Redsand Canyon Now time for Plan A

His relief was short-lived, his soft exhale fell short of its mark and was halted in his throat. Trying not to look so visibly disappointed when he heard the word military he forced himself to breathe again, though he felt his lungs squeeze with effort. 

He might’ve expected Towhee to be at home in a place like this. Military meant structure, strength and security- but not without sacrifice. Fennec might’ve fit this place well; Niamh certainly would have. But this was not what Bronco wanted for his son. 

And any hope that his son might simply fall into the protected category vanished when he heard there was a call to arms. ”What?” Bronco couldn’t stop himself. ”You’re saying you won’t allow me to even see my own son unless I go with you to fight some war against a foe I don’t know, and for an ally I possibly also don’t know?” He asked, bristling. His ears turned back. ”If you’re so desperate for “troops” that you’d use youth as a trap to barter their fathers into fighting for you, you’re going to lose your battle.” His criticism was harsh and he stiffened if there was any potential it might draw the man to fight. He hoped that Germanicus simply wouldn’t risk a fight now, not right before he intended to lead his pack to war. 

”I’m not much of a fighter, you wouldn’t want me in your army. Trust me. But you’re not takin’ Killdeer with you. I’ll help you- by stayin’ here an’ doing whatever you need me to do here, but you’re not taking Killdeer with you.” He said. ”You can either let me help, or you’re just gonna hafta know that I’ll be watchin’ fer your army to leave so I can do just that anyway.” He stated.