Wheeling Gull Isle The people who survived the sword found grace in the wilderness

"Our choices are slim." Malakai. Malakai. He would be honest, but not without the pull of a frown upon his lips. Sorrow! But the bishop man, he was fierce as holyfire.

"Many things will leave us when winter comes, but the deer, they will be within scope. We will try for a small one--weak. With every meal, you will feel difference. Your muscles will sore, and they will grow." He must take care of them. He would. A balance of empathy, timing, and necessity.

"It is not a must today, but it is within interest soon. If you feel unready, we will feed by the shore again." Soon the shore would be scarce.
They needed others.
But he could not leave Malakai here alone as the days grew harsher to find those in faith.

He knew this was not easy for Malakai. That this was no way a young boy should experience his first winter. Without his family. "At your pace, Kai. We will take it." Gentle to the sea boy, who he felt his spirit tie to. They had one another.

Even if time ticked a clock they couldn't see.