Redhawk Caldera On into the gold river

They both expressed a desire to call the caldera home once more, which normally would have warmed Elwood's heart. But with the trouble brewing with Blackfeather Woods, he knew he had to disclose the dire information and allow them to make the decision themselves. While the pack could certainly use the manpower, he would not blame them at all if they chose to see Redhawk Caldera in their rearview mirror as they departed.

"You're always welcome here," he said with a tight-lipped smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "But I'm afraid there has been some trouble here lately, and it's only fair that I tell you everything before you decide whether or not you want to stay." He glanced at Towhee, his expression growing grim as he prepared to share the story. "There's a pack that lives east of here, called Blackfeather. They have captured and tortured two of our own wolves, and who knows how many others. We have allied with a coastal pack and plan to go to war with Blackfeather," he said, his summary short and anything but sweet.

"We can't let them endanger our family any longer," he added a moment later, his gaze darkening.