Worms Forts Around the Globe
By the author of
Chapter 1: The Beginning…
Bliss gulped down the final piece of meat and began to lick her paws clearing away the blood which had stained on her paws while she had been eating the carcass.
“Mmm. Is meat always this tasty, Dad?” asked Bliss curiously to her father Boris.
“Well, it tastes nicest when it’s caught as a group.” replied Boris.
“Hah!” giggled Bliss. “You did all the work. I think I could with a few more hunting lessons from Ms.Louis.”
Ms Louis was a teacher to the teenage wolves in the Silver Fang Pack. She was kind and caring to all, never ignoring a problem regardless how important it was.
“Nonsense!” cried Boris. “You’ll make a fine hunter one day!”
“Here’s hoping.” sighed Bliss.
Then over in the distance Bliss noticed a figure immerging from behind the hill.
“Um, Dad?” stammered Bliss.
“Yes honey?” Boris gazed over in the direction of the rising sun.
“Who is that?”
The figure grew closer gaining speed; Bliss froze and gazed at her dad. However her dad seemed less worried about the figure coming their way.
“Dad?” Bliss gazed at her dad slightly concerned about her father laughing at a possible predator. But then as the figure came closer she realised it was her cheeky cousin, Jasper.
Jasper was a middle-aged wolf and was Boris‘s nephew. He lived with Bliss and her dad in a little hut in Malgin Village, which was just outside Vain Lake. But Jasper wasn’t actually from the Silver Fang pack at all. In fact he was from the Orchard pack. The members of the Orchard pack lived in Aton Village, which was only a few miles away from Malgin Village. But sadly, a few weeks ago, his father had passed away. This meant he would be the next Pack Leader, after his brother, Mac. So his mother had suggested he come here and stay with Boris just so he could learn what a Pack Leader’s duties were. And so far he’d been doing well.
“Finally I found you! I have big news………” panted Jasper.
“Jasper!” snapped Bliss. “I thought we told you to wait for us at Vain Lake! You know, you almost gave me a heart attack!”
“Right sorry!” said Jasper pronouncing each syllable clearly. “You know you’re such a drama queen.”
“Whatever” muttered Bliss. “Now what is this BIG news you were on about?”
“Hmm. A, yes!” cried Jasper. He turned to face his uncle. “Boris, they want to meet you in Malgin Village.”
“Whose ‘they’?” asked Boris.
“The Council” declared Jasper. “They’re having a meeting soon, they sent me to remind you.”
“Ah yes! I almost forgot!” said Boris. “Thank you, Jasper!”
“That’s it?” said Bliss staring at Jasper. “That’s what you ran all this way for?”
“Yep! Right on!” cried Jasper, clearly not annoyed by Bliss’s tone.
“Right well then I better be off.” sighed Boris. “You too can catch up later. That alright with you?”
“Yep!”
“Yep!”
“Good see you later then!” called Boris. “Oh and Jasper.”
“Yeah Uncle?” said Jasper.
“Look after you’re cousin.” said Boris sternly.
“Can-do! Bye Uncle!” called Jasper. But Boris had already disappeared over the hill.
“So what now Jasper?” asked Bliss.
“Let’s stroll back.” he announced. “Maybe we’ll be back in time to see what the meeting’s about.”
* * *
A while later Bliss was strolling down the Malgin Road. Just up ahead she spotted the Malgin Arch. The Arch was like a sign to notify wolves, from different packs, that passing through this arch meant you were in someone else’s territory. But to the wolves of the Silver Fang it was a sign of home, for just beyond the arch was the Malgin Village.
The Malgin Village was a most beautiful place. It was full of tall trees and variously coloured flowers. Bliss loved living there with her father. They had a beautiful home with a gorgeous view of the lake.
“Heh, Bliss?”
Bliss looked up and realised that she and Jasper were walking under the Arch.
“Hmm. Oh sorry, Jasper.” said Bliss. “I just lost myself in thought. Go ahead.”
“Well, I was just thinking about me being a Pack Leader and well…..” began Jasper.
“Yes, carry on.” said Bliss.
“And well.” he paused a moment. “Maybe I’m not ready for it.”
“What?! No way!” cried Bliss. “Of course you’re ready!”
“Yeah, I had a feeling you’d say that.” sighed Jasper, standing still for a moment.
Bliss stopped and retraced her steps so she and Jasper were side by side. “Look, I know I’m always supportive and quite predictable.” Jasper laughed. But Bliss just carried on. “But I mean it this time because I know with all my heart that you’ll be great.” Bliss sighed she could feel a lump emerging in her throat. Thankfully Jasper seemed to notice her silence and decided to change the subject: “Um, want to race to the Announcement Hall?”
