Naaghai Lowlands tibia

He sighed, though the soft sound of it cut off abruptly as Zoug approached. Talis’s ears tilted, a little self-conscious about his failure to catch the rabbit, especially in light of the success betrayed by the red gleam of Zoug’s mouth.

The older man paid him no attention, instead focusing on a spot a few dozen yards away. Talisman quickly realized what Zoug was doing and zeroed in on the hole at his feet in anticipation.

But their prey was not so foolish. The yearling could hear it thumping somewhere down below, halfway between the two coyotes. Then there was only silence. He could picture it crouching in the dark burrow, grub unwilling to be rustled up.

Biting back another sigh, Talisman stepped away from the small borehole. He glanced around and spotted the other hare’s carcass where Zoug had left it. Talis swallowed, then gazed out at the desert. His brow furrowed, acknowledging his failure as he silently swore to make up for his shortcomings.

I’ll find something else, he said, realizing he was mumbling before clearing his throat and declaring more assertively to his elder, I won’t come back empty-handed, and spun in preparation to depart.

But he hesitated, wondering if Zoug would have anything to say. Perhaps he might insist on joining Talisman. The younger man waited.