Redtail Rise We are close to war.

“Experience is more important than strength.”

Masquerade gave Riley a speculative look, then turned to face forward as the older elk trotted away in the opposite direction. Perhaps they should’ve followed one or the other, though the Ulfr sat and pondered the Blod’s words instead.

They folded in his earlier question too. Aside from Avicus herself, there was one wolf who possessed both of those things: Augur. How come he’d never stepped up as Wealda? Masque still thought the leader of leaders should be gifted with speech, though he had proven to be an effective leader regardless. And the Ulfr couldn’t deny that he and New Snow would make a good Alpha pair.

Masque’s thoughts turned to Mulherin. They still thought he was the perfect candidate for future leadership, though he was undeniably very young and inexperienced. Would someone like Riley ever accept Mul as his superior? There was no timeline but it made them wonder if he could benefit from tutelage beyond their own, including the existing leadership’s. Perhaps once they were on proper speaking terms again, Masque would float that idea past him.

Ah, how many times would they have to apologize to their comrade for getting lost in their thoughts? Masquerade looked over at Riley with a light snort and a vaguely sheepish smile.

You gave me a lot of food for thought, they told him, and I had to chew on it a bit. But speaking of cripples, how’s your paw doing these days? Do you think you’re up to a tracking expedition? Masque asked, thinking the two of them could trail one of the bulls.