“Ya sure!” Bliss liked the idea of a race. “Three… Two… One… Go!”
The cousins sprinted down the road, Bliss keeping good pace with Jasper. The turned the bend into Malgin Village and raced off into the direction of the Announcement Hall. After passing through May Lane they reached the Announcement Hall.
“Few!” sighed Bliss. “I’m glad that’s over with I don’t think we could’ve lasted another minute running!”
“Speak for yourself!” said Jasper rearing up on his hind legs. “I could run another five miles if I wanted to!”
“Oh……..” just the thought of running again sent a shiver down Bliss’s spine. “I don’t think I could run again if I wanted to!”
“Tut, tut, tut.” began Jasper.
“Don’t start Jasper I haven’t got the energy for it.” moaned Bliss.
“Should we go in or should wait here for Boris to come out?” asked Jasper changing the subject.
“Hmm.” Bliss thought a moment. “Let’s go in. It might be fun.
“Watching a group of wolves make decisions is your idea of fun?” asked Jasper.
“Think about it. If its big news they don’t want us to hear about, or something, then at least we‘ll here it first hand.” stated Bliss.
“Tempting, very tempting.” Jasper thought a minute. “OK! I’m in!”
Bliss walked casually up to the guard of the Announcement Hall and said: “Excuse me, sir, but may we enter? We’re here for the meeting.”
“Sorry miss but members’ only.” replied the grumpy old guard, whose name Merlin.
“But my dad, Boris……”
“Boris! That must mean you …….Oh sorry! I didn’t know it was you. Bliss isn’t it?” said Merlin blushing slightly.
“Yes.” she said politely.
“You may enter and I guess that guy can too. Only if he is with you of course.” said Merlin.
“Oh yes indeed he is.” said Bliss grabbing Jasper and giving him a hug. She could feel every piece of his fur rubbing against her. She wished she could have kept on hugging him but he seemed to look at her rather oddly and immediately she dropped him.
“Ouch” he muttered.
Bliss hurried in through the main entrance calling to Merlin behind her: “Oh, and thank you, Merlin.”
“Always a pleasure madam.” he replied.
“C’mon Jasper” whispered Bliss. “Better go see what all the fuss is about.”
Chapter 2: Talin & Bronzer
Bliss squeezed into a seat beside an old wolf. The wolf smiled pleasantly at her and then, like Bliss, turned his attention back to the meeting.
Boris was sitting alongside the rest of the council, which included Zoe, Ms.Louis and Ms.Jessica. They were looking down at a young wolf roughly Bliss’s age, maybe older, and to be honest Bliss didn’t like the look of him. He seemed, well, like a trouble maker.
Beside him was another wolf he too looked troublesome. The only difference between the too was their colour. The first one was a light grey colour with a black mane and the other was completely dark grey.
“Let us review our current trial.” called another wolf from the council who‘s name was Anton. Bliss looked up deciding to pay special attention to this as it would update her on the current happenings.
“Here before us are these two, Talin and Bronzer. They claim they were sent here while their pack the Dark Blood pack recovers from an attack. But though we usually allow wolves who have been cast aside into our pack we have pointed out that the Dark Blood pack is known for causing trouble and even worse.” said Anton. “So we’ve heard all we need to know so, do they stay or leave? Lets have a vote, shall we? All those in favour say ‘I’. ”
Bliss looked around the room, some wolves were calling: “YEAH! LET HIM IN!” and others called: “THEY’RE CLEARY TROUBLE! KEEP THEM OUT!”
But after a few minutes Aton quietened them down and consulted with the council to see what the conclusion was. After a few minutes Aton coughed loudly to get the crowd to quieten down.
“My friends, we have reached our decision.” Aton paused a moment. (Probably to build suspense, Aton liked to do that.) “The two wolves, Talin and Bronzer will be………… STAYING!” Cheers erupted from the stands. But there were plenty of boos be sure of that.
The two wolves strolled proudly out of the hall. Bliss gulped memorizing their faces evil written all over them. This could only mean trouble, with a capital ‘T’.
* * *
Bliss lay in her bed looking out the window. Thoughts twisting and turning in her head. Were Talin and Bronzer good wolves or like the rest of their pack, killers? She didn’t know what to think.
That night, before she’d went to bed, her dad had reassured her again and again that they wouldn’t have been allowed into the pack if they were bad. Bliss had protested each time not stopping until her dad sent her up to bed. She felt bad about that, very bad. Her father had never done that to her, never. She had to get back in his good books again but how?
