Otter Creek Save your breath, my brother

Anslem carried little shame for the mess made at his feet. Meanwhile Etienne flitted about him like a bluejay, disapproving. 

It was not in the boy’s nature to be obliging — but exhaustion won out, and he finally sat down. In doing so he felt the full extent of his injuries; his skin burned and throbbed with insult. 

The three-beat sound of Raindrop’s canter carried on well after Anselm lost sight of her. He turned his sulky gaze to Etienne. Vhat have you done to me?