Redtail Rise israfel

When Watcher, Carrion and Sky insisted they would not leave the rise, it inevitably reminded Masque of that moment of synthesis at the recent hunt. Now they didn’t necessarily rally to any particular wolf but to the rise itself. It was their collective legacy and they knew it. Their younger siblings’ resolve strengthened Masque’s. Their legs stopped trembling as they stood firmer, glancing at Mulherin and then Riley as he joined the Redtails.

They were indescribably relieved when their attention turned back to Avicus, who did not insist on disembarking for some distant, mysterious land after all. Instead, she heeded Masquerade’s advice. A little thrill raced through the yearling, though their stomach dipped at the Wealda’s warning. They did not want to fight anyone, least of all Augur and his ilk.

Now Masque felt the weight of their mother’s gaze as she gave them perhaps the most vitally important task of their life. Although their ears fell back for an instant, they soon straightened and stiffened their neck. They shifted their weight, planted their feet and nodded.

Of course, mother. I will go with you to—I’ve been calling it Dragon’s Back Ridge, they shared, pawing restlessly at the cold earth underfoot. Where we will figure this out, Masque assured not just Avicus but all those gathered here.

Their eyes danced from one face to the next. Would any of the younger ones have qualms gathering at the ridge momentarily? They stepped among the four youngsters, nosing and nuzzling reassurances. This is our home. We won’t be gone long, they tried to convey with their soothing touches. We will come back. We are Redtail Rise.