Redtail Rise Þief

Relic was uncharacteristically late to answer the summons of Avicus. When he at last gathered himself up, the disheveled boy hurried to the congregation in earnest. There would be a hunt. A feast. The first spill of true blood. The prospect revved him up. Vivid images from past occasions of glistening fresh meat and dark red blood had his instincts pricked.

He slipped into sight, quick to brush alongside Redd, close at the heels of his mother. Though his ears were flat, the alertness in his eyes conveyed he had heard the tail end of the game plan. Save for the quick look of deference to his Wealda, he wasted no time in doing as instructed. With an encouraging bump to Redd's shoulder, he ran ahead, locked onto the target of the elderly Elk doe.