Redtail Rise We are close to war.

Masque glanced from the easterly ridge to the steep west. Riley followed her gaze wordlessly, placing his paw back down in the dirt.

He wondered why the older buck held her interest. To Riley, the creature was hale as could be — he certainly didn’t intend to have those antlers pointed his way.

The clattering of Masque’s footsteps pulled him from his thoughts. With a gentle wave of his tail, Riley turned to follow Masque back up the ridge.