FREEDOM

  Before dawn the next morning, Drak was already up, putting the final touches on his pack. He had slept another night in the barn with Nalli. She had been adamant about him staying close, and he hadn’t argued. In truth, he didn’t mind the arrangement. It felt like part of the new life he was about to step into.

  The previous evening had been a mix of planning and unexpected creativity. As Drak gathered supplies and pored over the map, tracing their route to Solace and The Scarhold, Nalli had turned her attention to the saddle. To his surprise, she had begun modifying it, tearing strips of leather from the remaining material and skillfully wrapping them around its crude frame. The transformation was remarkable. What had once been an ugly, functional contraption now held a rugged, tribal beauty to it.

  Drak had watched her work with fascination, admiring the deftness of her large hands and the way she instinctively knew how to make the saddle something more than just a means of transport. He’d commented on it, more than impressed. Nalli had merely grinned, flashing her sharp teeth, while pride hid behind her eyes. “My people have their own crafting arts,” she had said, as if it was no great feat.

  Now, morning had come, and with it, the culmination of what they were about to embark upon. The vineyard, the only life Drak had ever known, would soon be behind him. His heart pounded with excitement mingled with an inkling of fear. He was leaving. Really leaving. For how long? He had no idea.

  Drak finished rolling up his sleeping pad, the soft rustle of the fabric filling the quiet barn in the process. He carried it over to the saddle, along with a chaotic bundle of supplies. He’d collected rations, water skins, tools, essentials, and anything else he thought could be useful on the journey, and methodically strapped everything into place along the leather-wrapped frame.

  As his fingers trailed off the saddle, his thoughts drifted to the last few days. From finding Nalli, nursing her wounds, his trips to Tribute, the bandit attack, and to the completion of the saddle. It had all led to this moment. His journey was finally beginning, a path that had unfolded unexpectedly, and yet, felt inevitable. It was as if his parent’s departure had been a genuine act of fate. Yet the thought lingered, and a strand of familial string tugged at his heart…

  His parents.

  What would they think of him leaving?

  A pang of guilt washed over him. Jaemes and Dona relied on him to manage the vineyard. As they got older, they’d likely need him more, especially to help with the family business. He knew they had never supported his desire to leave, to see the world beyond the rolling hills of the vineyard; but, this was his chance, his opportunity to find the life he’d always craved.

  His uncle’s encouraging words echoed in his mind, When you go out there, when you take that step into the unknown, don’t hold back. Find your passion. Take risks. Don’t settle for what’s comfortable. His uncle had been right. The vineyard would always be there, but moments like this, chances like this, were fleeting.

  With a sigh, Drak crossed over to the workbench and sifted through its drawers until he found some parchment. He quickly scribbled a note to his parents, keeping it brief. He didn’t want to worry them, but they needed to know he’d be gone for a while.

  As he folded the note and tucked it into an envelope, Nalli watched him closely. “What are you doing?” she asked, her tone curious.

  “I’m just leaving a message for my parents,” Drak replied, sealing the envelope and scrawling their names on the front. He left it on the workbench and delicately touched it. It seemed like a final offering to his old life.

  Drak took a last glance at the letter, his eyes lingering on it for just a moment longer. It felt like a permanent goodbye. He’d return, someday, right? He straightened up, turning to Nalli with a determined nod. “I’m ready to go,” he said.

  Nalli's amber eyes greeted him as they flicked to the letter sitting on the workbench. “You don’t have to do this, you know,” she said, her voice quieter than usual. “Leave your den and kin behind? I can always take my chances, out there, alone. I wouldn't let it shadow our partnership. You've done enough already.”

  Drak shook his head, brushing her concern aside. “No,” he said firmly, moving to the saddle without hesitation. “I want to leave. I need to.” There was no doubt left in his mind from yesterday's decision.

  Drak hefted the large saddle over to Nalli, working together in silent coordination as they secured it in place on her back. It was noticeably heavier now with the added weight of their supplies, but Drak managed to tighten the straps, all the while making sure everything was still in place. Meanwhile, Nalli adjusted herself, testing the new weight by leaning her body and stretching her back. It was an inexperienced motion for both of them. The culmination of a single day of testing its capabilities; but, with each strap locked into place, Drak felt his nerves relax as he observed the saddle fit her securely.

