Wheeling Gull Isle left his mark

There was much on Mou's mind, although it was the exposition of his thoughts that would remain a problem. He wanted to speak of his connection to Niamh in detail; to the Redhawk blood in his veins; the history of antagonism between the dark woods and the caldera - but when prompted, he could not think of where to start.

He is quiet a few minutes longer, thinking, collecting bits and pieces. Always the sombre creature these days, so far removed from the chaos of his youth.

The Redhawks. He starts to say, then hesitates. They will want the children. And by all rights of the wild, they were entitled. If they come, can we protect? they were small in number now. Mou remembered the battle years ago for the plateau - vaguely - and did not want to see their forces muster.

They are warmongers. In the sense that, they had brought war to Maegi's family, and to Heron Lake, and would likely do so again given the chance.