Haunted Wood I think I was wrecked all along.

She braced herself in case Bridget asked about the kids’ dad. She didn’t, though she inquired after any particular names or faces to summon when she called at the caldera tomorrow.

My eldest daughter, Fennec. She’s one of my seconds. The other, Rue, is probably still out on the road. Meerkat might be too, Towhee thought aloud, her words interrupted by a sudden yawn. When it passed, she continued, listing off the name of pretty much every Redhawk. You can call for anyone and I’m sure they’ll pass the message along.

She fell quiet for a few breaths, thankful to note her tears had dried. Now her eyes felt dry, grainy and swollen. Towhee found herself blinking twice as much, which probably had something to do with how tired she felt too.

You can tell them, she began, only to be cut off by another expansive yawn. Sorry. Tell them I’ll be back soon, so they don’t have to come here. I mean, don’t tell them I forbid it or anything. I just need them to hold down the fort, you know?