Bearclaw Valley silkrobe doorsill

Ashlar had kept himself distant with shame since the coyote, and even moreso since Avicus' departure. He felt the eyes of the bear on him, burning him for his cowardice. He might have followed her when she left, but he would have been useless to her. She could hunt far better without him.

The boy thought his reckoning had finally come when Merrick called to him. He approached with a low bearing, but was surprised to find the king in high spirits. He was not confident enough to allow this to ease him entirely, but it did give him enough pause to notice the girl who was there as well. He had not met her yet but she seemed eager to learn. He wondered if, were she there, she'd have done what he couldn't. Probably.

Perhaps in time, she could teach him. He'd never before had cause to wonder if there was a lesson he was incapable of learning. Now he knew doubt.