Shy Deer Steppes vezhof

he had been released from his captivity.

his time spent serving as the dog of akashingo and muat-riya was at an end; and now the boy had to weigh his options. how much did his freedom cost? what was it worth? he could be fed and entertained if he stayed; he could go wherever he pleased if he left, and drusk could not decide.

he stayed mostly to the steppe. he roamed and hunted, chasing the runner-birds or watching for vultures; he picked clean what he could find for meals, and slowly, slowly did he acclimate to his true self again.

but the question remained, and he did not move on.