65

65
THE SPIES.
JASON.
It had been almost a week now since I had seen Clarissa, or my Grandma, at the pack it was from one problem, into another. It was winter now, and the air was as sharp as blades driven up your nostrils. Last night we had had a strategic meeting, where we decided how we would go about the recovering of our kidnapped Orhert. Because the Orhert was going to be hidden expertly it was suggested that we send a spy to the Fawnhide pack to determine the location of our Orhert, we needed to act as quickly as possible while the Orhert was still small and receptive. If perchance, we wasted to much time in gaining it back, it would become affiliated to the Alpha of the Fawnhide pack, and getting it back would become the most dangerous task in the world.
“I’ll do it.” Came Cleon’s firm and determined voice, “I’ll be the spy.” He continued.
“Er, Cleon? Can I talk to you privately for a minute?” I said and we both strolled out towards the backyard of the meeting hall.
“Cleon, I understand why you would want to do this, but you are a very vital point of our pack,” I drew a circle on the ground with a twig I picked up,
“If this Circle is the pack, then you’re here,” I drew a tiny dot at the center of the circle “At the very heart of the pack. I’m sorry, but I cannot let you go.”
Cleon’s face was expressionless, frigid like a rock that had taken a stand in thick mud. Nothing I said was withdrawing an iota of reaction from him.
“No, Jason. You don’t understand at all, “ He started, looking me fiercely in the eyes.
“My wife gave her life for that thing, the Orhert. Or, her life was taken away by it. And it’s over, she’s not coming back. What is not acceptable is the Orhert being Kidnapped! Or stolen, or even dying! I cannot let her life be in vain, it would all be stupid — the pain and the sacrifice. Now, with all due respect, I am going to do all I can to make sure that my wife did die for something, and nobody is going to stop me. I beg you Jason, do not try to stop me from doing what I have to do.”
“Cleon, I didn’t mean it that way, but, If you insist. I will support you till the very end.” The was no going back on my words, I was going to do this — for August, at least.
“Thank you Jason, I would really appreciate that.” He said.
Walking back into the meeting hall with Cleon at my back, I informed the people present of Cleon’s determination to be our spy, the meeting was a small one, we only invited those that had been tested and trusted and we were sure would never betray the pack.
“Brethren, I present to you Cleon, son of Austin. He has volunteered to go on a valiant mission of stealth for us to the Fawnhide pack, he is fully aware of the dangers involved and swears his unshakable allegiance to our cause. If there are no objections, he will be leaving by nightfall to Fawnhide.” I proclaimed and paused, indicating a call for suggestions but it was met with silence as the council murmured between themselves nodding at each other in affirmation of my suggestion.
“Okay then, Cleon, you have our full support, get ready to leave by nightfall, and if there’s anything you would need for your journey, make your requests and we would get them for you. Your basic necessities will be duly provided by Amy here, she’ll get abundant food and water for your long sojourning ahead of you. We would also provide you with a carrier to help you with your bundle, so you don’t tire out fast. Your carrier is to leave you at the boundary between us and Fawnhide, from then on, you are on your own. You cannot contact any of us all the way from there, or you will blow your cover and jeopardize the whole mission. Do you understand me?”
“I understand, Alpha. I promise to be cautious and have the pack’s best interest at heart.” Cleon said. And with that, the meeting was ended and Cleon went with Amy to get his bundle of food and water. I dispatched to him the swiftest carrier in our pack, incase there was any problem at the boundary.

CLEON:
As Jason and Joshua offered their support, a sense of purpose surged through me. I knew the road ahead would be treacherous, but I was resolute in my mission to find the kidnapped Orhert. This was my chance to honor August’s memory and ensure that her sacrifice had meaning.
With a determined nod, I bid them farewell and set off toward the Fawnhide pack, with the carrier trailing me, taking on the role of a spy. It was a four hour journey to the Fawnhide pack, and I was dressed like a merchant who had come a long way to scout for goods to add to my stock. I had my coat, and my pouch of money hidden behind my breast pocket to complete my disguise, I had my hair ruffled, so I looked like my journey had been a really long one.
The journey was filled with challenges and obstacles, my outfit attracted bandits and other lowlifes who wanted to kill me for my money but I remained focused on my objective, with my focus, I was able to get to my destination in less than four hours. I collected my bundle from the carrier and watched as he sped back towards our pack. I was on my own now. From the look of things, the security had been seriously tightened and as I reached the boundary, I was suddenly hijacked and blindfolded.
I awoke in a dark room, strapped in a chair. The only light coming in was from a warm yellow bulb that glowed dimly, the contents of my bag and pockets where scattered all over the floor and there was a group of three wolves peering into my face like I was a strange discovery.
“Sleepyhead, you’re finally awake.” One of the wolves with a chipped front tooth announced.
“Call Onias, the prisoner is awake.” The other said.
It was time to get my act together, to stitch my story tightly so there would be no place for doubt, if by mistake I aroused any suspicions, I was dead, they were going to kill me in the most terrible ways ever known.