Redtail Rise Savin’ his Pennies for someday

red woman had stepped down, injured.

the leadership fell now to augur alone.

but the young were gathering. he heard wolverine's call and lifted his ears from where he lay with his children and mate.

augur knew a pack must settle internal strife caused by shift in leadership, and that youthful wolves were more likely now to fight or to disperse.

wolverine had become one of them, but the rise was populated by blood-ties, and she had not yet gained that. appointing her would anger the children of red woman.

when blood star called for him, the man at last rose and went to join the others. he did not need to dominate the youngsters; instead he wove between them with brushes of his muzzle and deep rumbles as his tail waved to ask for peace.

red woman had not communicated she would not be wealda again. and in his mind, that role belonged to a mature wolf who could cement her role in the same year by delivering pups. therefore, only new snow or longheart (arielle) was eligible, and therefore augur would not choose a wealda from among the aspiring youth.

and he did not want to decide on that position until it became clear that red woman would no longer be able to hold it. 

augur found her mark nearby; he lifted his leg to cross his scent with hers, saying she was still his observable leader.

that left only blood eyes' role to fill. augur sat, looking first to wolverine and then to blood star, and then the others. 

who challenges? he intoned in a wordless chuff. he had not chosen a leader before, and so he would follow red woman's ways.