The Wall (´;︵;`)

his days had been spent in exploration of the mountains and their surrounding territories. stigmata had chosen a wide range to contemplate, and it pleased mahler in his usual, silent way. today he had taken to ridge-climbing, and it was not long before the stench of another predator came to reek in his nostrils.
bristling, the gargoyle drew himself upward into the narrow path, ears coming to fore as another sound pierced the air: the cry of a child. not only a child; one he knew.
swiftcurrent was laced here, if lightly — mahler snarled a terrible warning as the golden body of the cougar descended near chusi's son, and wasted no time in lunging forward to deliver a warning snap, intending to place his bulk between that of the cat and the child.