Tormented Tarns little monsters

children occupied a dichotomous position in the world muskrat had once lived each day. born to the swamp panther clans, they would be reared as matrons, warriors, chieftains, hunters.

born outside the swamp panthers, they would be slaves.

muskrat stole closer. it was one way to grow a clan; once a captive had been fed and ensured safety so long as they submitted, they often chose to stay with the swampwolves.

swiftcurrent creek burned in her mind. but he had not kept her as a slave. always she had been free to leave.

refocused now, she spotted the large muscular beast with the smelly carrion. a narrowed gaze pinpointed the boy, dirtied and worn by travel. lost. he asked after his mother. muskrat thought of arlette even as she shoved the image away and poised to seize him when the other figure's attention was well-held.