Redtail Rise LI

Masquerade rouses, speaks. Avicus listens, her ire rising with each word.

we are not going anywhere, her daughter vows.

no. no, they will not.

Augur lifts his muzzle, calls for Lilia and Ancelin to leave now. she sincerely hopes they do.

they deserve the world—but this land is hers to command.

Avicus watches her hunt-leader depart and then turns to her daughters again. can you walk? she asks Masque. the young woman was on her feet, but looked a little worse for the wear.

if so: we will regroup at the ridge.

and if not. . .

every fiber in every muscle screams to confront the usurpers now. alone, if no one else follows.

but she's aged out of such foolish notions—and perhaps they will listen to Augur, after all.

last from me, feel free to pp her leaving the scene w masque and redd