Chapter 7f

A subtle tension could be felt in the air; perhaps it was the hurting of the red male's pride by the innocently rude words of Finbar's daughter, or maybe it was the awkward silence that kept insisting on rearing its ugly head. Before anything else could be said, Jargoth turned away calmly. “I will leave you all to your special day,” he said over his shoulder. “Find me at the Birches when you want to tell me your decision later.”

Finbar watched as the man left, disappearing soon into the treeline. He could not shake the feeling that something was off, but he chose to ignore it for now, not wanting to ruin the time spent with his family; though, it was never far from the back of his mind. Maybe Jargoth was genuine, at least he hoped that was so.

He would need to have someone he trusted, like Sorley, follow close behind in secrecy if he chose to take the red wolf up on his presumably kind offer.

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Ashen’s gaze followed the red wolf as he disappeared leaving the family once more alone. While he and his sisters had been told they carried the genetics of a dog in their blood, Ashen had never really learned much more beyond that.

What was the Highway? Was it close? Far? How often did humans use it? Did they know the pack lived nearby?

The pup's mind had ignited with unspoken questions, but who could he ask? His parents didn’t seem comfortable around Jargoth and to be quite frank he didn’t really like him, either. He could ask his mother, but she might not really give him any answer that would satisfy his curiosity.

“Ash? Are you still coming with us or not? Mom and dad have already started moving,” Moonlily’s voice jolted the pup from his thoughts, gaze snapping up to meet that of his sister’s.

“Huh? Oh, sorry. I’m coming.”

Trotting after his family, Ash tried to make it seem like he was listening to the idle chatter, but his thoughts were circling around what Jargoth had said. He knew one thing; he wanted to see the Highway and learn what it was exactly. Only problem being that his parents would never take him to someplace like that.

They would say it was dangerous or some other excuse.

‘I’m big enough to handle things on my own,’ Ash thought, nostrils flaring in a small huff.

He couldn’t trust his parents to tell him everything about it, so he’d just have to go and see it for himself. Then, once he did and came back, his parents would realize he could handle anything!

Ash sent a quick glance at his mother and father, watching them gently rolling his sisters around amidst giggles and playful growls.

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He couldn’t try sneaking off to see it now. His parents were far too observant during the day and would catch him immediately. His eyes narrowed in thought. Maybe there was a way to distract them long enough for him to get a start before his parents noticed.

Ash’s attention turned to Moonlily, an idea slowly beginning to brew. It was a half and half chance if she’d help him, but a chance nonetheless. He had to try if he wanted to succeed in his plan.

“Moonlily!” Barking to grab her attention, Ash motioned her to come closer with his paw. “I wanna tell you somethin’.”

Ash could tell from her expression when she trotted over that she was already suspicious, but he was determined. Pressing his chest into the earth in the making of a playful bow the grayish-brown pup quickly darted a look at their parents. They were now turned away from them, chatting amongst themselves.

Perfect. This might be his only chance.

“I have a huge favor to ask of you, Lily, but you have to promise to keep it a secret no matter what,” his tone a whisper, Ash pounced at his sister, careful to make it seem like the two were playing instead of scheming. “I’ve been thinking about what Jargoth said about the Highway and I want to go see it for myself.”

“Are you insane?!” Moonlily’s eyes widened, barely keeping her voice low in her shock. “If mom and dad find out that’s where you’ve gone you’re going to be in so much trouble! You might even be grounded until you’re an adult!”

Ash felt his eyes roll, an exasperated huff escaping him; Moonlily was always a worrywart, and too well behaved.

“I know, but you know how protective they are of us. If I don’t do this, who knows when we’ll stop being treated like helpless newborns. I want to prove that we’re grown enough to do things other than these silly family outings. Besides, it's not like I won’t be careful. I just want to see it and then come back.” Moonlily’s eyes narrowed at her brother’s reply, shoving her back legs into his belly to shove him off her, rolling over to stand.

“Let me guess, you want me to be your distraction so you can go gallivanting off into the wilderness with who-knows-what out there, all to see a human rock thing or whatever? By yourself I might add, to prove to our parents that we're not still young and vulnerable?”

With it worded like that, Ash felt like his idea was foolish and couldn’t be accomplished. Why did Moonlily always have to shoot down his ideas? This would work! Ash pinned his ears, glaring defiantly at his sister. “That’s exactly what I’m doing! Look, you don’t have to help me but I’m going to do it whether you think it’s a good idea or not. All I’m asking is for a chance to prove that I, no, we, can do more things now that we’ve grown up some. We’re not complete babies anymore.”

The two siblings stared at one another for several seconds, a silent battle of wills to see if either would back down. When it became apparent that Ash was set on his plan, Moonlily sighed, shaking her head in exasperation.

“Fine. I still think this is a terrible idea and it’ll end horribly, but I’ll help you. You owe me big time for this, Ashen,” she groaned.

Turning, Moonlily started towards their parents, but paused, glancing back over her shoulder. “Be careful, little brother. If anything happens to you I don’t know if our parents will recover from losing you.”

The brave brownish pup gave a mischievous smile. “Nothing will happen to me, Moonie. I’ll come back.”