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Chapter Text

Stoneteller: Half Moon- Old blonde woman with green eyes. She wears a white cloak.

Hunters: Quiet Rain- Woman with black hair and blue eyes. She wears a speckled gray cloak.

Gray Wing- Lean man with black hair and brown eyes. He wears a dark gray cloak.

Clear Sky- Man with black hair and blue eyes. He wears a light gray cloak with white spots.

Bright Stream- Woman with brown hair and brown eyes. She wears a white cloak with brown stripes.

Shaded Moss- Man with black hair and dark green eyes. He wears a black and white cloak.

Tall Shadow- Tall woman with black hair and green eyes. She wears a black cloak.

Dappled Pelt- Small woman with dirty blonde hair and brown eyes. She wears a dappled cloak.

Rainswept Flower- Woman with brown hair and blue eyes. She wears a brown cloak with darker stripes.

Turtle Tail- Woman with dirty blonde hair and green eyes. She wears a dappled cloak.

Moon Shadow- Man with black hair and brown eyes. He wears a black cloak.

Dewy Leaf- Woman with dirty blonde hair and brown eyes. She wears a dappled cloak.

Twisted Branch- Man with brown hair and brown eyes. He wears a brown cloak.

Shattered Ice- Man with black hair and green eyes. He wears a gray and white cloak.

Cloud Spots- Man with black hair and brown eyes. He wears a black cloak with white splotches.

Stone Song- Man with black hair and brown eyes. He wears a dark gray cloak with black stripes.

Hollow Tree- Woman with brown hair and brown eyes. She wears a brown cloak with black stripes.

Quick Water- Woman with black hair and brown eyes. She wears a gray and white cloak.

Hawk Swoop- Young woman with orange hair and brown eyes. She wears an orange cloak with white stripes.

Falling Feather- Young woman with platinum blonde hair and green eyes. She wears a white cloak.

Jackdaw’s Cry- Young man with black hair and blue eyes. He wears a black cloak.

Sharp Hail- Man with black hair and blue eyes. He wears a dark gray cloak.

Children: Jagged Peak- Boy with black hair and blue eyes.

Fluttering Bird- Small girl with brown hair and brown eyes.

Elders: Misty Water- Old woman with graying black hair and blind blue eyes. She wears a gray cloak.

Lion’s Roar- Old man with graying blonde hair and brown eyes. He wears a golden cloak with brown stripes.

Silver Frost- Old woman with black hair and blue eyes. She wears a gray and white cloak.

Snow Hare- Old woman with completely white hair and brown eyes. She wears a white cloak.

Chapter Text

It’s an age of monsters. An age of harsh storms. An age of difficult survival. Few places in the world are hospitable for a population of humans to thrive. So it only makes sense they’d huddle in whatever remotely safe area they could find.

At the peak of a mountain, behind a waterfall, a vast cave could be found. Its ceiling was high, only the tips of stalactites peeking out from the shadows. The cave walls were lined with small nooks at the bottom, deep enough for someone to crawl inside. Some were natural, formed ages ago, when the pool below the waterfall would flood and water would fill the cavern. Others had been carved out with tools made from bones and the horns of mountain goats.

Near the back of the cave sat a frail looking woman. Her face sagged with age and her once beautiful blonde hair was white and thin. The tunic she wore was a deep, muddy brown, covered by a pure white cloak draped over her shoulders. Despite her age, her green eyes were clear, sweeping over the people who mulled around the cave. The people- her people- restlessly paced in front of the shimmering waterfall. The elders huddled together in one of the larger sleeping hollows. Children cried with desperation, demanding food from their exhausted mothers.

The old woman turned her head. A group of children were squabbling over the leg of an eagle. The rest of it had already been consumed the previous day. Nothing was left but stringy scraps. But they couldn’t afford to throw any of it away.

“Gimme!” cried a large boy, shoving away a smaller girl. “I’m hungry!”

The girl angrily punched the boy’s shoulder. “We’re all hungry!”

A scoff of annoyance came from across the cavern. A graying elder, her clothes hanging off her thin body like rags, tottered over to the children and snatched the leg away.

“Hey!” the boy protested.

The elder glared down at him. “I’ve hunted for you brats year after year,” she snarled. “I deserve this more than you.” She turned and stalked off, the bone of the leg in her fist.