  They were ready. This was it.

  Nalli knelt, making it easier for Drak to mount up. He climbed into the saddle, gripping the newly leather-wrapped frame as he had done the day before. Closing his eyes and taking a deep breath, Drak let the moment come to a resting conclusion in his chest. When he opened his eyes, Nalli was watching him, one of her big, bright, yellow eyes locked onto his.

  Drak met her gaze, then shook his head. He knew what she was thinking. “No,” he said softly but firmly. “I'm leaving, and you can't convince me to back down now.”

  A small, knowing smirk tugged at the corners of Nalli's jowls, and she let out a low, approving growl.

  Drak patted her shoulder, giving her the signal. “Let's go.”

  With a steady pace, Nalli rose and began to move, her large, powerful body gliding smoothly out of the barn for the last time. Drak sat tall in the saddle as they passed his house, the cozy and familiar sight of the vineyard slipping away behind them, but as they reached the roadway, Drak could feel the pull of the farmhouse.

  His gaze lingered for a moment longer, staring at the vineyard he had called home his entire life. He could see the outline of his parents' house, the window where his bedroom sat, and the fields they had tended for years. A part of him felt a tug of hesitation, the reality of everything he was leaving behind pressing against his chest. He'd never imagined actually leaving this place, embarking on a journey into the unknown.

  Nalli, sensing his pause, glanced back at him, her yellow eyes studying his expression. “Are you sure, Drak?” she asked quietly, her voice a low rumble beneath the dawn's quiet.

  Drak blinked, snapped out of his thoughts. He gave her a crooked smile, though it was tinged with last-minute uncertainty. “Yeah, I’m sure,” He gave her neck fur a small pat before stating in a boisterous tone, “Besides, mighty direhound, you need me.”

  Nalli huffed softly, but there was a warmth in her amber eyes. “Mittapuk—Don’t let your head get too big, softpaw. I could have done this alone, but... I’m glad you're with me.” Her eyes flicked back toward the road. “You make for decent company.”

  Drak chuckled at her use of the term soft-paw, feeling the nervousness slip away as he took ownership of the word in his head. He appreciated her honesty, even if she tried to veil it with her gruff exterior and constant taunting. “Just decent, huh? I’ll take it.”

  They shared a quiet moment, the vastness of the journey ahead looming between them. Nalli shifted slightly beneath him, the muscles in her large body tensing with restrained energy. She was ready to go, to push onward to her mission.

  Drak pointed toward the horizon. “Alright, no turning back. We’re heading East.”

  Nalli’s ears flicked forward, her gaze following his gesture. She sniffed the air, nostrils flaring as she took in the morning scent on the wind. “Mm,” she hummed. “Where the great sun rises. Fitting for a new journey such as this.”

  Drak adjusted himself in the saddle, leaning forward with a determined look. “We’ll get there with haste, Nalli.”

  Nalli’s eyes narrowed slightly, a smirk playing at the edges of her muzzle. “You’ll have to hold on tight, then, because once I start—I won’t wait for you if you fall.”

  Drak grinned, gripping the saddle’s frame a bit tighter. “Wouldn’t have it any other way.”

  With a powerful surge forward, Nalli strode down the road, her massive paws hitting the dirt with a rhythmic thud. The vineyard and house gradually disappeared behind them, replaced by neighboring farms and endless stretches of open land. As they marched, Tribute gradually faded into the distance to the south. Its glistening metal buildings, towering walls, and the occasional airship overhead blurred into a distant, shimmering haze. The sun was slowly inching its way into the sky, warming the earth and gradually melting away the morning frost before them.

  Drak felt the cool morning wind whip through his hair, the adrenaline of the ride already sending his heart racing. He glanced down at Nalli, her expression focused, ears pricked forward as they headed toward the unknown. He knew she had her mission, something deeply personal. Something that she hadn’t shared all the details of, yet. He trusted her, though. They had come this far together, and Drak felt like he was finally where he was meant to be.

  He leaned forward again, speaking over the wind. “Do you have any questions? You know, about anything?”

  Nalli’s eyes flicked to the side, meeting his for just a second before focusing back ahead. “I do not. Right now, I just wish to gain lost time.”

  That, Drak could understand.

