Bearclaw Valley matthew died in this house

indra tadec nunataq caiaphas no
he could not count her among that number. she had not meant to leave. she had not planned to abandon him. she would come back if she could —
but she had gone. but she had left. merrick's grief mounted; it seemed it would all but choke him to death.
the voice that came was kind, soft, and altogether alien.
sniffling, the boy turned round to see who offered solace — and turned to stone.
ruddy-brown and far larger than himself, stood a bear. its intelligent limpid eyes watched him placidly. the spirit spoke; merrick swallowed his sob and blinked.
"i've lost someone," he called hesitantly, scarcely hearing himself, scarcely breathing, scarcely believing what it was he looked upon.
a bear.
he trembled with terror and a great anticipation.