Barrier Gulch desire and need and failure all spell out

Kemal knew for certain that Soto's goals were not something he wished to uphold. His own objectives felt clear, but he knew they were selfish. Those who had not been close to the dead would not feel the same gripe for justice. Verapaz needed a new long-term plan.

He would keep the omerta Soto had them each swear to. Promises of loyalty, and ideas of family. But they needed a wider purpose, not just values.

You are right. I would not turn pregnant women away. Even without an agenda behind it, the guilt would eat away at him. Verapaz did have children. You might have seen them. If they were still here, I think they would almost be yearlings. Come the spring, they certainly would have been. One died, one went missing, and Leto left with her last. He was ill, she needed to find help for him. Kemal had thought to go looking for her, but he knew that It was never Verapaz itself that Leto was loyal to. She was loyal to Soto.

His expression was solemn for a moment, fixed ahead once more. Maybe I will look for a wife. He didn't feel ready to replace Narin, but Dracarys was right. If he preached his own patience, then he should be able to wait for children to grow. It would be for the good of the pack.

The gears in his head began to turn now. He wasn't sure they could guarantee women would come to them over a healthier pack, but maybe if the father lingered in their ranks..

That would be something to consider later.

Pushing out a breath, Kemal knew it was time to return to the pass. Stay with Verapaz, Dracarys. It was not a demand, but a request. Soto did not attract the sound of mind. You are a rarity. Having someone to discuss with had been helpful, and he did not think he could so easily let go of that now. I will call for Verapaz to gather soon.