  He smiled, nerves and excitement full to the brim in his chest. As the horizon stretched out before them, the road winding toward distant plains, he couldn’t help but feel that this was just the beginning of something far bigger than he had ever imagined.

  Together, Drak and Nalli moved eastward, the sun rising higher with each step. They were no longer separate identities. Now, they were partners, braced for whatever awaited them beyond the horizon.

  ***

  The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.

  Drak and Nalli hadn’t been on the road for more than a few hours, the countryside stretching wide beneath them as Nalli’s steady gait guided them forward. With Drak seated securely in the saddle, the world felt larger and more vast than ever before.

  This was the furthest Drak had ever traveled from home. Even the great city of Tribute now felt like a distant memory compared to the road ahead. His mind whirled with thoughts of all the sights and sounds they’d encounter on their journey. It was thrilling, but also overwhelming.

  Nalli, on the other hand, remained focused, navigating the eastern-bound road with ease, her paws gliding over the well worn terrain. Every so often, they passed other travelers, the quiet hum of daily life broken by the sight of the odd pair. People stared openly. Some with piqued curiosity, others with extreme caution. Seeing a direhound handler and servant pair out here, far from the city, was unusual for the country folk, and their consistent, narrow-eyed leering disquieted both Drak and Nalli.

  As they approached another set of travelers, Drak leaned forward slightly, tapping Nalli's neck with his fingers. “Try not to stare so much,” he muttered. “And, uh, maybe stop growling at every human we pass. You’re making them nervous.”

  Nalli’s ears twitched, and she grumbled under her breath, casting a sidelong glance at the passing group. “Hard not to,” she replied, her voice low. “They keep staring at me. Like they’ve never seen a direhound before.” She huffed. “I made an exception for you, Drak, but most humans are trouble.”

  Drak smiled, though a bit uneasily. “Yeah, well, we’re supposed to be blending in. Maybe let’s not try and draw more attention to ourselves?”

  Nalli let out a reluctant snort but kept her eyes on the road. Drak could feel the shift in her focus, whether she admitted it or not, she was trying just a little harder not to find reasons to growl.

  He couldn’t blame her. Both of them were uneasy in the new roles they were now playing.

  As they traveled further east, the landscape unfurled before them, vast and untamed. To their left, the Frostspire Mountains loomed like ancient monoliths in the north, their jagged peaks cutting into the sky like snow-covered spikes. They moved slowly alongside, casting continent-sized shadows as the morning light crept higher. Rivers meandered through the valleys below, their waters shimmering in the sun. Occasionally, they would come upon a bridge, the wood creaking beneath Nalli’s immense weight as they crossed. Here, the air was crisp, carrying the pleasant scent of damp earth and harvest crops, though the road itself was dry, dust kicking up beneath Nalli's paws.

  The beauty of the countryside was breathtaking. Every so often, Drak caught sight of a rabbit or a fox, disappearing into the thicket. In the distance, wild game darted across the fields. Deer with slender legs leaped gracefully through the grass, while smaller creatures scurried away at the mere sight of the direhound. Nalli’s predatory eyes locked onto the movements of the various game darting through the underbrush, her ears swiveling to catch every faint rustle and crackle of leaves. Her muscles tensed with instinctive readiness, every fiber of her being yearning to give chase. Yet, despite the primal urge surging through her, she forced herself to hold back.

  As they neared the halfway point in their journey to Solace, the day had become long and tiresome, and Drak’s body began to protest. His rear and lower back ached, and his legs and shoulders felt stiff from balancing in the saddle. He shifted awkwardly, trying to find a more comfortable position, but each jolt of Nalli’s stride made his backside more sore. The constant motion was something he wasn’t used to, and the strain was beginning to sap his energy. His eyelids drooped, his thoughts becoming sluggish.

  He straightened in the saddle, stretching his back and rubbed his eyes to keep himself awake. He needed a distraction. Glancing down at Nalli, something caught his attention; the hair on her head, still streaked with its faint purple traces. He’d noticed it before, but never had the chance to ask.

  Now would be a good time to learn a bit more about her, he mused.

  “Hey, Nalli,” Drak began, his voice cutting through the quiet, “I’ve always wondered… your hair—it's got that purple tint to it. Do direhounds from the Nightmoon Veil do that as some kind of tradition or something?”

