i know i posted two other chapters today, but i have chapter 4 in my mind

noon, the same day,

Fleck took one last, long look at the entrance to his new home before descending the rocky slope. he clutched at the strap of the satchel, which seemed heavier after his mission was assigned. He carefully tried to recall the words of the message.

Fleck soon reached a rocky valley on the outskirts of the mountain. Rockback Valley. darkness descended over Fleck as he scrambled around pointy stones. Smoke and mist filled the air and sunk into his brown fur. An eerie silence fell over Rockback Valley, broken by the patter of raindrops. No gentle spring breeze wafted here.

Without wondering why, Fleck's fingers found his sword hilt.

Before his fingers could close over the metal, a strange howl filled the valley. This note was followed by the patter of wolf feet and the beating of wings. Fleck shivered and tried to ignore the sounds of enemies.

He nearly cried out. a huge wolf sprinted at Fleck's side. Fleck tried to calm his racing mind, but he kept going back to a certain scene which had happened not so long ago. Fleck tried to shake the memory away, yet it stayed. Fleck's fingers shook.

Without knowing why, he bolted into a run.

The chase was hard for both Fleck and the wolves. After several yards, Fleck was able to outpace his enemy, and after five more minutes of hard running, lost him altogether.

Fleck felt a jagged stone slice through his boot and cut his foot. He stopped running to reach for his satchel.

Fleck nearly cried out in frustration. his satchel was gone. The message was gone. His water was gone.

There was no telling what the enemy would do with Lord Rake's message. But he had to find out before it was too late.

[chapter four end]