The alpha trials (PREVIEW ONLY THE FIRST 3 CHAPTERS)

chapter 3

Andy opened her eyes in camp and sat up quickly. “It was all a bad dream! Iro’s not dead!” she exclaimed.
        “Andy,” said Danny, “no matter how many times you try that,”
        “It won’t work.” Finished Lilac, her yellow-green eyes glittering with annoyance.
        “Oh,” groaned Andy “I know. I just didn’t think this could ever happen.” Andy sighed sadly.
        “Come on. Let’s go to le funeral.” They walked down the forest path with all the other wolves. Andy hung back, hearing sniffles from some wolf. It was gin! Is she regretting what she’s done? Andy thought hopefully.
        “Oh, Spice! How awful it is that your father is dead!” Andy heard Tuuh’s rough voice.
        “Oh, he was such a great leader! I believe we should wait and grieve before I step up to the throne… On the other hand, we need a leader!” he snickered with sick delight.
        Oh, thought Andy. Practicing.  She walked back down the path to the burial grounds.

        A deep hole had been dug by IRO’s family. The dead leader’s body came by, carried by Allana the pack’s healer, Arianna the apprentice healer, timber, the hunter, and Ario, the gatherer. IRO’s shoulders were draped in a leafshawl, a ceremonial wrapping. These were used for putting around the dead, putting on the shoulders of a half grown who has been allowed to become a hunter, gatherer or healer.  
        “I would like to say a few words.” Gin stood on the high rock. “Our leader Iro was a great alpha. He will be missed. He was murdered in his cave at sunrise. And Tuuh and I know by whom.” Gin gazed around the clear space as Tuuh stepped up. Tuuh carried on the speech.
        “He was murdered by…” he paused dramatically before continuing, saying only one name. “Andrea.”