Bearclaw Valley silkrobe doorsill

"the bears are what give ursus its power. we are even named for them," merrick explained to stricken, reverent arielle and fearful silent ashlar. one day, one day the boy would find his power. it irked the bearwolf that this had not yet happened.
"we honor them. in the winter they sleep. in the spring they wake. at times they speak to us. this valley belongs to us and they allow us, to live here. as long as we are holy. as long as we remember their names."
the bear lifted its head, staring now at ashlar with a look that merrick found inscrutable, and then arielle, muzzle dripping and dark body still.