Bearclaw Valley a ghost can speak dreadful things

the boy-king was pleasantly surprised, but he chided himself for ever having doubted any of the ursus wolves. not now. "easthollow has an old man for a king. i told you. old wolves. children. we could attempt diplomacy," merrick smirked, drawing a shaking breath to steady himself. "or kill."
the taste of blood lured him sirensong. 
the memory of cracking bone sent a spear of lust whirling —
"and beyond the meadow, they must be ... cut off."
voice faded; he waited for toad to speak now.