The Sentinels Boarfish

What? Towhee asked, more sharply than intended.

He explained, only his face was turned away. Between that and the darkness, Towhee didn’t catch a word he said. She didn’t even realize he’d spoken.

Why not? she demanded, trying to lower her voice but unsure if she succeeded.

“The bear…”

Oh, right, the bear. Towhee sucked in a breath, her eyes flicking to the marks on the boy’s—the young man’s—hide. She remembered now, at least what Meerkat had told her.

They’re perfectly safe and happy, though they’ll be even happier when they see you. Don’t you want to see them? And Ray? He’s there too. You have younger brothers and sisters as well. Well, mostly sisters. But a baby brother who looks just like you. Come with me. Come see them. Come home.