Otter Creek sleep, soldier

The boy ate his food like he did everything else: his movements frenetic, serrated, and savage.

I meant for you to kill it right then and there, he began, the fish's body going cold on the dirt between them, its red viscera the only vibrant color that existed for miles around them. But I guess you did, in the end. He swallowed the saliva that pooled in his mouth. Translucent beads of it hung from his lips.

Where will you be going? Gavrel knew that he would receive no answer, but it felt good to be talking, a sentiment he had only experienced a handful of times in his life. Usually, it had been he that played the role of wordless and reluctant listener. Are you going to be a pack-animal, suck on the teat of government?

A bitter smile crossed his face. No one would blame you.

He settled down on his feet, tucking his front paws into his chest to warm them.