Arrow Lake miss mirage

the stranger was efficient. 

the imperator approached and looked over the body, then back toward the younger man. "next time an attempted thief sets upon you, sever one of the large arteries in the wrist or the thigh. the death will be swifter and easier than that."

he looked around the place, at the blood and churned earth, at the red stains in the water. 

"the pack to which you are so close is mereo. it is a strict training ground for soldiers with opportunity for promotion and outside missions." he stood in the mien of a centurion with arms crossed behind his back.

"if you are not in search of a home, head east until you depart the mountains. this will put you in sight of a valley, and beyond that, the taiga."