Bearclaw Valley There is nothing more lonely than an action taken quietly on your own

He listened, but did not like what Merrick had to say. Aventus did not believe that Avicus had left on a mission from the bear, for if she had, she would not have returned wounded by a bear. But he held his tongue. If she sought to take his place in addition to his life, then he would simply have to put her in hers.

It wasn't that he hated his sister, just that, as the more intelligent and superior wolf and a true loyalist, he was better than her.

Thank you, father, he said, brushing the snow with his nose. I serve Ursus.