44

“Why are you just lying here?” Merla screeched into Nashoba’s face. “The human is coming! He’s a lot closer than before.”

“I can’t move anymore.”

“You have to,” cried the raven, pecking the wolf’s nose. “You must!”

Nashoba struggled to gather whatever strength he had left. Pushing himself up on his paws, he took one hop-step forward, only to tumble over. From a distance came a burst of light, and then growling thunder.

“Caw!” screamed Merla, and leaped into the air.