The doe paused to sniff at something below a thorn bush There was a flicker of movement as a baby deer rose on wobbling legs Quinn gasped It was still winter and it was early for the doe to have a fawn But there was no denying what she was seeing Isn’t it beautiful Quinn mind-messaged Ula So tiny Ula nickered anxiously What is it girl Quinn asked Danger Heading this way Ula replied Quinn tensed She spotted a gray wolf nose down It sniffed the doe’s trail as it glided stealthily closer Quinn scanned the forest She spied another wolf and another creeping toward the doe from different directions Their coats were shaggy and dirty Their ribs were easy to see as if they hadn’t eaten for ages We have to do something Quinn whispered The thought of taking on three huge wolves was daunting But Quinn couldn’t leave the doe and her baby to their fate Before she even had time to stand the wolves leaped into the clearing and surrounded the young mother and her baby Their lips were curled and their backs raised They growled menacingly The doe was too petrified to move Let’s show them what we’re made of Quinn mind-messaged Ula You’ve got it Ula replied as her magic whirled out from her ruby
horn Quinn fought every desire she had to turn and flee She ran straight for the wolves waving her arms and shouting Ula was right beside her Out of the corner of her eye Quinn saw the doe nudge her baby Then they were off
Go on get Quinn yelled at the wolves Get out of here Beside Quinn Ula twisted this way and that alternately aiming her hooves then her horn at the wolves With frightened yelps the wolves tucked their tails between their legs and bolted And don’t come back Quinn shouted after them excited from her victory though her hands trembled Ula snorted Quinn rushed to comfort her That was scary Ula mind-messaged Quinn It sure was Quinn replied Come on girl Let’s go Suddenly the hair on Quinn’s neck pricked She felt like she was being watched Thinking it might be the wolves returning she spun around scanning the trees She couldn’t see anything I must have imagined it she thought Quinn mounted Ula as Ellabeth cantered up on Fayza Look what I caught Ellabeth said flashing a string of silver fish at Quinn Alda’s going to be happy with me How did you do Quinn held up her meager collection of withered yams and greens Not much food but I do have an exciting story to tell you said Quinn Ellabeth’s eyes lit up Well what is it she asked Ula and I rescued a doe and her fawn from wolves Quinn said Wolves Near Keydell Ellabeth asked
