Aot Scout Novels & Stories

“What symbol?” The scout hesitated, then said, “A broken flame. Carved into leather.” My breath caught. Kael. It had to be. Draven exchanged a glance with me, his jaw set. “Get every patrol leader in position,” he said. “And prepare the eastern defenses. Quietly. No full alarm unless they breach.” The scout nodded and ran. Auren looked at both of us, sensing the shift in the air. “What’s happening?” I knelt and brushed the hair back from his face.

Several large wolves trailed behind them, their legs shaky from covering such a large distance in such a short period of time. The scout squad had more than a dozen members when they first went out on their assignment. Three of them have returned as of right now. Gord took a deep breath, fixed his gaze on the largest tent in the camp, and then moved quickly in its direction. As they opened the tent door, the two cyclops guarding it gave a sarcastic sneer. The instant the door shut, Gord was met with the stare of multiple unfriendly eyes. There were four males in the space, gathered around a rectangular table.

The howl echoed through the forest, sharp and urgent. Dale and Juke sprint toward the sound. The undergrowth cracked beneath their feet as the scent of blood hit their nostrils. Dale’s chest tightened as the sound grew louder, more desperate. “There,” Juke said, pointing to a figure slumped near the base of an old oak. An injured scout, his fur matted with blood, shifted weakly into his human form. “Arif’s wolves,” the scout rasped, his voice hoarse. “Near the border... rallying.”

The pants were a little tighter than he would have liked but he looked badass as he slipped his knives and hostlers into their places. “Ok, first we go to the waterfall and find the scent, watch for marks from our scout, he may still be tracking. Albwin you will be our head scout Callum will watch our backs. It will take an hour to reach the waterfall. If you see anything suspicious let us know. Even if it's just a dead rodent or you think it's nothing do not check it on your own. Report back.” Archie commanded Callum nodded and turned on his heel to scout behind them as Albwin melted into the trees ahead of them. Archie nodded at Torin and they headed out.

He said and my hopes fell. I wished for one or two or three of their camps to be spotted so I could go over there and crush those traitors in my keratin claws. “Okay, Carlot. Arrange a meeting with the Council members once the Scouting team for the north returns.” I instructed and Carlot dismissed himself without a word. Why is he so… never mind.

The truth sits heavy, like a stone in my gut. If I can’t reach her, someone loyal to Arlo will have to carry a message. Someone who can be persuaded. By coin, by fear, or both. A twig snaps and I drop into a crouch, body melting toward the sound, careful to let the wind keep my scent behind me. Through the underbrush I spot him. A scout in Hollow-black leathers, lanky and young. His hand rests on his dagger like it’s a talisman, not a tool.

This is the time to bring them back. Suddenly, I heard footsteps approaching, I turned quickly. It was three of the scouts I had sent to get more information for me. They looked worn out and dirty as if they had been living in the woods. They dropped to one knee the moment they reached me. “Speak,” I said. The first scout lifted his head. “Alpha, we found markings near the outer ridge.” “What kind of markings?” He hesitated. “Symbols carved into the earth. It was deep and intentional.”

What could possibly be delaying them? A sharp knock at the door broke his reverie. A young sentry stepped in, breathless. “Alpha Thane,” he said, bowing. “The delegation from the Heartwood forest has returned. They await admittance in the courtyard.” Thane straightened immediately. “Bring them in. Now.” Minutes later, the grand doors opened, and three familiar figures stepped in, cloaked in dried leaves, dust, and the scent of long travel. Aurora, chief scout, moved with feline grace despite her weariness. Her braid was half-unraveled, and there was a streak of green across her jaw where a low-hanging branch must have struck her.

It sounded like a lot of extra work. “What made you want to switch? You have a high standing as a warrior already, aren’t you technically starting over in rank with the Scouts?” I asked curiously. Ethan nodded but shrugged good-naturedly. “Technically yeah but I want the challenge, not to mention being a Scout is a little more exclusive in pack ranks. Sometimes other packs ask for Scouts to aid them as not all packs have Scouts anymore.” I nodded in understanding as I could see the appeal of it. My former pack, Ravenfield, was renowned for our elite squad of Scouts. Unfortunately, the small squad of 14 was out aiding another pack, a month's travel in wolf form away from home. Orso timed his

The healer pushed forward, but the scout clawed weakly at the earth, forcing himself upright as if his body refused to die until the words left his mouth. His gaze lifted. It locked onto Ronan. Then it flicked to the elders. Then, finally, it landed on Morrigan. His expression twisted, not with fear, but with something worse. Betrayal. “Stop…” the scout rasped. Elder Soren stepped forward, impatient. “This is sacred ground. Remove him.” The scout coughed again, blood staining his lips. “No,” he choked out. “I have to." Morrigan’s voice remained calm. “He is delirious,” she said gently. “The poor wolf is injured.”