  Nalli's ear flicked back toward him, and a small snort escaped her in a puff of amusement. “Tradition? Hardly,” she said, her voice laced with a hint of mockery. “I do it myself. Crush some berries in my claws, streak it through my head-fur with a bit of water. Simple enough.”

  Drak raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Really? So why do you do it? Something about it matching your nose?”

  Nalli chuckled, her chest vibrating beneath him as she walked. “Well, that’s part of it,” she admitted. “When I first did it, I thought it was fun. My nose has always been purple, so why not the hair too? It felt like my own… I apologize, I cannot think of the human word…”

  Drak nodded along, still curious. “Style, perhaps? But if it's not tradition, what made you start?”

  Nalli nodded but was silent for a moment, her eyes narrowing as she looked down the road ahead. “I was young and my father didn’t approve of it. He told me not to do it—said it made me look ridiculous, not proper.”

  “So you did it anyway,” Drak guessed with a grin.

  She snorted again, this time louder. “I did. I wasn’t going to be controlled by anyone. Not even him. I’ve been streaking it since then. It’s not for tradition, Drak. It’s for me. To solidify my identity, to remind myself I won’t be told who to be.”

  Drak let her words sink in, smiling to himself. “Suppose that makes sense. It's… bold. Suits you.”

  Nalli grinned, her teeth flashing briefly. “Bold, hm? Maybe. Or maybe I just don’t care what others think.”

  As the day wore on and Solace crept closer, Drak's mind drifted between the scenery, their conversation, and the growing sense that his life was changing with every step Nalli took beneath him. Her words had sunk in to him, helping him see the vast differences between their worlds, and Drak felt a deep appreciation for the clarity it brought. In that moment, the aches and pains of the ride seemed more bearable now, knowing he wasn’t the only one with something to prove.

  The golden afternoon sun continued to bask the countryside as time stretched onward, its quiet peacefulness uninterrupted. Drak’s eyes scanned the horizon, and in the distance, he caught a glimpse of lazy, thin trails of smoke and steam rising into the sky. His pulse quickened; they were nearing Solace.

  He reached into his satchel and pulled out the map, awkwardly unfolding it while trying to balance against the gentle rocking of Nalli’s stride. His fingers traced the winding road they were on, his brow furrowing as he squinted at the finer details. Fighting against the jolts and movements beneath him, he could still make out their route. They’d made good time, and barring any delays, they would arrive just before sunset.

  Drak glanced down at Nalli, tapping her gently on the neck to get her attention. “We’re almost there,” he said, nodding toward the distant plumes of smoke. “Just over that ridge, see?”

  Nalli’s ears swiveled forward, her gaze following the line of his finger toward the town. Her pace slowed and her eyes narrowed slightly, and after a moment, she reached up and began to scratch at the fur beneath the old control collar. Her confidence waned as she looked at the distant horizon with uncertainty.

  “I’m not sure what to do once we get there,” she admitted, her voice quiet. Nalli’s discomfort was obvious, and she shifted her weight nervously.

  Drak leaned forward, patting her shoulder with a reassuring hand. “It’ll be fine. Just stay close, don’t draw too much attention, and we’ll be in and out before you know it. The less of a scene we make, the better.”

  Nalli exhaled slowly, nodding in reluctant agreement. “I still don’t like it. Too many eyes—and worse—too many humans.”

  “We’ll be careful,” Drak said, his tone calm but firm. “We just need to find Watson Irongear, drop off the letter, and we'll get out of there.”

  He folded the map and tucked it away, replacing it with the folded letter from his uncle. The address was scribbled clearly on the front, though Drak realized he had no idea where it might be within Solace. He studied the name for a moment, frowning. His plan wasn’t complicated, but poking about in a busy town still carried some risks.

  “I think I’ll just ask around once we get there. Someone’s gotta know where Irongear lives,” he muttered, more to himself than to Nalli. He tucked the letter back into his pack and sat back in the saddle, his eyes set on the wisping trails of smoke on the horizon.

  Nalli's gaze lingered on the rising steam in the distance, and she adjusted her posture as if preparing herself for what lay ahead. She pressed on with her reservations in check, her heavy paws striking the road with determination.