That thought kept her up most of the night and come early morning she decided to go for a stroll. She slipped out of the house and left the village quietly. She passed under the arch and when she came to the fork in the path turned left going in the direction of Vain Lake. She loved Vain Lake, it was a great place to think about things and she had a lot of things to think about.
As she passed Moore Rock she realised she was in Vain Lake she had been so engrossed in her own thoughts she hadn’t even noticed. She continued until the lake came into view, then she paused, unsure what do.
After a stroll around the lake she was prepared to head back when suddenly she heard voices. She looked behind her realising that two large wolves were immerging from the opposite side of the hill. She froze, what should she do? She could confront the wolves or just walk past them. But what if they were in a bad mood or something? She could get badly hurt or worse.
Oh dear… she thought. What do I do? Um….. Well it’s now or never.She leapt behind a rock holding her breath would they see her? They walked past the rock not noticing her.
Few……. she thought.
As the walked further out, to Bliss’s shock, she realised it was Talin and Bronzer.
Oh no! Oh no! Oh no! this is bad.
she began to panic. I better get outta here. Hey………Bliss watched as Talin picked up a smaller pup. Though he was a bit away she could just make out what he was saying: “So Bronzer what do you want to do with this kid?”
Bliss crept from the rock and headed to the next one in line. And yet she still couldn’t make out who it was. Then Talin trotted right along the path and held out the young, he then flung his head back in preparation to throw him. Then Bliss took a closer look, desperate to find out the identity of the young wolf, and then to her agony realised it was Koda, her younger brother. Her thoughts were filled with anger and fear.
Oh no! Koda! I have to help him! But how? Oh um…..
she thought. Here goes something! I’m coming KODA!And without a further thought she leapt out from behind the rock and snarled at Talin: “Drop the pup.”
Talin turned to face her and replied: “Fine I will.” Talin ran forward towards the lake, leapt up and flung Koda into the air.
“KODA!” it felt as though everything was in slow motion. She ran forward and jumped up just catching him. “Few” she sighed.
“Right squirt. Hand him over! We’re a bit hungry now, right Bronzer?” asked Talin.
“Ya! And I feel like wolf carcass today.” he snarled.
Bliss could here a faint whimper coming from Koda. “Don’t worry, bro.” she said her voice muffled from holding onto Koda’s fur. “You’ll be fine.” She flipped him into the air and caught him on her back. “Hang on! It’s going to be bumpy.”
She turned around and sprinted down the path. She didn’t dare look back, she just kept running.
Must get home. Must get home. MUST get home! that was what filled her head as she ran the way back to Malgin Village desperate to help Koda and tell her father the truth.
Chapter 3: Trouble for Tommy
Bliss sat patiently by her brother as Felicity emerged from behind the curtain: “Whose next there please?”
Felicity was a train-ee nurse and she was very good at her job. Though she never admitted it. If anyone from out of town came in early with an emergency and asked Felicity for medical help she would immediately call Zoe, though she was perfectly able to manage herself.
Bliss stood up and grabbed Koda: “That’d be us.”
Though Felicity was in the same class as Bliss they never chatted or talked. They were friends but not very good ones.
“Oh, Bliss and um……” Felicity paused.
“Koda, my brother Koda. We have no appointment and he’s not too badly hurt but………” Bliss trailed off not sure if the first wolf she should talk to about what happened should be Felicity.
“Save it for Zoe.” she said. Bliss slowly walked behind the curtain. “Oh and Bliss.” called Felicity.
“Hmm?” Bliss turned around to face Felicity.
“Koda is gorgeous.” squealed Felicity.
“Thanks.” Bliss turned ‘round and trotted behind the curtain carrying Koda on her back.
“Hmm. Well he seems in good condition. No infections or bad scratches. Although he has one or too bite marks. He should improve in a day or so. Oh and by the way,?” said Zoe. “What happened him?”
“Oh um, long story.” sighed Bliss.
“I can wait, no one is in the waiting room. Tell away.” said Zoe.
“Oh alright. I can trust you.”
“I see…..” sighed Zoe. “Funny I thought those two were descent chaps.” After a long pause she continued: “Well be sure and tell your father, OK? After all he is the pack leader, he’ll know what to do.”
“Um, ok. Thanks Zoe.” she strolled out behind the curtain. She would have said goodbye to Felicity but there was no sign of her anywhere.
Oh well. She’s probably on her break or something.
sighed Bliss.Bliss strolled out and headed for home. She needed a rest, a long rest.
By the time Jasper and Boris arrived home it was quite late. They had been out hunting and Boris had decided to show Jasper how to lead a hunt.
