Larksong Grotto XL

augur did not often leave the rise. but now it bristled with young warriors.

their claim was safe. he stepped out to hunt, to measure the herds.

the air was clean and warm. elk and deer had passed, coyotes in pursuit of fawns. once, a bison, and then the stale track of a mountain lion.

something new caught the hunt-leader's interest; he lifted his heavy muzzle, analyzing the scent with narrowed yellow eyes.