The boy stared after her for a long moment, indignant tears rising into her eyes. Then, he scampered away, wailing for his mother.

The white-cloaked woman sighed. They couldn’t continue on like this much longer.

She watched the elder walk across the cave and drop the eagle’s leg into the lap of a much older woman, who sat outside a sleeping hollow. Her milky gaze was fixed on the far wall of the cave.

“Here, Misty Water,” the other elder said, kneeling in front of her. “Eat. You need it.”

Misty Water shook her head. “No, thanks, Silver Frost. What’s the point? Without Broken Feather here, I can’t find the means to go on. Let me join him with our ancestors.”

The leader of these people turned her gaze away, unable to bear such a sentiment. Her people would rather die than continue on like this. And she didn’t know how to convince them otherwise. She had first led them to this cave because it had promised good hunting and shelter. But every year the winters seemed to get harsher. More of their game disappeared, none of their crops would grow, and without food in their bellies, they couldn’t keep warm.

A small group appeared at the entrance to the cave, snow dusting the top of their hoods. Several others sprang up to meet them.

“Did you find anything?”

“Please tell me you have food!”

One of the hunters shook his head. “Nothing.”

The faces of those in the cave fell. What little hope they had drained. They trailed away, their heads down.

Footsteps echoed through the cavern. The white-cloaked woman raised her head. A man was approaching her, his long yellow beard graying at the roots, his hair thin and receding. His golden and brown cloak was tattered. But he still walked with the confidence of a man in his prime.

“Half Moon,” he greeted, setting down beside the woman.

“Lion’s Roar,” Half Moon returned. “Does something trouble you?”

Lion’s Roar’s brown eyes were sullen. “I was born in this cave,” he began. “But my mother often told me of a time before we came here- of our old home. When our people lived beside a lake, sheltered beneath trees.”

Half Moon sighed. “I am the only one left alive who remembers the journey we went on to come here. But I have lived much longer in the mountains than I ever did at the lake. I don’t think I could sleep at night without the sound of the waterfall. But why do you bring this up now? Come to here old stories?”

Lion’s Roar chuckled. “Long are the days I come to you for stories. I have my own now. No, I come to you because I am troubled. Surely you know how dangerous it is for us to stay here any longer? Winter has only begun, and we’ve already lost an elder to starvation. Now we risk losing even our younger people. This cave will be the death of us.”

Half Moon’s eyes widened. “What are we meant to do? The lake was overrun with beasts. There’s no other place I know.”

Lion’s Roar met her gaze. “What about the other side of the mountain? What if we continued past these peaks? Surely there’s more to this world.”

“But we have no idea what would be waiting for us,” Half Moon replied. “I brought us here because it’s safe. Our biggest threats are the cold and mountain lions. There are no monsters or creatures or demons that call this place home. We are safe.”

“We are dying, Half Moon,” Lion’s Roar growled. “We won’t last much longer. I won’t allow my people to die hiding when they could be fighting for a better life. I beg of you- do something.”

With some effort, he stood himself up and walked away, rejoining the other elders in their sleeping hollow.

Half Moon’s gaze fell to the floor of the cave. She didn’t know what she was expected to do. They had to many children and elders to travel anywhere. And she was too old to lead them anywhere. Did Lion’s Roar want her to step down as the healer of this tribe? She wouldn’t believe it. Lion’s Roar had always been a faithful supporter to her, and she doubted he’d lost hope in her, even now.

She raised her head, looking towards the waterfall. The constant screen of moving water cast dancing shapes over the cavern’s wall.

Could Lion’s Roar be right? Was there a place beyond here that would make a better home than this cave? But who would lead her people there? How could she bare to stay behind with the other elders and starve? If she was to make a decision, it had to be one that benefitted the entire tribe, those old, young, and unborn.

Chapter Text

The freshly fallen snow crunched softly underfoot as Gray Wing made his way up the ridge. Each step was taken with extra caution. Gray Wing had never seen the mountain without snow on it. Any step could mean plunging his foot into a deep crevice and vanishing beneath the snow forever. More flakes still fell from the sky, and Gray Wing kept reaching up to shake them off his black hair. He was so cold he couldn’t feel the tips of his fingers, but his stomach growled with hunger.

