Redtail Rise q-less

Mulherin persisted, trying to tempt the child by drawing the mouse’s blood before tossing it at Ruckus. Cambria’s ears pricked, wondering if instincts would compel the youngster to strike at the wounded prey. But Ruckus merely batted it aside, clearly disinterested. Mismatched eyes shifted to Mulherin, wondering if he felt as stumped as Cambria did.

What happened to this kid? he wanted to ask, though there was a time and place for that question, and this was neither. Cambria peered at the sullen pup and saw a little of himself in Ruckus. His mother had left him too, well before he was truly ready to face the world on his own. But he took some comfort in knowing Redd had at least come back for her child.

He wondered where she was now and whether her appearance might prompt Ruckus to cooperate with Mulherin. Cambria exchanged a quiet look with the young leader, then shook his head lightly and moved off to circle the area, unable to watch if he persisted but equally unwilling to let the pup out of his sight.