Spirit of the Wolf

Gillian was bent over panting from the effort of the vaulting run he’d taken in the forest. Nothing compared to the feeling of moving at such speed. He would jump from stone to low hanging branch and then drop to the forest floor again in seamless motions. In a way, there was no better thrill than this for him.

A river cut across his path. It was far too wide to cross without swimming. Wet stones peaked above the rapid moving water as it moved in a harsh current. In the mid-day sun, the forest was saturated in golden rays of light turning emerald when trapped in the canopy of trees that stretched endlessly in both directions. The forest floor beneath was heavily shrouded in foliage and moss creating a mythic viridian landscape. 

A fine mist of water touched Gillian's cheeks while he marveled at the beauty before him. Glancing beyond the rapids to other side a quick movement stole his attention. Something like silver fur was there then gone just as fast. His heart arrested for a moment though he couldn't understand why. 

What could it have been? It was so fast. He waited a while seeking movement in the low brush hoping to see another glimpse. Just as he’d given up looking for it, the dash of silver appeared again. Gillian held his gaze steady and waited.

This time it did not vanish. He felt a sudden burst of excitement. The proud silver wolf looked on across the river directly into Gillian's eyes. The roar of the river rapids began to fade in the wake of sudden focus. Sunlight scattered across his vision in vivid rays deflecting off the water separating him from this powerful beast.

Slowly, the wolf stepped to the water’s edge keeping Gillian locked in its vision. He watched the beast lower down with intent and then burst into a run. It charged across the water as though it were solid. Against all imagining, it bounded over stones and waves with ease and grace. Gillian was transfixed unable to move as he watched.  

The wolf had found prey and was coming for him.

Gillian bellowed mightily in challenge as the creature hurtled into the air with jaws wide.

Gillian caught the beast as it snapped into his shoulder. They fell onto the damp shore. Pain and fury filled every pore of his being. He wrenched and writhed against this predator retaliating with all his strength. The wolf tore away at his body. As it snarled and growled Gillian fought through its paws to grip its throat in his fist.

They struggled and tumbled on the river bank in a wild skirmish. When Gillian finally held the wolf’s neck and squeezed to crush its windpipe, he found himself alone. It just suddenly disappeared. The shock of battle left him shaken and wary.

Gillian’s senses returned. Reaching for his wound he expected ragged flesh and bone. Instead, burned into his flesh was the image of the wolf.