Atop a desert mesa, a jackal tribe struggles for its place as a rival tribe challenges their very existence. Keth, a young jackal just learning the shamanic ways of lore and magic, is desperate to help, and after undergoing a vision quest finds himself thrust to the forefront of the conflict.

Today’s story is Part 1 of “Water” by Utunu (@WildDogUtunu), a painted wolf who creates games for a living but enjoys worldbuilding and writing in his spare time. His published work has appeared in Heat, and soon FANG. This is a story in two parts, which will conclude next time. 

Read for you by Khaki, your faithful fireside companion.