Phoenix Maplewood LVIII

when they returned to the rise, mountain boulder would show flame stalker the first den he and new snow had possessed, and the second, where she and her sister had been born.

what he communicated for now was third. it had become their way to choose a new site each time.

he lifted his head and looked toward the rise. they might have chosen another there this year. he wished to convey to his daughter that this was an uncommon decision.

and now his attention shifted, sharpening.

mountain boulder followed with a heavy, threatening step. the bloodwood belonged to his family, even if briefly. and as the forest was close to the redtail land, this stranger too, was too near for his liking.