his latest interlude with peregrine had left him wanting, but taltos had put himself toward the task of gamekeeping, as was to be his lot. the caches nearest his den were stocked well, as was the one closest the rendezvous site — in his desire, the earthen male intended that peregrine's sustenance should come mainly from his efforts.
the day changed quickly, however, and the man left off the hares he had been tracking to gaze skyward at the greying sky. he had only seen this once before, and there had been no name for it among the denziens of donnelaith. steps quickened, hackles bristling, taltos thrust himself through the trees, emerging near the panther quite by accident. the spirits were at work here, and though he wished to cower from their might, lasher forced himself to stand taller. what is it? he asked of his leader, though he knew at the heart of him there was no answer.