Two young shepherds ventured into the mountains to hunt a wolf, arriving at its den to find two whelps inside. One shepherd seized one pup, and each climbed a separate treetop, separated by several dozen paces.

Presently, the great she-wolf returned. Noticing her young were missing, she appeared utterly distraught.

One shepherd deliberately tugged the ear of the captured whelp, forcing a piteous cry. The she-wolf instantly heard it, looked up, her eyes blazing with furious intent, and sprinted to the base of the tree. She howled wildly, scrabbling and clawing desperately at the trunk.

The other shepherd followed suit, grabbing his captive and eliciting a lament.

The she-wolf rushed frantically to that tree, only to hear the cries rising again from the first one.

Back and forth she raced, distracted, unable to focus on either, until, exhausted and panting heavily, she collapsed onto the earth, her life force spent.

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