Prone To Wander (rough draft)

Chapter Nineteen

Ruben made his way down slowly, and once on the ground, walked over to the new dog. He stopped only a few steps from one of the massive fore paws, took a breath, and turned his face away. Akadi stretched his nose toward the squirrel, and began sniffing. The investigation only ended when Jacob and Quinn climbed down the tree and ran past, distracting the dog for moment.

Arkadi turned again to see Ruben waiting calmly, “You're not going to try to run?”

“Of course not, we made a deal. Now, if you go back to the stream you should be able to pick up the trail and follow it to the den.”

Ruben had grown quite accustomed to Niki's sniffing, and even being licked, but she had never put her teeth on any of the squirrels. He forced himself to stay his ground as Arkadi's jaws opened, expecting them to clamp down, and trap him inside. Instead, the teeth carefully gripped his belt, lifting him from behind.

Though he was grateful to not be between the great jaws, it was uncomfortable being carried by his belt. So he was glad when the dog set him down beside the stream. He took the chance to stretch and then looked up, unsure of why he'd been released.

“I can't track properly with you right under my nose,” Arkadi grumbled.

Ruben's ears pinned and the fur on his tail bristled, “What does that mean for me?”

“It means you'll have to walk. Just remember not to run... if you break the deal, I will too.”

Since he was allowed to finish the trek on his own paws, Ruben was able to show Arkadi straight to the den. At the entrance the dog paused, sniffed the air and whined. “The puppies,” he said quietly.

“Yes, I'm sorry I didn't think to tell you, she started whelping this morning.”

“Well, then she must be hungry,” Arkadi muttered, and Ruben suddenly found himself gripped between the dogs teeth. He was unharmed, but held fast.

As he entered, Arkadi saw his mate, carefully cleaning the newest edition to the litter. He didn't notice that there was another squirrel, and Kalah hid in the shadows before she could be spotted. Niki's gaze shifted to the approaching figure, and she snarled before realizing who he was.

Ruben was promptly dropped between his friends paws. He shook himself, but no avail, the poor squirrel was coated in drool. Niki glared at her mate.

“What? I brought it for you, aren't you hungry?”

“Not hungry enough to eat a friend,” was the reply, and she took a moment to clean Ruben off.

Arkadi didn't seem to care that his gift had been rejected. He stretched out beside his mate, pushing his great muzzle in among the new puppies. He sniffed them all, he licked every face, and he gave a contented sigh. He was surprised to have the happy moment intruded upon by the little squirrel, who came and sat beside his paw.

“If you'd like,” Ruben said, “I could get that collar off for you.”

The dog looked to his mate, “Let him, and be kind. I won't have you hurting him or any of the others.”

That was enough for Ruben, he didn't wait to be formally invited. He scrambled up, and finding that the buckle had slid 'round, perched on Arkadi's huge shoulders as he worked at the thread on the collar. It didn't take much, the weight of the chain caused the thread to unravel once it was broken, and the whole thing dropped to the floor of the den with a thud.

With his work done, Ruben hopped back down. He stopped to admire the puppies, five fluffy bundles, all whimpering and squeaking in a pile. It took him off guard, when Niki nudged him closer to the litter, but he didn't object. He placed a paw on one of the little heads, they were little in comparison to their parents, but they were already twice the size of the squirrel.

“Thank you,” he said to Niki and Arkadi, as he turned to go. He stopped near the entrance and waited however, when he noticed Kalah was following him.

When the two squirrels returned to camp, they were greeted by the others with a whirlwind of questions. Everyone wanted to know first and foremost, if Niki and the puppies were doing well. Their next concern was primarily, whether or not Arkadi could be trusted.

“It seems he doesn't care to be friends,” Ruben admitted, “But I doubt he'd risk upsetting Niki.”

“You mean he's not nice?” Malaki asked.

“Well, he's just not friendly. He was true to his word though, he didn't hurt me... chances are everything will work out. Still, it wouldn't hurt to be cautious around him, for the moment.”

“How cautious?” Quinn asked, pointing past Ruben.

Everyone turned to see the newcomer strolling up to them. Arkadi sat, gave a kind of huff, and looked down at Ruben. “Niki said you were getting something for her, when I went after you. Whatever it was, she still wants it.”

“Yes, of course,” Ruben started to leave, but turned back. “As long as you're here, you could meet everyone.”

“Don't worry, I was told about the rules. I can live without hunting squirrels or raccoons, no need to get personal. Though from what I'm told you've been surprisingly helpful so... thank you.”

The dog didn't linger, he got back to his paws and trotted away. Since he wasn't heading towards the den, the others guessed he was most likely going hunting. Despite his apparent willingness to follow the rules, no one felt like venturing out of camp while he was on the hunt. Ruben thought it was most likely safest for him, since Arkadi was sure to recognize him if they crossed paths. So, he went on his own to gather more mint for Niki.

The turf had been turned up where the chase had started, meaning the mint patch was easy to find this time. Ruben managed to tuck a number of leaves into an empty pouch, and carried the rest. When he arrived back at the den, he found Niki half asleep while the newborns were nursing. He set the mint down between her paws, saying, “I heard you still wanted these.”

She came awake at the announcement, said a polite “thank you” and lapped up the little leaves. Ruben stayed awhile. He was glad to keep his friend company, and also curious to know more about her mate.

“He wasn't mean was he?” Niki asked, when Ruben mentioned Arkadi's visit to the camp.

“No, not mean. Cold maybe. I get the impression he doesn't like us.”

“Give him a little time. Believe it or not, he has a soft heart underneath the ice.”

It was at that moment that Arkadi returned to the den, with a pheasant hanging limp in his jaws. Ruben felt oddly reassured by the sight of the slain bird. He had been between those same teeth, and the dog had released him unharmed, despite the fact that he was obviously a capable hunter. Nevertheless, he didn't care to stay while the dogs ate, so he said his goodbyes and made his way to camp.

Malaki practically ran up to his uncle upon his return, asking, “Uncle Ruben, can you take me to see the puppies now?”

“We'd better not, the dogs are eating. Niki might not be much for hunting, but her mate seems to do a good job.”

“But, when can I see the puppies?” Malaki begged.

Ruben smiled at him, “We'll go sometime tomorrow. After Niki's had a chance to rest.”

The young squirrel seemed content with that answer, and ran off to where his brother and sister were playing some kind of game with the raccoon kits. Ruben watched for a moment, enjoying the sight. None of the pups were afraid of the raccoons now. They chased, and pounced, and laughed, all of them having a grand time. Cavan tried to get his “uncle” to join in, but he told the kit he was too tired.

“I'll bet you're tired,” Quinn said as he approached. “It's been quite the day.”

Ruben didn't reply, he did however slump over against the raccoon and fall asleep. Quinn scooped him up, and carried him to one of the nests, where they'd all been bunking at night. Jacob saw and came over to check on his brother.

“He fell asleep standing up,” Quinn said. “I just thought he'd be more comfortable over here.”

Jacob sighed in relief, “I think the only one of us who could be more tired than him, is Niki. He deserves some rest.”

So they both left, and settled the youngsters, so Ruben could get some undisturbed sleep.