Smoke on the Horizon

Season One, Episode Three of Reign of the Gods by Lynx!

"What's going on?"

I hear a yell.

I stifle a yawn, staggering out of the Te'Maer den.

Exhausted, I hadn't gotten much sleep the previous night.

"Smoke!" Someone else yells.

I look around wildly.

Smoke?

No.

No, no, no!

Smoke can only mean one thing.

"FIRE!" Someone screeches.

My breath is labored as I struggle to regain control of my thoughts.

"Calm down!" Me'tele yells. The pack is silent as we wait for him to continue.

"Who first spotted the smoke?" He asks.

A small pup steps forward. "I did." I don't know his name.

"Tre'ank, about what time did you see it?" Me'tele continues.

He thinks hard for a moment. "A few moments after sun-scorch."

"Today, correct?"

"Yes." Tre'ank replies.

He's respectful.

Too respectful.

My lips curl in disgust, what a brat.

"May I offer a suggestion?" My eyes widen as I hear the voice that haunts my nightmares.

"Yes, Si'nne?" Me'tele is surprised. We all are. He won't really listen, though. He'll just nod and flick his tail.

"I believe we should send out a search to investigate."

Me'tele nods.

"Then, once they return, we assess whether it's a big enough of a deal to move camp or not."

Me'tele flicks his tail.

My jaw is clenched for some reason at Me'tele's indifference, but I can't stop the words that burst out of me. "It's a good idea! You should listen to him!"

A shocked silence.

"Very well, then." Me'tele's voice is cold. "We will do as he says. I, Ar'oot, and Da'nou will go."

Si'nne nods, stepping back.

This time, not only are his eyes on my.

Everyone else's are, too.