  As they traveled along the road, Drak filled the quiet air with explanations on how a typical direhound servant should behave under a handler’s care. He was grateful that his readings at the Tribute Memorial Library had proven more useful than he first thought. His voice was measured, and he was careful with his words, not wanting to alarm her or make her feel any more uneasy than she already did. He explained, to the best of his knowledge, the dynamics of human and direhound pairs. About how a direhound was expected to remain obedient, to follow commands without hesitation, and to never openly challenge their handler. A well-trained direhound spoke only when spoken to, kept their gaze lowered in the presence of other humans or superiors, and never strayed too far unless given explicit permission.

  He elaborated further, describing the unspoken rules that governed interactions between direhounds and humans. Displaying too much independence, hesitating before following an order, or showing signs of defiance could draw suspicion. Even something as minor as walking ahead of a handler instead of slightly behind could be seen as a sign of poor discipline. Humans expected their direhounds to project strength when needed, particularly in combat, but never to the extent that it made their masters feel out of control. Last, how in most circumstances a direhound’s main purpose was to serve, to be a tool of their handler’s will, not an individual with their own ambitions.

  He tried to frame it as practically as he could, but he could feel Nalli growing tense beneath him. Her ears flicked back in quiet agitation, and the twitching in her shoulders illuminated her discomfort. Still, he pressed on, knowing it was necessary. Drak finished his speech with what he thought was reassurance. “Basically, so long as you listen to what I say and don’t question it, we shouldn't run into any problems.”

  A low, dissatisfied rumble vibrated through her chest, but she said nothing. Drak wasn’t sure if that was a good or bad sign.

  Then, Nalli’s posture shifted, her steps slowing as his words sank in. She could feel her fur bristling. Every time he spoke about the “rules” or “expectations” of a direhound servant, it gnawed at something inside her. The feeling of rebellion that had long smoldered deep within her flared up. Eventually, she halted completely, her shoulders slumping as she stared down at the dusty road beneath her feet.

  “Drak,” she said, her voice heavy with frustration and exhaustion, “I need you to understand something. This… all of this. It’s taking a lot from me.” She glanced back at him, her golden eyes glinting with emotion. “I feel like a slave, and I hate it. I know what you’re telling me is necessary for our success and survival. But, I just need you to promise me… this handler-servant ilisimaik—will only be as-needed.”

  Drak sat quietly for a moment, feeling the emotion in her words settle in his chest. He hadn’t fully considered how suffocating this might be for her, even though Drak could tell she had been struggling since he had first pitched the idea days ago. He had asked so much of her already, and now this was pushing even further against her sense of independence. The last thing Drak desired was Nalli's resentment towards him.

  He sighed deeply, rubbing the back of his neck before speaking. “Nalli… I don’t want you to feel this way, believe me. I know this isn’t easy, and I’m sorry if I made it seem like I was... forcing you into something you don’t want. We’ll only pretend when we have to, I promise. You’ve got my word.”

  Nalli’s ears remained pinned back, but her eyes searched his face for any sign of manipulation. She gave a small nod, acknowledging his words.

  Nalli continued walking, and just as the tension between them began to ease, the road curved, revealing a broader view ahead. In the distance, the town of Solace came into view, its chimneys spewing thin plumes of smoke and steam. They were almost there.

  As Solace drew closer on the horizon, the warm glow of the setting sun behind them bathed the landscape in hues of gold and amber. The soft hum of life from the distant town was faint, but it gave Drak a sense of nearing something new and mysterious.

  Nalli’s pace picked up as she sniffed the air, catching the rich scent of humans and the town ahead.

  Drak shifted in the saddle, stretching his stiff back and rolling his sore shoulders. The day had been long, and the unfamiliar motion of riding had taken its toll on him, but he felt a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. He was riding on Nalli’s back and traveling toward an uncertain future, but for the first time in his life, he felt like he was finally doing something that mattered. It was worth every bit of discomfort.

  He touched Nalli’s shoulder, his hand resting on the coarse fur just below her neck. “That’s it, just ahead,” he said softly, more to himself than to her.

  Nalli rolled one her ears back toward him but didn’t say anything, her focus still on the path ahead. She could feel the tension between them had lessened after their discussion, and while things were still unsettled, she appreciated the promise of his effort.

  After a quiet moment, she spoke, her voice thoughtful. “You know, soft-paw, you remind me of a direhound pup from my home—just hanging on, trusting me to carry you along.”

