zoug waited to see if candle grew with children. he could not be sure about s'ari but sensed something new around her as well. this satisfied the man, who assumed that their leader had found favor in talisman.

he set his mind to assuming another thing: that pups would most certainly be born among the tribe this year. 

a good part of his waiting was spent foraging for fattier foods. zoug often brought home squirming white-bellied grubs full of caloric richness, or the innards of some carrion. he ranged farther and farther, sometimes staying away for a night and bringing home much the next evening.

but talisman had never come back. and if koa too took pregnant, then zoug faced the daunting task of providing for three nursing mothers solely by himself. even if koa did not, he and she would be stretched thin.

zoug was not upset. often he sat at the mouth of the cave long into the early hours of morning, planning how best to guide and support the tribe. they would need a sign from the spirits.

he was alone that night, painted in new blood. his single eye was intent with supplication.

spirit of the oryx, this man comes to you.

but the only word zoug said aloud was 'man.' the remainder of his speech was the gestures of his paw, more formal as he used the proper forms of respect to call out.

this lizard-eater asks that you send us meat. self-deprecation amused the spirits. he wanted to ask for hunters but decided to leave his request more open.

if we are fed, i will give you a sacrifice. for now, accept this marrow in promise.

a cold wind told the man that the spirits listened. he began a nasal chant, closing his eyes as he invoked protection for the tribe.