Nocturne Summit Castle in the sky

"it is a feline. they bear claws powerful enough to tear a man's head." germanicus spoke low-pitched and without sensationalism. "when you choose a path upward, walk carefully. look down, for the mark of its paw in the mud."

the storm would rise to consume them, coming up from the lowlands. it was a common-sense choice to locate a bower, as much for the rain's arrival as for shelter against the more wily hunter.

but once more the eagle did not speak. he would only guide. it must be crowfeather who ranged for them. 

whenever the boy turned away, the muzzle of the soldier might swing side-long, stare observant and plucked through with a sort of vague wondering.