He couldn’t remember the last time he’d had a real meal.

Every year, it felt like Winter got worse. He could remember being a child, playing in the sun with his brother, Clear Sky, at the pool just outside the cave. But that had been a decade ago. Gray Wing only had fuzzy memories of green leaves sprouting from the plateau field and sunshine bathing the mountain rocks.

He paused, gazing across the snow covered mountains. The peaks stretched away into the distance endlessly. Overhead, the sky was gray, promising more snow. Everything was still. There was nothing but snow for the wind to blow around.

Before Gray Wing could continue his seemingly hopeless search, another man appeared over the ridge. He was taller than Gray Wing, and more muscular. He pulled his gray and white hood off his head.

“It’s no use!” Clear Sky called. “The snow is just going to cover up any tracks.”
Gray Wing sighed. They’d been out hunting all day. At this point, it just felt like a waste of energy. “Let’s head back.”

But before Clear Sky could slid down the ridge and join him, a cry sounded from above. Gray Wing ducked as a shadow flashed over him, and he looked up to see a hawk swooping low across the slope.

Clear Sky fumbled back to the top of the ridge and drew the spear off his back. He drew back one arm and threw it into the air. The eagle was just rising into the sky again when it suddenly screeched in agony, the spear’s sharp tip stabbing into its chest. The bird dropped to the earth, rolling down the ridge.

Clear Sky, a bit slower this time, made his way down the ridge to retrieve it. Gray Wing met him at the bottom.

“Nice catch!” he praised.

Clear Sky looked down at the bird in his fist. “It’s so scrawny. It’ll hardly feed the both of us.”

Gray Wing didn’t care. He couldn’t wait to have something warm in his stomach. But then, the image of the rest of the Tribe flashed through his mind.

“Maybe we should just offer it to the kids,” he suggested. “They need to eat.”

Clear Sky looked skeptical. “So do we. And we’re the ones who caught it.”

“We’ll be fine,” Gray Wing reasoned. “We can always catch something else.”

Clear Sky rolled his eyes. “Whatever. Let’s just go. I’m freezing.”

Together, they made there way down the slope and over boulders at the bottom of a narrow gully. Here, the waterfall became visible, and so did the pool of water it crashed in to.

“Those brats better be grateful,” Clear Sky mumbled. “I haven’t eaten in days.”

Gray Wing shot his brother a sympathetic smile. He felt the same. But he knew there were hungrily mouths to feed.

Shouts of surprise greeted the brothers when they returned to the cave. Several others ran to meet them.

“It’s huge!” Turtle Tail exclaimed, her green eyes shining. “Is it for us?”

Gray Wing’s gaze fell to the floor. “It won’t feed everyone.”

An older man pushed to the front of the crowd. His cold brown eyes were the same shade as Gray Wing’s. “Whoever is going out to hunt next should eat,” Shattered Ice said.

Murmurs of agreement came from the assembly.

“Actually,” Gray Wing said, “we wanted to give it to Jagged Peak and Fluttering Bird.”

Shattered Ice’s gaze softened. But before he could reply, a shrill cry came from across the cavern. A young boy with black hair was charging towards them.

“That’s for us?” he squeaked, skidding to a halt. “Wow!”

“Stand back, boy,” Shattered Ice chided. “You’ll still have to wait to eat. No use getting yourself sick on raw meat.”

Clear Sky handed the hawk to their father, who carried it toward the center of the cave. A pile of thin sticks lay in the center of a circle of rocks. The Tribe normally tried to stick with food they could grow and that wouldn’t spoil so easily, or need prepared, but it was impossible to grow anything in this weather. It was a shame, really. Gray Wing missed the leafy mix of lettuce, cabbage, and other vegetables we’d often eaten as a child.

The rest of the crowd, disappointed, quickly dispersed. Some slipped out of the cave to go hunting themselves.

Clear Sky seemed irritated. “He better return the favor when we’re old,” he said, lightly tapping the back of his hand on Gray Wing’s shoulder.

“I’m sure he will,” Gray Wing replied.

He knew Clear Sky would be angry with him for the rest of the day. He’d just given away their one shot at a meal. But Gray Wing wouldn’t have been able to enjoy it, knowing his family was at home starving.

