer with every step. Lobo stopped and crouched into a ball, then leaped with ease and pounced onto his target. He had made it look super easy and I admired him for doing so well.

I was next, so I stepped forward in front of the group. They all smiled, which filled me with a new-found confidence in the hunting task. When Beta Malakai told me to begin, my legs instinctively gave way. I dropped to the ground and crawled, slowly moving my head back and forth and peeking over my shoulder. The target appeared through a thick tuft of grass. Now, I decided to get a little closer or take the risk of leaping from my position. My paws dragged a few inches forward, but I doubted myself and thought about backing up. My heart pounded in my ears as I argued with myself about what I should do.

I pounced at the target, overshot it, and landed on the other side, tumbling into the hard dirt. I felt a hot burning sensation and looked to see blood dripping from a gash in my side. I knew at that point I had failed. If my target had been real, it would have run off by now with no hopes of me catching it.

A wolf then ran over to my side and dropped a pile of plants and leaves. He asked me questions while assessing the damage I had taken. I noticed the wolf immediately. His name was Ryder, a deep brown timber wolf who was one of the pack healers. He chewed up some of the herbs, then licked over my wounds, smearing the plants over my cut.

Not too bad, but you are not one for hunting. Just think of those scratches as battle scars, huh? Ryder laughed. He was a gentle soul who was well-liked and highly respected throughout the pack. I laughed back, then checked my wound again before joining the others.

Lobo looked at the salve that smothered my cut. His eyes begin to swell