The Heartwood I know that I ended it,

Katmai's ears popped to the top of his head at this accusation. He had to backtrack, and bit down on his immediate denial because he wasn't sure, exactly, if that was his unintentional intention. But, at length, he gave a firm shake of his head.

"I suppose there is no telling," he admitted, though he did not sound terribly nervous about that fact. "But what you say about family, and about leaving home — I think all three of us have things in common. And if nothing else, it is good to know the name and the face of another wolf. Someone you can share a hunt with, if you ever meet again on the road."

He began walking again, setting aside his grand plans for the moment. They could still just look for a skull.

"Consider it open-ended," he assured her. "For now — I think a skull can be pretty and useful. If you'd still like to help me."