The Heartwood The fall

If he harbored any secret concerns over his own health scare, they were swept aside when Fox delivered the news about Dove. Although he had never been particularly fond of his sister-in-law, he frowned and motioned for his mate to begin walking back in the direction of the caldera. He felt partly responsible for her injury (having targeted the young stag) and hated to lose an otherwise able-bodied adult. He knew it might be a tough loss for Fox and the kids.

"I wish there was more we could do," he echoed, mild frustration in his voice. "I guess all we can do is make her comfortable. We could carry her to the rendezvous site, so at least she'll be close to family... unless you think it's a bad idea to expose the kids to that." Peregrine wasn't sure how he felt. On one hand, he wanted to shield his children from the hard things in life. On the other, they were old enough to understand and handle it.

He exchanged a glance with Fox, welcoming her input, even as he hasted his step. He halfway expected his head and/or eye to start hurting, yet neither bothered him. He focused his attention on getting back to the caldera as rapidly as possible. Personal feelings aside, he wanted to make sure Dove didn't suffer any more than was necessary.