Silvertip Mountain You will hear music and then you will not

Aventus tensed all down his spine when his father whirled. He could have swore the Bruin-witch was about to lunge for them, but then Merrick sagged from the posture. He knew how that felt. That same whirlwind of emotion caught Aventus up in its arms whenever he was alone and not focused on another task, but while sons were meant to move on without their mothers eventually, husbands could not so easily let go.

He clenched his jaws together when Merrick looked at him with a sneer in his voice. I am hurting too! he wanted to shout at his father. Knowing it would do no good, he kept his mouth shut. The man's tone stung more than anything. That after all this time, and after everyone else was gone and Aventus still stood firm and loyal beside Merrick, he would speak that way. He was thankful that he was so good at keeping his thoughts to himself, for none might realize how deeply that cut.

He was thankful, too, for Arielle's gentle touch. He leaned into it and once more yearned to reach out, but held himself back for fear of being improper. Then they were moving out of the caves. He was shocked to see the wet tracks on his father's face when Merrick turned to face him, but Aventus made no remark. Instead, he turned down the mountain and led the way down into the pines at a trot. He wound along worn game trails and clearings, choosing the easiest path, until he found it.

There, he said, stepping aside so his father could inspect it. A few drops of blood in the crackling leaf litter. It is hers, he affirmed. She might just have passed through, but her injuries were grievous. It is possible she sought refuge with Moonglow. He couldn't know for sure without going to visit, but even if he was wrong, hopefully this discovery would stoke the fire of his father's life just a little.