Duskfire Glacier dynasties and dystopia

Ensio revealed the appalling conversation he'd had with Tzila and traumatizing scene to which he had borne witness. Lane's stomach twisted. Tzila had openly spoken such things to Ensio? Unbelievable. It was too enormous a burden to place on any wolf, let alone a tiny child, for them to know that they are the only reason that a person they love is tied to this earth. For them to know that if anything might happen to one parent, they would be losing both. How had Ensio managed to cope with the pressure and stress of it all? No wonder he had seemed like such a quiet, distant child while in the shadow of this unbalanced, emotionally manipulative mother.

Lane moved forward and pressed her cheek against Ensio's. "I'm so sorry, Ensio." Mommy-issues aside, each of the boys had witnessed a parent's death. It was more than any child should have to endure. 

The boys agreed to the plan laid out by Lane. Meerkat's silence was interpreted as approval as well. "I'll make the arrangements," she said. Settling on a plan brought her a small measure of relief. Ensio mentioned vaguely a desire to attempt to speak to Issorartuyok, and the way he worded it ("attempting") seemed a little unusual to Lane. "He'll be glad to speak with you, Ensio," she reassured him. 

Arius excused himself, having been silent and stoic throughout Ensio's revelation. Lane worried about him, unsure of how he had experienced his brother's retelling of their mother's death. Lane almost insisted that here were others in the pack who could take care of patrols, but before speaking she realized that Arius was likely just looking for an excuse to get away. Lane watched him go for a minute, and then she turned back to Ensio. "Meerkat and I are here for you," she assured him, her gaze flicking up to Meerkat to prompt her confirmation.