Big Salmon Lake Blood stutter

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a plan formulated in his mind, churning in the remnants of his grief and fruit of his anger. the caldera's insistence upon seclusion would be their undoing -- lasher would avenge junior if he alone came to it. he watched until peregrine's retreating figure dipped from sight; then at length his muzzle dipped, and he wept bitter tears into the dust for the forlorn girl who had but craved her father's love, and the death of his own warm feelings toward the panther.

it was with a stony visage and heavy heart that taltos departed for his home; he drew in shaking breaths and steeled himself as he crossed the borders, moving straightaway for the comforting embrace of blue willow.