Redtail Rise III

she stands back a little ways, watching his work. she had learned quickly about hares in Bearclaw Valley; there is always more than one hole. her eyes scan their nearby surroundings, watching for movement.

his digging will frighten the lot of them—

there!

a tiny body pops from the earth, not unlike a seedling in spring, and takes off, kicking snow and earth behind it.

Avicus, too, surges forward: a baying bloodhound, except absolutely quiet in her intensity.

the next sound will be a squeal as she overcomes it, finds the delicate nape and

snaps

blood in her mouth

she lunges—and lands upon empty ground, teeth clacking, the hare now well out of reach.