Porcupine Ridge catcalls and mercy blows

Well, that was it. Any hopes Anselm had of remaining aloof disintegrated the moment Reyson spoke his mother’s name. If this man was an abductor, there would be no hope for Anselm — for he immediately put down his guard. 

Even his tail gave a tentative wag. Yes. He meant in response to being Wylla and Mahler’s child, but it applied to being hungry too. Yes to both, I mean. A sliver of excitement wormed its way into his voice. What is your name, sir?