Bearclaw Valley why does tragedy exist?

so much, and yet so little, escaped merrick's one-eyed burning.
the valley was becoming home to new life, and the boy was pleased. those who had chosen to follow him would be rewarded, and it renewed his faith in ursus.
he was in a fine mood once again, bloodthirst having gone to ashes these last long months. the need seemed to have ceased to exist; merrick had become a priest of sorts, marveling at the work of his god with all the focus he had once put toward his dark hunt.
the cloudsilver wrath with eyes that burned verdant even at this distance, brilliant and cold fire, drew the coywolf as if he were a beacon. he was immediately fascinated, held himself as a commander of the valley, but there was visible warmth in merrick as he roved closer.
"following the herds?"