Silver Creek crimes against children are so easy to get away with.

Artaax had foolishly expected better from his sister. He had expected her to immediately see the error of her ways. To beg forgiveness, to come to him with humility and better sense and agree to return home with him and put all of this behind them. He would return her safely to Drageda, and then he would set his mind to getting Kiwi and Wildfire home (like seriously, he has no idea who Sequoia is). There had to be some reason they were with the Redhawks now that wasn't because they were traitors. They were just visiting and Bat had simply misunderstood. That was all it was. He would explain it to Drageda when he got back with Bat, and then he would bring them back home too. They would all go home. They would all be safe. He would protect every last damn one of them, no matter how angry they got at him.

But, for what was likely the very first time ever, Artaax was wrong. Bat screamed at him, rage and rejection dripping heavily from each word. He turned his head to shield from the debris that she flung at his face, giving his coat a hard shake before turning back to see her darting off into the woods. His anger flared again and he made to run after her. He could overcome her easily, drag her kicking and screaming (and apparently swearing) back to the Cliffs. But, patience fell like an ominous blanket across his shoulders as he regained his composure. He watched her disappear with an empty expression upon his face. He was still and thoughtful for a few minutes after she had departed, looking for all the world like a statue upon the earth's surface. And then, silently, the pale lion lifted his paws and set off after her just as the snow began to fall lightly around him.

He'd have no trouble finding her this time. This time, the trail was fresh.