Swiftcurrent Creek [j] the king and his men

Why, why did he always make a fool on himself in front of her, today his impatience had gotten the best of him. A few weeks ago his overly fatherly instincts. Before that his mismanaged attempt at telling her his story and before that ... the list went on and now an outsider was to sleep close to Fox, in her den even. His heart broke....

Ferdie's legs shook and then he slid to the ground and lay down only after both Fox and cutthroat left. He closed his eyes and shut out the world, not ready to respond even if Jace did prod him. In fact at this time if a bull elk choose to run him over Ferdie would just accept it.

Exit Ferdie into darkness