As the packs moved away from the end opposite the fire, Echosoul led the five other hunters to the end of the gorge. He dropped his prey down to hungry, trapped, wolves. A shew, two rabbits and a large white hare. Then Ashwind’s rabbit, vole and three birds, along with Larkstrikes hares and mice. Eventually the only prey left not in the gorge was the fox, Lunamoon had dropped the hare in already. The black wolf called down to the packs, “Hey, sorry, this is less of an expected prey. I caught it myself and yes it is definitely dead!” Yowls came back, grumpy and even slightly annoyed, “Just throw it down!” One howled aggressively to her. She threw down the large fox, the wolf who’d howled rudely to her, recoiled and bounced back, “What the fluff! Yikes! I see why you said all that, I'm sorry!” Lunamoon lifted her head in pride, the other packs must now think I'm definitely worthy of being a warrior! She yowled back down, “We’ll get the water now!” wait… she thought back to the words she'd just thought, other packs… and the old question of how to hunt for well over twenty wolves, Eastpack and Westpack! “Juniperleaf! Echosoul! Ashwind! Larkstrike! Mistforest! I have an idea!” The five other wolves looked up at Lunamoon, eyes questioning. Larkstrike half grinned, “last time you got an idea you got your cheek scratched!” “Well I'm sure the packs are glad of the fox-prey!” Lunamoon defended herself. Juniperleaf hit Larkstrike with her tail, “Go on, Lunamoon.” She dipped her head, as if saying thank you, ”Well, what if the fastest of us goes to ask Eastpack and Westpack for help! Remember, the packs keep to the Warrior Code, and the Warrior Code says you must help if a pack is in danger!” The listening wolves’ eyes lit up with understanding, “Lunamoon! That is the most brilliant thing any of us could ever possibly thought of this moon!” Echosoul praised his younger sister. Adding onto her plan he said, “Let's do a quick race to see who should go ask the other packs for help!”
“From the edge of the gorge to that fallen tree!” Echosoul flicked his tail to a fallen pine tree about thirty five tail-lengths away. “Ready,” the five others lined up, “3…2…1… Go!” At the signal, they shot off, Juniperleaf powered forward, overtaking Ashwind, who started fast but quickly slowed down. “For the packs!” She yowled and bounded off to the end again. Larkstrike was pushing himself hard to prove himself. Mistforest was swift and like Mistpack had given her hawks’ wings, Lunamoon was fast but quickly slowed, panting hard. Juniperleaf and Mistforest tide first place. Echosoul hobbled over to them as the five gathered back at the dusty clearing, “Dang! You are so fluffing fast! Well done! Okay, so, Juniperleaf and Mistforest go tell the packs ‘Southpack and Northpack are trapped in the gorge because of the forest fire. We've been trying to hunt and get water for them, but we need help.’ then say about the Warrior Code if they say no to helping!” They nodded and Mistforest said, “I’ll tell Eastpack, Juniperleaf tell Westpack.” she nodded again and then shot off in the direction of Eastpack, Juniperleaf going West. *Mistforest* She ran faster and faster, determined to help her new pack survive. The forest was a blur all around her, but her gaze stayed on the path she had to take. Run! Run, and don't slow down! Mistforest dashed on, streaking through the undergrowth. Trees flashed past her more thickly. Mistforest pushed herself to go faster, but, out of nowhere, the trees that were around her suddenly vanished as she burst into a clearing. She stumbled and half fell asleep the earth slipped from under her, the camp was in a shallow dip in the ground. Eastpack! Their gazes raked her, she knew she wasn't welcome. Agh, hit the floor pretty hard just then. She got up and looked around. What the heck? There are hardly any wolves! One, two…six…ten…fifteen! Dang! Well, it's better than none! Mistforest heard a light clatter of pebbles as Dawnstar rushed down from a ledge that led into a small cave. A strong wolf followed her paw for paw, their thick pelt grey with tinny flecks of silver due to age. Eastpack’s leader marches right up to Mistforest, “Why are you where?” She demanded, her words a sharp growl. Her pelt glowed as she padded around her, sniffing curiously, “you don't smell of any pack I know of!” Mistforest gazed steadily at her, “I have come on the behalf of Northpack and Southpack, they are in great need of help.”