Bliss had Koda in bed, asleep, so she could avoid him talking to dad for the night. She too had slipped into bed when she had seen them coming. She didn’t feel like telling him what she’d done today. It would just be too complicated and if she was going to tell him then she could in the morning when she had the energy for it.
Hour after hour she gazed out the window, wondering what to do tomorrow. Then it dawned on her.
Of course! she thought. Jade, she’ll know what to do. Jade, Bliss’s best friend was always willing to come up with a solution, though most of her solutions would end up just making matters worse. But today she felt there was no one else to help her so Jade would do fine.
And after reassuring herself Jade could help she became calm down again and slowly drifted off to sleep.
Bliss walked sleepily up the path. It was roughly nine o’clock in the morning and Bliss had not slept well the previous night. Even though she had dozed off it had not been a pleasant sleep. She had tossed and turned constantly and had had visions of Talin and Bronzer chasing her. It had been most unpleasant indeed.
Bliss reached the house. She pushed open the finely crafted gate and stepped inside the beautiful garden. There were numerous flowers in garden, each with it’s own patch. Bliss stood and admired it a moment then carried on. She approached the window cautiously and peered in. Inside were two wolves, one large and the other one Bliss’s size.
“Good they’re awake.” sighed Bliss. “Last thing I want is to wake them.”
She walked back over to the door and tapped lightly on its wooden surface. Tap Tap Tap
A few seconds later Melissa ,Jades mother, opened the door and smiled warmly at Bliss. “Hello darling! How are you?” asked Melissa, politely.
“Fine thank you Ms Reed.” replied Bliss, trying to sound as polite as possible.
“I’ll get Jade. Just a minute there.” said Melissa, rushing back inside to get her daughter.
A few minutes later Jade appeared. “Hey Bliss!” said Jade. “Ya good?”
“Ya” Bliss didn’t think she sounded too convincing.
Jade smiled. “Bye Mum!” I’ll be back in an hour or so!”
“Alright dear!” came her mothers voice. “Have fun you too!”
Fun thought Bliss. Fun is the last thing I need…
“……. Yeah same here girl! I didn’t like the look of them either…….” said Jade.
“But Jade it’s not just that!” cried Bliss, tears coming to her eyes. “They hurt my brother! They could have killed him! And….. And knowing they’re still around just makes my stomach churn. Worst of all my dad doesn‘t even know and that just makes me feel worse. Cos, it‘s like the longer I put it off the harder it is to tell him….”
“Look, I know I’m giving the ‘Obvious Friend Advice’ but you really should tell him.”
“I know, I know……..”
“Help!”
“WHAT?!! Who said that?!!” Bliss nearly jumped out of her fur.
“D-Don’t know……. Lets check……” Jade bravely walked down the path, followed gingerly be her friend.
“Ooh! Ooow! Help, Help!”
“There it is again, Bliss! C’mon!” It would be no surprise if I were to tell you Jade was the braver of the two.
“Help me p-please!”
Jade was first to reach the source of the noise followed by the still slightly scared Bliss.
“Oh! I-It’s you!” Jade ran over to the injured wolf. “Tommy, isn’t it?”
Tommy tried to raise his head to nod but he couldn’t find the energy so he just muttered: “y - y-yeah……Ooow my head…..”
Bliss ran over and saw Tommy lying, with an injured leg, on the ground. “Oh my! Tommy! Um…. One of us should get a doctor……”
“I will.” sighed Jade. “I’ll be quicker. You just wait there Bliss.”
“Um… OK…” Bliss watched her friend run until she vanished from view.
So much for a heart to heart talk…..
Bliss had sat patiently waiting for Jade’s return. Bliss had full faith that her friend would return triumphant, but somehow her faith was beginning to fade…..
Oh Jade! Where are you, Jade?! thought Bliss, an image appearing in her mind: Jade, struggling to free herself from the undergrowth around her. Slowly coming loose, but not quick enough to avoid the pack of vicious wolves coming towards her. From then on out her imagination seemed to take over, casting visions of blood and gore into her mind. She shuddered at the thought of it.
Not long later Bliss was beginning to lose all hope in her friend. Sure, she could just leave but what about Tommy? He couldn’t survive alone out here for so long. He could starve or become parched or the attackers could come back…..
Bliss continued to debate with herself trying to decide what to do. First, she tried lifting Tommy; she managed to get a centimetre off the ground for a split second. Then she tried supporting him while he walked; he walked and inch per minute. After trying each one six or seven times more she had to give up on the whole idea of moving him at all.
After yet another hour Bliss gazed up at the sky, the sun was beginning to set and the sky beginning to darken. She yawned deciding that camping out here tonight was her best option. She could be at home now but at least she could protect Tommy if danger were to come.
Little did she know danger was looming…..