"bring her back."
when he had left @Avicus it was to speed after @Asperas. but she was not tucked into the recesses of the den with @Astara.
merrick did not know what void truly loomed in asperas, but he held the tongue of the divine in his reach. avicus had returned. his snakeling would also be returned to their cunning cobra's nests of bear blessed forest. he must only believe it to be true. 
he looked before him at @Vesta, @Surya, @Arielle who had only returned. and for the @Taggerung, and merrick felt a particular relief in him to have that one about.
and @Ashlar, who had by now made his choice, but if the boy was at hand; "if you want peace, keep it in ursus, with your queen. do this or go, but choose."
with @Aventus gone, the lead fell to vesta. he nodded at the red-nape.
"false names and no mention of ursus. we go to find our child, not build another altar." oh, he was spiraling! he himself bound to silvertip lest his eldest son find himself within hardened jaws.
lest they lose their captive.
"go!"