So that wasn't quite the twist ending I was expecting. This was a very well-written and evocative piece. I appreciated the strong descriptive language. You also kept the tension steady throughout, which was nice to read. There were one or two grammar and linguistic blips ('neigh' for 'nigh' at the end of the second paragraph) and the odd sentence here or there could have been smoother, but these are but nitpicks.
My major comment has to do with the twist ending itself: the revelation of exactly what the Jackals' plan entailed strongly undercut any sympathy I felt for them and their situation. I don't know if this was intentional on your part, to play up the grimdark angle, or not. Still, a well-written and solid piece overall.