King Elk Forest Hop skip jump, etc

Calhoun obeyed without hesitation, much to his relief. There was more fighting within their ranks than he would have liked. He didn’t want Primrose to be the source of yet another argument.

Speak of the devil, the boy scampered towards him as soon as he was released and latched onto his leg like a parasite. It was not pleasant—Cenric’s teeth were clenched behind a closed mouth— but there wasn’t anything he could do about it. He was already punished by Calhoun. That was enough.

“Is this who we are now?” his kin proclaimed, “Wolves who manhandle pups?”

Not now, he thought, and hopefully not ever. Hurting children was a guaranteed way to make enemies, and Kingslend did not need them.

Cenric glanced at the bouquet Ravinger mentioned  and raised a brow. The flowers that are in your mouth?  He could keep them. They’re most certainly covered in slobber by now, and it wasn’t like the King had any need for them.

He found it amusing that Ravinger would even think Primrose was a threat, though it was in jest. Calhoun was quick to deny that, and went on about future possibilities. He doubted the boy would make the same mistake twice, especially after today.

Finally the whelp spoke up, commenting on the quarrel. Cenric frowned slightly. It’s a problem that needed to be solved soon.

He looked down at the boy. I’m afraid now is a bad time. I’ve been very busy as of late, but I could tell you a story or two another day. But you must return home now. Do you know the way? If not, Cenric would have to escort him home himself. He didn’t trust Calhoun to keep the peace. Ravinger, well, he didn’t know how the Firebirds would react to such a loud personality.