Redsand Canyon ostium

Jack had gathered with the others, but he had no real idea why he was there.

The old man talked a lot. Way more than a boy could pay attention to. On and on and on… Jack yawned, glancing around to the other individuals who had gathered to listen to the yellow-eyed man talk. Most of the adults looked like they were listening intently to the words that were offered. Some of the other younger ones looked like they were about as interested as Jack Snipe was. He was particularly interested in a pale-furred boy with grey freckles. There was more of an interest in playing than there was in listening to the old man talk some more.

When they were instructed to approach him, Jack nearly missed it. He only followed because he had seen one of the other pups approaching.

The symbolism of reflecting on what could be a future mentor was lost on the boy. He reared back on his legs and snapped his teeth at Germanicus as if to say, you talk too much! Let’s rumble. Jack didn’t really care what he might have interrupted or disregarded in that moment.