Porcupine Ridge don't you feel

Perhaps, Hex replied, his voice faint, the word trailing off. He, too, looked toward the distance—to the north, where Muskrat had spoken of a pack—

She said there was a group settling nearby that we could raid, he continued. He shook his head in some helplessness, bewildered. Maybe she went to scout more. But it's been days, Golden Eagle.

Winter was here. The snow was falling in earnest now, at least in the mountain heights; they stood amongst it now.

If she doesn't return by the longest night— The winter solstice, of course; the most darkness in a day. If she doesn't return by then, I— I'll need a new Sentinel.

Hex turned his gaze toward the aureate woman, grave and solemn. I want you to take her place.