A Good Place

The natural cave had, in the past, been home to all manner of creatures. Families of raccoons, a young mountain lion, a lazy badger and a variety of wild dogs. Currently, it was unoccupied. That would change. It was a large enough den with large enough associated wilds for Napolina to birth her litter from. First, he'd have to visit the zoo, though, and free her up a pack, maybe find her a suitable mate. She was very picky, but there had to be a male out there for her. Maybe he'd get lucky in Nachton and this would be where her own pack could make its beginnings. Napolina had been the only one to stay with him for his long walk from the Dakota territory. The others, though they loved him well, did not want to make such a trip with the cold starting. The cold was real to them, the destination only a dream. They knew he would return, perhaps not in their lifetimes, but he would return.

His human pack was making new beginnings here, in Nachton. In a stinking city seeking to grow and crush out their cousin's birthright. He didn't like it. He worried that they were looking to settle. To give up the righteous life, to become civil and soft. In his heart he knew it wasn't true, it was just his fears speaking, so he banished the thought.

This, this was a good place. It was too proximate to the city, but otherwise, it was well concealed, near good, clean water and had plenty of room nearby to run down game. It would be a good place for her to start her family, her pack. In the morning, he would leave her here to get established and would read the local newspaper. Perhaps there would be something interesting. But he read it mostly for opportunities. Developments to derail, adverts for local green groups, news on new zoo exhibits, if Nachton kept such a prison.

And hunt.

Then see about finding his packmates.

((end))