Redtail Rise Beartooth

Augur coaxed Masquerade closer with a rumbling woof, then turned his gaze back to the stranger. The yearling peered at him too, halting as he made to approach. Their ears tilted backward but then pricked again, neck stiffening and muzzle slanting downward as their tail slowly waved. He was their superior in age and strength, though the self-possessed Caru’s dominant demeanor did not waver.

He sniffed toward them and Masque allowed it, the two of them exchanging scents briefly. Then he withdrew, his attention returning to the Ulfhedinn. The Caru’s nostrils flared as they huffed, wondering why his scent was familiar to them. They tried to place it, along with his face, but they had no memory of this man.

Unaware that Avicus—and even Augur—had rejected him just a few months prior, the Caru saw no reason to deny him if he was here to stay. The lead hunter certainly seemed to approve of him. But whereas he couldn’t question the man outright, Masquerade could.

What is your name? And what exactly is your business here? they questioned, marigold eyes pinning on the elder male’s face.