Mudminnow River The Horsemen are drawing nearer

the meat hung between them, the tantalizing bait to qiao’s careful trap. 

she tossed it at his feet. let him eat! his sorry state announced his hunger better than any hopeful, hungry gaze could. 

qiao coiled the deerskin loosely on top of itself, chewing her own piece of meat with thoughtfulness. 

i suppose i should get you more. where are your parents?

qiao lured the child deeper into the forest, mind scheming with delight.