Merla watched him with interest. “Do you want me to tell you what happened?” she asked.

“No,” said the wolf.

Ignoring him, the raven said, “A complete bungle.” Once again she bobbed her head in self-agreement.

“I need water,” said the wolf.

“There’s a creek not far. Can you stand?”

Nashoba had to think about it. Then he made the effort the way he always did, by pushing down with his front legs. He rose a few inches, but the pain was so intense, he dropped down quickly.

“Try again,” said the raven.

Resting a moment to let the hurt subside, Nashoba thought about what he might do, could do. Taking a deep breath, he pressed upward with his rear legs, lifting his rump first. Then he shoved down using only his left front leg. Despite the searing pain, he started to rise, managing to get about six inches off the ground, then lost his balance and fell.

“I can’t stand,” he said, and gasped.

“Caw!” cried the raven. “You are a mess!”

Nashoba stayed still for a few long moments, breathing deeply. Telling himself there was no way to avoid pain, that he had to accept it, he made another effort to stand. He fell again.

“Pretty pathetic,” said Merla.

“Haven’t you anything better to say?” Nashoba muttered.

“I always tell the truth.”

“I don’t want to hear it!” cried the wolf.

“Caw!” answered the raven. “Creatures never want the truth about themselves, only others.”

“You are boring,” said Nashoba.

“Wisdom is always boring,” taunted the raven. “That’s why no one listens to it.”

Nashoba said nothing.

Merla remained in place, watching him.

After a while Nashoba said, “I need water.”

“Here,” said the bird. With that, she squatted, spread her wide black wings, and swept snow into the wolf’s face. Startled, Nashoba pulled back, only to realize what the bird had done. There was now a pile of snow before his nose. He stretched out his snout and lapped it up.

Then he said, “And something to eat.”

The raven bobbed her head a third time. “You’re very demanding,” she said.

Nashoba grunted.

“Be right back,” said Merla. “Don’t go anywhere!” With that, she spread her wings and flew away.

Nashoba, wondering at the bird’s sense of humor, had no idea where she was going.