Blackfoot Forest There's an art in life's distractions

She bobbed her head in agreement. Javelina could feel her strength sapping from her, like blood draining from a fresh kill. She felt rather corpse-like, although the excruciating pain in her leg told her she was alive. And that was a good thing, despite how much it hurt.

Thank you, Glaukos, she acknowledged, even her voice weaker now.

She didn’t know if he meant this exact spot when he said “here,” though Javelina took the opportunity to halt. She sank into a sit, weight pitched to one side before she eased down to the ground. Propped up on her elbow, she glanced up at Glaukos, offering a shaky smile.

Her two-toned eyes cut to their immediate surroundings. There were a few noble firs growing a yard away. Javelina clenched her teeth and dragged herself closer to them, partially concealing herself beneath the lowest boughs of the nearest one. Its bright scent filled her nose.

She peeked up at her bear-like escort again, her tail tapping gently on the ground. For some reason—perhaps their proximity to Rivenwood—she suddenly thought of a conversation with her mother where she’d condemned all men. Javelina had long ago shed that prejudice, along with the rest of her memories, though the recollection made her lips twist.

I hope you know I’m serious about repaying your kindness when I’m back on my feet, she said presently.