Redtail Rise stoneward

Lilia cautioned them about the hazards of attempting to scatter the pigs, voting to observe them for a bit first. Ancelin promptly countered her, putting Masque in a position she immediately disliked: she would have to be the tiebreaker.

Frowning, she weighed the options while idly keeping an eye on their quarry. Perhaps there was a compromise or a better plan altogether besides the two she’d proposed. While she mulled it over, she noticed a fight break out between two older piglets on the far fringes of the group.

Soon, the fight captured the attention of most of the herd. Masquerade’s muscles tensed as she watched a few of the sows moving toward the fracas, presumably to break it up. Many of the other youngsters also moved toward the fray.

Masque spotted an opportunity: one of the sounder’s youngest piglets bumbled about obliviously while the nearest sow’s back was turned, facing the brawl. It was wandering away from the group, heading right toward the trio of wolves hidden in the brush.

New plan, she whispered to Ancelin and Lilia, motioning at the wayward piglet. Knowing they needed to act swiftly, she added, You guys grab it. I’m going to distract the mom, who was the only pig still near enough to really pose a threat to the young wolves.

Rather than going forward, Masque slipped backward into the undergrowth. She found a better angle of attack, then rushed forward to reveal herself to the sow. She made sure not to get too close, braced to turn and flee if the pig rushed her. Hopefully she would buy her companions enough time to swoop in and grab their wee victim.