Redhawk Caldera Fall'n leaves

Wildfire had left earlier that morning and Peregrine lingered at the borders where she must have crossed, heading directly east. He wondered what compelled her to wander so much as he turned and began a slow patrol around the caldera's base. He walked with his blind eye to the pack's territory so he could see any external threats. He also swung his head back and forth, sweeping his surroundings constantly to make sure he didn't miss anything.

The day had dawned warm and clear, though as morning faded into afternoon, clouds gathered overhead, casting a gloom over the world and dragging down the temperature several degrees. Peregrine could smell autumn on the breeze that ruffled his silky black nape. He would have to hasten his efforts to adapt to his partial blindness so that he could see the pack through the upcoming winter. He particularly needed to work on his hunting skills, which were steadily improving but nowhere where they needed to be.

Speaking of which, the pack had felled a mountain goat a few hours ago and he took a break from his patrol to move into the territory and help himself to some meat from one of the lower caches. He dragged out an entire leg, then settled down on his belly beneath a small pecan tree. As he ate, he kept his one eye on the nearby perimeter, prepared to deal with any threats despite his lunch break.