The Sentinels cemetery and sundown

He was getting ready to indulge Deirdre right then and there with plenty of stories about her mother, though it turned out she wanted to discuss her father instead. And with good reason, Peregrine thought, lips twisting into a grim line as she confessed her worries to him. It made the swarthy wolf want to turn around and march right back to his friend in Donnelaith. But what could he do for Taltos? And what about his other loved ones back home? He kept moving forward.

"You saved my life," Peregrine answered at length, "and so he's in the best possible hands. Your dad is strong, stronger than you probably know," he continued in a low murmur. "The green is returning now. If he's made it this far, this long, he's going to be fine." It might have sounded like optimism but it was more like denial, to tell the truth. He couldn't bear the thought of losing his monthly meetings with Lasher. He always looked forward to them so. And that was selfish but both of them (Peregrine and Lasher) knew that about him.

"He will be okay," he finished firmly, decisively, brooking no argument from Deirdre even as he favored her with a soft smile that he hoped reassured her. They then walked in companionable silence a while longer before Peregrine insisted she turn back. He thanked her again, wished her well, then finally began making his way back home.