Lost Creek Hollow excessum

Shadowpup stayed out of sight beneath a swatch of dark foliage, unaware her scent would carry and betray her hiding spot. She held her breath as she watched the adults argue. Tension was palatable in the air.

Papa. Tia Plata with blood. Kestrelcloud. Her father’s associate, Germanicus… wounded. An unknown woman with flowers at her feet.

Words tarnished with shame and anger. Shadowpup didn’t recognize some – only later in life would she ken their meaning.

Sold Silvertongue.

Pharaoh.

I’m the reason.

Servant.

At her expense.

Shadowpup’s heart raced so fast that she began to feel nauseous. This glimpse into her family’s private life was both fascinating and sick. It was like she was reading their secret diary, but couldn’t stop turning the pages.

Wren. Swiftcurrent.

Papa was angry. A disposition Shadowpup had never seen her father deign to wear.

Said nothing. Woman knows. Akavir knows.

Shadowpup could feel the hair rising on the back of her neck.

Our children.

It was like the child’s heart had stopped. She had heard too much. Quickly, Shadowpup turned and ran from that place, the leaves quietly rustling, as fast as her small paws could carry.