Lost Creek Hollow excessum

Silvertongue unfurled, spitting words licked with fire.

Akavir. Wren. They knew something that burned hatred inside of her. They knew something that Crowfeather did not. And when the words were uttered from Germanicus' lips, the shadow could feel his mind break.

Sold her? He had sold her for the freedom of another woman. Crowfeather thought back to their time in Akashingo and he could not picture a face that might fit this soul. Someone had been set free in exchange for the servitude of Silvertongue. Ruenna had not been one of the Pharaoh's. Who's life had been more important?

How did so many others know about this exchange and yet Crowfeather had known nothing?

The woman named Wren unfurled her lip and growled something to Germanicus. The dark hairs along the tripod's neck bristled. Who was she to come to Riverclan and spit such things?

This public display of drama did not settle well in the shadow's heart. Emotions rose like waves from within him. He did not know if he was suited to handle this. Crowfeather thought of the Pharaoh and his commanding presence. He could so easily make orders of his Fellahin and Mazoi. There had been pleasure in the ruler's eyes when he could grip a room by the throat and take charge. 

Crowfeather's eyes closed, eyelashes fluttering over hot gold. He would not allow his emotions to carry this any further. His dark snout turned to the side, twisting his neck until it cracked. When his eyes opened again, they fixed on Wren - cold and unmoving. 


Leave. The word slid like a jagged glacier from his throat. You are from the creek so return to it now. Kestrelcloud will escort you. The dark star looked to the quiet man and gave a small nod. Crowfeather was not asking. If she did not leave Riverclan, he would chase her from their lands with bared fangs and unbridled anger nipping at her heels. 

The scent of his daughter nearly cracked his facade. She should not have been there. His eyes swept for her, searching. Shadowpup must have been hiding in the dark of the brush, out of sight, out of the heat of their conversation. 

To Silvertongue, Crowfeather gazed with an unwavering stare. 

You said nothing. All this time you said nothing. This woman knows. Akavir knows. Anger boiled within him. Our children watch from the brush and you have said nothing to me. 

Then to Germanicus, the dark star's gaze flickered. 

What could he say to the man that he loved? What could be said for such a horrid situation? 

Crowfeather's chin quivered. Tears stung his eyes but did not spill. 

W-Why? fell a single broken word.