Moonspear incommunicado

Luckily for Bushtit, it was Killdeer rather than Treepie that found him. The Hierophant was on his usual patrols, weaving a slow perimeter 'round the mountain, when the pale form approached the border. 

With a happy chuff, he trotted down to meet his uncle (so strange, given the age difference!) with a broad smile.

Hey, kid, Killer greeted, tail wagging. What brings you here? Where's your ma?

Bushtit had arrived alone. It wasn't a surprise, given his last conversation with Towhee; the boy had inherited the family's wandering spirit. Still, there was that tiniest bit of worry that set a lump in his throat—

Had he come to announce Gramma's death?