Bearclaw Valley Single file, like soldiers on a mission.

Karst feared many things. It made sense that the gods of these bear-folk would be just as terrifying as the bear-folk themselves, or this ghost of a woman, so he didn't react much to this information. He wondered if being afraid made him wise though; he didn't feel wise, only nervous all the time. Afraid enough to ruin any effort to sleep. Tired, then, and sad. Were all wise men also sad men?

—it is much more fun to revel in him. Averna said. Karst did not know what revel meant. Maybe she referred to the altars and their gifts. Maybe if he gifted things upon these altars then the scary forces would be happy, or leave him alone. Would the same be true of the bear-folk? He did not have anything to give anyone but if he did, would that make things easier for him?

The boy did not know how to voice his questions and so he was quiet, reflecting over what was said and trying to make sense of it. If Averna dispersed from the silent boy thereafter he would not notice, so concentrated upon his own struggles and making sense of these new things.