see the new moon rising

He was still convinced the coyote had not translated true and that she had screwed them over somehow. He preferred thinking that, letting the coyote's species succumb to the stereotype of trickery than to think the leader of the plains wolves was dull enough not to recognize what had just happened. Their wolf invaded the spine. The spine dealt with her as any pack would treat an unwanted fiend. Returning their wolf was meant to be a statement. That Khal had no control over his own wolves.

They were welcome to twist the scenario either way they wanted to. No wolf could deny the plain and simple of the matter, but if they needed to paint each other in poor light to save face? Mmm. It was their prerogative and their mistake.

Nevertheless, both he and Tonravik had taken to wandering. Since they were out and about and the Spine was strong enough to protect itself without their presence, they had this moment to themselves. To think. To dwell. To reflect on what had happened and what would be. He was no so angered as she, which allowed him to think more clearly, but his silence was a cold and bitter thing.

She spoke. "I didn't realize we were still humoring the idea of if they will die. I'd already moved on to when," he said. He was baffled, still, at the arrogance of the plains wolves. He'd explained once to one of their women how, if the scenario was in reverse their Khal would defend their lands just as fiercely. That, she understood. But when it came to his own territory, she hadn't been able to compute the information. It was simple to him. Tit for tat. He couldn't humor such blatant stupidity forever. Better to take the stupid out now before the infection spread.