((Wait, I know I said I would make a loner, and I still can, but I was just thinking it might be easier if Xylon were banned from Redwood? Like, maybe he and Curren already have it in for each other and then Curren finds out about Xylon crossing the border, so he kicks him out? I don't know, just an option.))

Ryne's words rung in Krael's ears, stinging like a slap to the face. He felt his amber eyes narrow. "I will not," he said, all but spitting the words, "take insults from a subordinate. Because that's all you'll ever be, isn't it? If I am Scar's 'most favourite and faithful servant,' as you put it, it is only because you lot-" at this he flicked his head to indicate he was also talking about Lythia "-are no better than worthless. Disobedient. Mongrels. What leader wouldn't favour me over the likes of you?" Pleased with himself, and with his speech, Krael turned to walk away in much the same manner as Ryne, with his head held high and tail up. He smirked at Ryne as he left, and almost hoped the other wolf would attack, until he remembered Scarlette's words.

Scarlette had told him that next time there was a fight, he was to kill his opponent. Did that also apply to Ryne? Even Krael could see Azrul-Ryne was a good wolf to have on your side. But if that was what Scar wanted...

No, Krael decided, I won't kill him unless he absolutely deserves it... but if he keeps lipping off to his superiors, that may be very soon.  

He continued to walk off, though slowly to see if the others would attack.  

 ~~~

Aerya ran alongside Bangle, following him out of 'The Nothing,' as the Redwoods called it. She smiled at him, but she couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness as she left the wolves that had become a family to her. Sure, there were some cruel and sadistic wolves like Krael and Scarlette, but most of the wolves were good. Lythia, Ohjain, Azrul-Ryne... Bangle. Aerya thought. Maybe they would join this new pack one day.

"Bangle?" Aerya said suddenly. "What are we going to call this pack?" 

Rhazet turned her gaze to Ari. "Oh, I didn't introduce myself, did I?" She grinned again. "I'm Rhazet. And hey, you should really eat a lot. You don't weigh half as much as an elk calf." she said, indirectly and unknowingly answering his thoughts. Glancing at the rabbit, she continued, "I could catch it for you." Lowering herself to the ground, she crawled forward for a few metres then pounced on the prey. Holding it lightly between her jaws, she waited to see if Ari wanted it before killing it. 

~

Azrul-Ryne continued his walking, but he had heard all Krael had said. He was right about him being disobedient alright, but calling him 'worthless' and 'mongrel' made his hackles stand on end. Ryne decided he had enough fun for a day, insulting Krael. Not that he was afraid of him. Ryne respected the wolf, though he would never really admit it, and could understand the reasons for many of his actions, for he knew Krael's past was a painful one. And Fate could turn wolves into murder machines. He was glad Krael hadn't reached that point.