Swiftcurrent Creek the sun will settle on dust

Other wolves began to join the small family. Relonikiv remained quiet, occasionally exchanging glances with Julius. His brother didn't seem happy about the move, even demanding that they stay. His sulky mumble made the golden child think of that day when three strangers had come calling. Trajan had gone away with them. Relonikiv missed him. He missed their mother and sister too. He pressed himself nearer to Scimitar, offering Julius a sympathetic whine. He would go anywhere on earth if it meant staying with what was left of his family.

Relonikiv shifted and sat up straighter when a cinnamon figure drew into view, catching his eye like the others hadn't. In the life of a wolf—particularly a young wolf—weeks were as years. Although Paarthurnax had been gone what seemed like an age now, her face was as familiar and welcome as sunlight. Durnehviir was with her too. He blinked, his mostly silver eyes growing wide as saucers. They both looked a little different. He had been much younger when they'd disappeared. Yet they were unmistakable.

"Mama!" he cried. He felt Bazi's nudge, though it wasn't needed. Springing off the Alpha male's forepaws, Relonikiv shot toward his mother like an arrow from a bow. "Mama!" he cried again, pressing himself against her legs as soon as he reached her and licking at her chin. His tail wagged so rapidly it was little more than a blur. He looked sideways, bumping his muzzle against Durnehviir's and licking her cheek. He crooned to both of them.

Yet just because his mother had walked back into his life did not mean Relonikiv forgot the word he'd spoken a moment ago or what it meant. Looking over a small, golden shoulder, the young child shouted, "Father, look!" He beamed at Scimitar, then at Bazi and Julius too. "Mama'th home!"