Sun Mote Copse a stick, a stone; it's the end of the road

He was happy for her, even though it meant she and Njord would no longer be part of Moonspear. But hey, perhaps he could serve as mentor to her kids still there. They would need the support; he knew all too well what it felt like to split from a parent, whether by choice or not.

Killdeer was opening his mouth to congratulate her when she continued. And. . . 

What.

Her touch went barely noticed as he stood, slack-jawed. He sat heavily upon his haunches and lifted a back leg to scratch at his ear, wondering if he was hearing things.

But no. Her lips had been moving in time with the words. Those terrible, terrible words.

No, that can't be right, Killer replied, his voice hollow. Disbelieving. He's only—I mean, whatever age I am plus a few moons. He's not old. He wasn't weak or sick. That can't—

But why would Meerkat lie? She must be mistaken. He's sure of it.