Spotted Eagle Mountain I have always been a fortress.

She was right: his conclusion made, Venamis had already made a firm judgement on this female. Stubborn, steadfast in his thoughts, he showed no intention of making any effort to listen for whatever defense she might attempt to share.

So the boy turned away, her threat rolling like water from duck feathers, and continued to pick his way along the narrow trail he'd found himself on. A raven ear remained pointed backward, listening for the sound of footfalls at his rear that thankfully did not come.