A carrion cry calls to the land

echoing through the endless twilight

the moon's silver light
washing away all color
filling the white landscape
with ethereal shimmering stillness

black wings cut the wind

winding and weaving
the flock becomes
controlled chaos
spiraling ever closer
to the prey

a haunting howl warns

of the wolf's approach
silent paws padding through powder
breath billowing in hot clouds
heralding the pack

as one they strike

all fangs and claws
eyes shining with ferocity
while beaks snap and snatch
a thousand moving pieces
yet all acting in concert
towards a singular goal

their heads turn as one

to the man who came from nowhere
a thousand beady eyes
gazing into one single portal
of endless knowing

they close around him

circling ever closer
until claws grip his shoulders
and fur rubs along his legs
words whispered like water
flowing free into his ears
blood soaked muzzles
paint his knuckles
highlighting warrior's scars
and wisdom's wrinkles

his hunger fills them

for thought and memory
for flesh and blood
for home and hearth
for flock and pack

they sing together

wolf and raven
and their song
remembers the man
who fades from sight
leaving only footprints