Bramblepoint The view from halfway down

Seconds dragged on for eternity as the soldier’s breath became more shallow and ragged with every exhale. Njord prayed that his voice had carried far enough to reach Brecheliant’s ears and that, soon, help would be on the way. For Njord knew he could not linger here much longer… not until he learned that Seal was alive.

But, his name… Bronco. This wasn’t just any old wolf, but Meerkat’s kin. She had once called Bronco her brother, though it had become evident that the Redhawk family network was complicated and nuanced. Even though they might have not been related by blood, they shared a close relationship as siblings would. Meerkat often regaled tales of her early years traveling with Bronco and their life at Moonspear, together.

Plus, Njord knew that Killdeer, one of Moonspear’s own, was his son. Had the child, who escaped with the coyote, been his? This information changed the picture. Laying before him was a beloved father, brother, son, friend, and ally – a man in his prime who did not deserve a death so violent.

Njord’s lips parted as these thoughts dawned over him.

“Stay with me, Bronco, ” he urged in a sharp tone when he saw Bronco’s lid begin to shutter. He clutched one of Bronco's paws between his own. “Help will be here soon.”