There just wasn’t enough food.

The sound of footsteps distracted him. He turned to see Bright Stream, a young brunette woman, joining Clear Sky’s side. “You caught that huge hawk yourself?”

Clear Sky grinned at his wife. “Sure did. I might go out again and try my luck. Want to come with?”

He wrapped an arm around Bright Stream, who leaned into him, her brown eyes filled with admiration. The two walked off together, most likely to rest before Clear Sky went out again. They had only recently announced their joining, having grown up together and always been close. Gray Wing knew how much Bright Stream admired his brother.

“Those two better slow down.” The voice came from his shoulder. Gray Wing turned to see Silver Frost standing beside him. “The last thing we need around here is more mouths to feed.”

Gray Wing didn’t reply. He wouldn’t badmouth his brother, nor ever believe a new baby could possibly be a negative. New life kept the Tribe strong. New life promised a legacy.

“You, too,” Silver Frost continued, nudging Gray Wing with her elbow. “I see how Turtle Tail bats her eyes at you. If you kids spent less time fawning after one another and more time hunting, maybe some of us would get meat on our bones.”

Hot embarrassment mixed with indignation made Gray Wing’s face flush. He wasn’t sure how to respond to first. But before he even could, Silver Frost was walking away.

Gray Wing quickly realized why. Half Moon was weaving around the cavern, checking on those she came across. Although her steps were unsteady, her green eyes held years of wisdom.

“Why don’t you eat something?” Half Moon asked Snow Hare, an old woman laying in one of the sleeping hollows.

Snow Hare shook her head. “Give it to the young ones. They need their strength.”

“So do you,” Half Moon replied.

“Perhaps the mountain is done feeding us,” Lion Roar’s spoke up. Half Moon gave him a swift glance.

“Gray Wing!” Shattered Ice called. “Get your mother and sister! They need to eat.”

Gray Wing nodded. He made his way to his family’s sleeping hollow. Inside, partially obscured by shadow, was his mother, Quiet Rain. As a child, he remembered her being a little more filled out, but now she was as thin as the rest of the Tribe. Her long black hair was speckled with gray, although she was still over a decade away from being an elder.

Gray Wing knelt in front of the hollow. “Clear Sky and I brought you something to eat. Come on.”

“Oh, thank you, Gray Wing,” Quiet Rain rasped. “Fluttering Bird will appreciate it.”

Gray Wing moved out of the way so she could crawl out of the hollow. What followed after her was the tiniest girl into the entire Tribe. Fluttering Bird was small, even for her age. She had always seemed so small and fragile. When she stood, her legs wobbled. Her brown eyes were clouded with exhaustion and her long brown hair was knotted from sleep. When placed beside her slightly older brother, Jagged Peak, she looked like just a scrap of a person.

Quiet Rain scooped her up to carry her to the fire pit. Jagged Peak bounded over to join them, clutching onto Gray Wing’s sleeve.

“Tell me about the hawk!” he demanded. “How did you catch it? I want to go hunting! Will you take me hunting?”

Gray Wing chuckled softly. “Not yet. You’re still not-”

A loud shout cut him off. “Be silent! Half Moon has an announcement!”

The voice belonged to a dark haired man named Shaded Moss, one of the strongest and most respected members of the Tribe. He stood on a boulder at the far end of the cave, his arms crossed. Half Moon stood beside him, looking small by comparison.

A crowd was already gathering. Gray Wing pushed toward the front. Murmurs of curiosity surrounded him.

“Is Half Moon stepping down?” Silver Frost asked.

“It’s about time,” Snow Hare said.

Gray Wing found a place to sit beside Clear Sky and Bright Stream. Half Moon met each of their gazes.

The murmuring died away.

Gray Wing felt worry worming into his stomach. Half Moon looked like she was in mourning.

“I’ve made a decision,” Half Moon announced. “Not all of us can stay here. Our home cannot support this many people. I believe there is a place beyond these mountains were some of us will be better off. A place that is warm all year.”

Silence filled the cave. Gray Wing didn’t understand. What was she saying? She wanted them to leave?

Lion’s Roar was sitting up tall, his eyes wide.

“Not all of us can go,” Half Moon said. “Not all of us are meant for such a journey. But those who are brave enough should try. Shaded Moss will lead you there, if you choose to go with him.”

