Blackfoot Forest And the walls came tumbling down

"Minna," the man says quietly, his ears flicking cautiously. "I appreciate all that you have said-- but please look at the situation-- listen to what you have said." Aaron rises slowly, wincing at the pain along the back of his neck and holding his breath until he has finished moving. He now sits at the mouth of his den, exhaling loudly.  "I do not trust this man and neither should you. I am quite proud that so many of you feel this way already," he begins, his voice still hushed and his ears pivoting as they scanned for warnings that the king may come. "It pains me to leave this in your hands-- as your leader it should be my duty to defend you. But I was blindsided and wounded, and I do not have the strength to rise up now. Should you feel that you cannot wait-- rise now. Band together and strike as a real pack should." 

He leans back gently, wincing again. "I am sorry I have failed you in this way, but I trust in all of your abilities. You are not part of Rosings out of sheer luck."