Redtail Rise the island of the fay

They could see her relax her defenses slightly, though Avicus would not soon forget the slight implied by the mention of questions. Masque touched their nose to her cheek this time, trying to smooth away any wrinkles they might have caused.

No one is questioning you, at least as far as I know, they answered with the same candor with which Masque always spoke. But someone new to the ranks recently asked me, ‘Why isn’t Avicus leader anymore?’ And I didn’t know how to answer him. That’s all, mother. I didn’t know how to explain. But it doesn’t matter. Whenever you’re ready, retaking Wealda will clear the air. It will put everything to rights again.

It was so good to see this side of Avicus again. She had seemed so different after her return, altered by whatever mysterious horror had taken her from the wilds. But they had not been irrevocable changes, Masquerade realized with another twinge of relief. Titles aside, it was just good to have their mother back.

Were you hunting? I would be happy to help, they said, long tail swinging so that its tip feathered Avicus’s hip on every slow swing.