Herbalists' Cache Sore Paws, weary body

Goldfinch understood very little of the story he told, in truth; it was beyond comprehension to the girl. Why should a man take what was his? Or if it was not his, why should he want it at all? She didn't know, nor did she know Ash Star or Senka or the absent mothers lurking behind his tale.

She knew, though, what it was like to be left behind.

You come? Goldfinch stepped back as she spoke, rising from her crouch with a meaningful glance over her shoulder toward the bypass. When she looked back to him, her eyes were soft, tail hanging limp and relaxed at her hocks. Safe.