Otter Creek wolves of the calla

she wished very much, suddenly, that she was possessed of the strength to rally, to drive off the young wolfess and her gentle, pointed worry. relmyna shook her head again, stumbling this time to her feet and keeping them. she wanted no help; she wanted no creature to expend themselves tending her bony wastes. 
and yet the throb in her skull had returned; the tyro paused in her steps and turned toward the girl. what good was she to blackfeather if she could not even return. presently she lifted a trembling paw and gestured vaguely in the direction of the wood; if this child wished to accompany her, so be it. relmyna did not wait to move off, choosing her steps gingerly.