I had always been the weakest of them all. My body had not fully grown when I was within my mother, so I guess you could call me a pre-mature pup. That was my only weakness. That I wasn't as strong as the others. The pack leader knew this, and took great pity on me. He loved me like a father would a son, and I loved him all the same.

One harsh night, war was sparked between our pack and another. Our older pack members fought to the death, and we eventually won. Many losses harmed me, but none more so than the death of our leader. The alphess was supposed to take his rank, but she was afraid of all the horrible memories it would bring. As was everybody else in the pack. In the end, Tahl was chosen as leader.

Tahl was a ruthless leader. Everybody hated him and his ways of leader-ship. He took no pity on me, and that was what led to my down-fall. My wings were tired from flapping tons of sand to our borders. I hadn't slept for many months, and worst of all, I could barely feel my legs. I cried myself to sleep beside my mother most nights, all due to the pain. She did her best to soothe me, to calm me down. It was all she could do.

Finally, a storm blew through our pack. It destroyed months of hard labor, and Tahl demanded everything to be rebuilt, everything to be stronger than ever. He didn't loosen his demands on the youngest or weakest of pups either, and that included me.

One day, I just collapsed, dragging a four ton bag of sand towards the borders. I couldn't feel my left fore-leg, and I was frightened. The bag of sand was crushing me beneath its weight, and soon I began to let out hesitant cries. They remained unanswered for two days, before Tahl arrived, looking angrier than ever.

Fool!" he spat at me, wrenching away the torn bag of sand. "You can't even carry a bag of sand to the borders. Pathetic." I didn't even bother to point our that I'd been doing just that for many months now. Now that I think about it, I don't think I had the energy. "Well then--I'll send you off to some place where you can learn the proper strength to do so, eh?" He tipped his muzzle to the sky, and let out a shattering howl, one that makes me shiver to this day.

Only minutes later, arrived two enormous Unis arrived, ropes tied around their necks. With a flick of his tail, Tahl motioned to me. I tried to escape from the approaching Unis, but my legs were numb and I couldn't move. They snatched me up in a second, before tying their ropes around my neck and chest. I couldn't walk, so everytime they moved, I was dragged along, gritting my teeth with pain.

It took us three nights to finally arrive at the farm. I was thrown into a cage with three others. They looked as haggard as I did, only they were older, and could walk. I lay defenseless on the floor, staring at them through wide eyes. The brown one's eyes twinkled when he saw me, and he hastily offered me his soup. I quickly agreed, before I was fast asleep in the straw.

Morning came quickly. The one who had offered me soup the night before was nudging me anxiously in the side. "Kid, wake up, kid. It's time to work," he said urgently, helping me to my feet. My legs shook hesitantly, not wanting to support my weight. Finally they did, and I limped out after the older Lupe, tail dragging along the ground. We arrived at the ordering point, and I sat obediantly beside the brown Lupe, watching him for instructions. He remained silent, brown eyes fixed on something before him. I followed his gaze, before falling silent, watching a shadow Krawk thumb through a bundle of papers, before announcing the words that harm me to this day.

Welcome newcomers! This is not a place of fun, so don't try to make it that way. It is a place of labor and toil. Hear me? Labor and toil. Now, let me call this attendance sheet... Oric?" A responding 'here' came from out of the crowd, and then several more names were called. The Lupe beside me responded heavily when the Krawk called 'Lahk'. The Krawk continued running through the names, and he stopped on the name 'Naks'. His blue eyes studied the crowd, and he repeated the name. I looked up at Lahk, and he glanced down at me.

What's your name, kid?" he asked me quietly, and I responded quickly.

Sakn, sir," I said, and then he nudged me in the side, eyes widening.

Say here, kid! Say here!" he growled at me, before returning his attention to the Krawk. Confused by his words, I remained silent for a few more moments, before letting his words sink in.

Here!" I called, ears flattening against my head.

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