Lost Creek Hollow See how breeze and grass do play

The dark stone cracked and his features gave way to his surprise.

Aquillius was honest with his answer. He did not deny Crowfeather's suspicion. The confirmation twisted the dark star's heart. When the question left the boy's lips, the shadow did not know how to answer. He did not know how to best explain that he understood some part of what the boy had suffered. Sadness licked at him like fire. He felt the scorching of it at the back of his throat.

Crowfeather would not allow himself to cry. He needed to remain focused. He needed to use his knowledge to help Aquillius. There would be time to shed his tears in the quiet of the hollow, where no one would find him.

Come with me, he said in a quiet voice. The dark figure nudged the boy's shoulder and made for the trees.