The Bracken Woods tell them God just dropped by to forgive our sins

The dark boy fixed him in his vitriolic stare after regarding his companions, and Oqdis took a respectful step backwards as the stranger let out a low growl. Turning his head, the man noticed two others of his flock — Holden and Tater Tot — had emerged and gave them a soft, near unintelligible murmur to stay back. He was protective over his own; while their ends were near, it would not be by another's hand.

The prickling of the shadow's fur was not missed and Oqdis looked on with concern as Longshanks stepped forward with ease, tensing as he watched for any sign of an impending attack. Of all of them, the pale Borzoi was the one the man was most possessive over, and would hate to see harm come to him. He was something almost akin to a priest in Oqdis' own mind. The dog's soft words were punctuated by gentle movements, and the wolf dipped his own snout and lowered his ears. "You are safe among us, boy," he reassured the stranger, curious about what affliction surely ailed his mind.