  Drak let out a small laugh, surprised by the comparison. “A pup, huh? Don’t know if I should feel flattered or embarrassed.”

  Nalli rumbled with amusement. “You should feel honored. For pups, it is a sign of trust. I don’t let just anyone cling to my back.”

  Drak grinned, settling back into the saddle a little more comfortably. “Well, I guess that makes me a lucky human, then.”

  The road grew quieter as the last stretch before the town unfolded before them. The sky above had reddened, the sharp sun against their backs as it kissed the edge of the western horizon. The smell of leaves and distant woodsmoke filled the air, and for a brief moment, the world felt peaceful.

  As they reached the outskirts of Solace, where the wild fields gave way to scattered farmhouses and faint lantern lights from the town ahead, Drak looked down at Nalli, his heart warmed by the moment. “Thanks for letting me come along. I know you could have just left me behind. This hasn’t been easy for you.”

  Nalli’s ears twitched, and for a second, her tough exterior softened just a little. “I could say the same to you, Drak. We are both out of step with the rhythm of our hunt.”

  Drak smiled as he pondered her phrase over. “Yeah, but somehow… I think we’ll figure it out.”

  The town of Solace loomed just ahead, but in that quiet moment, as the two of them traveled together under the setting sun, there was a sense that they were no longer alone in the journey.

  And despite everything, that in itself, was enough to carry them forward into Solace.

  Vine & Fang? Feel free to rate the story and follow the author for future updates!

  A

  AkKalajuks – Ants

  Anniasuitik – Shaman of Medicine

  Anirnaq – The First Direhounds

  Anirniq – Soul

  Anga – Yes

  Atsinguak – Gift

  Auka – No

  I

  Ijik – Eye(s)

  Ikialuit! – Damnit or damn you, depending on phrasing.

  Ilisimaik – Craziness

  Ipatsik – Understand

  Ipvit – You

  K

  Kaijuuti – Coyote Tribe

  Kakiannangituk – Unpleasant

  Kavinguak – Much noise

  Kulgoskarrik – A lizard, known for dropping its tail when frightened with a sudden loud burst

  Kutsutak – Yellow

  Kuviasotikak – Ridiculous

  M

  Mitappuk(s) – Joke(s)

  N

  Nakummek – Thank you

  Nalligik – Love(s)

  Nokel-katantik – Honorable

  Nuni Lunikk – Moon Mother

  Nunivak – Pick berries

  Nutaqq – Child

  O

  Omajualuk – Monster

  P

  Paunngak – Berries

  Pattangaititsik – Protecting

  Piujuk – Good

  Piunngituk Silatsuak – Bad Earth

  Pijagia-keh – Different

  Pilluak – Smart, clever, skillful

  Pitsatujuk – Powerful

  Q

  Qilakpaangut – sky-eyed wanderer who flies like a startled birdling

  Qimmit – Dog (or like a dog)

  S

  IkKumanngituk – Stupid

  Siku – Ice

  Siitani – Star cycles, or revolutions around the sun

  Sungittotanuk – A symbol

  T

  Tatannamek – Amazed / How Fascinating!

  Takutsuapuk – Kindness

  Tatsika Napattulik – The Darkened Forest

  Tillia-Kattak – Vermin (More than one meaning?)

  Tikatsiak – Strong twine

  U

  Ukalik – Hare

  Ukausik – Language of Direhounds

  Ukiuq – Winter

  Ullak – Morning

  Nalligik-Paunngak Kutsutak-Ijik (Nalli) – Love(s) Berries Yellow-Eyes

  Akkitu-kumik Taggana-Tak (Umbra) – Soft-Scratch Shadow-Side

  (Uvaguk or Uvak)-kaik sollu pitsiak. Pik sivo-ganik – (We or I) Come as kin. Do not fear.

  Sakkik sollu pitsiak! Ipvut napaq kunulik… Amarik! – Appear as kin! But stand with… enemy!

  Qamut qimmit! Pilluq! – Cowardly dogs! Move!

  Sunas pait mittsikappuk, atiq? – What is your real/true name?

  Nuti Nannguk Kunnak – Great Fault of Kunnak

  Takutsuapuk aje atsinguak – Kindness is a treasure

  Vine & Fang posted for free reading. Redistribution prohibited.