Her gaze was filled with sadness and pain. She slid off the boulder and vanished into a tunnel at the back of the cave.

Immediately, the cave was filled with the sound of shocked speculation. Shaded Moss raised his arms, asking for silence.

“This cave has always been my home,” he began. His voice was solemn. “I always expected to die here. But Half Moon believes there is a better place for me and anyone else who wishes to join me. I promise, to anyone who joins me, I will keep you safe.”

Dappled Pelt, a blonde woman, leaped to her feet. “I’ll go!”

“So will I!” called Tall Shadow, a lean, black haired woman.

“Are you insane?” Twisted Branch, an old scraggy man, stared at the two. “You’ll wander into your death!”

Gray Wing remained silent, but agreed with the old man. The mountains were home, and they always had been. How could anyone leave?

When he looked at Clear Sky, he was shocked to see excitement in his brother’s blue eyes.

“You can’t be serious,” Gray Wing said.

“What?” Clear Sky retorted. “This could be great! Why struggle to feed everyone when we could just go somewhere else?” He grinned eagerly. “It’ll be an adventure!” He turned to Bright Stream. “We’ll both go!”

Bright Stream seemed surprised. “I don’t know…”

Jagged Peak pushed between his older brothers. “I want to go!”

Fluttering Bird nodded enthusiastically. “Me too!” she squeaked.

Quiet Rain grabbed Jagged Peak, pulling him back. “Absolutely not! You’re far too young.”

“Then go with us,” Jagged Peak suggested. “We can all go!”

Shattered Ice ruffled his hair. “Listen to your mother. But…it would be nice to feel the sun all year around.”

Quiet Rain shook her head. “This is my home, and its your’s too. We’ve survived worse Winters. Once the warm season comes, all will be right again.”

Gray Wing nodded in agreement. No matter how hard Winter was, Summer would come without fail. They just had to survive the rest of the year.

Shaded Moss’ powerful voice rose over the clamor. “There’s no need to decide right now,” he said. “Give it some thought. You have until the next full moon. That is when I leave.” With that, he slid off the boulder and joined his wife, Misty Water, in their sleeping hollow.

“Isn’t this great?” Turtle Tail asked Gray Wing, joining his side. “We’re going to find a warm place. I bet they’ll be so much game to hunt. And we’ll be able to grow so much food. We’ll never go hungry again! Aren’t you excited, Gray Wing?”

“I am!” Clear Sky replied before Gray Wing could answer. “And so is Bright Stream.”

The young woman gave him an uncertain look, but Clear Sky didn’t notice.

“It’ll be a hard journey, but it’ll be worth it,” Clear Sky said.

“It’s going to be wonderful!” Turtle Tail agreed happily.

Gray Wing stood aside as they began to chatter about the future. He wished he could join in, seeing how much hope this idea gave everyone. But he couldn’t help feeling like it was wrong to just give up on their home.

Chapter Text

Gray Wing was woken by hunger pains. He’d been feeling the full weight of starvation ever since Half Moon’s announcement three days ago. The cave hadn’t stopped buzzing with discussions. Some thought it was a good idea to leave. Others were fantasizing about the new home that awaited them. Gray Wing felt like he was going crazy. He was one of very few who believed splitting up the Tribe would only lead to more suffering.

Even now, he could hear excited chattering just outside his sleeping hollow.

“What kind of game will be there?” Dappled Pelt asked. “I can’t wait to try all the different foods we’ll be able to make.”

“We’ll have to be careful,” Cloud Spots said thoughtfully. “There will be dangerous creatures we might not want to mess with.”

Quick Water laughed. “So long as we can eat them, who cares?”

Gray Wing peered outside to see the three sitting close together, along with Tall Shadow.

“We’ll have to learn new ways to hunt,” she said. “Everything will be so different.”

“We’ll manage,” Quick Water said, waving her hand dismissively.

Gray Wing scrambled out of his sleeping hollow and stood up to stretch. He wanted to go hunting. What was the point of worrying about game a lifetime’s journey away from here?

Sunlight was slanting into the cave through the waterfall. As Gray Wing emerged from the cae, he was shocked to find the sky a beautiful clear blue. The mountains’ peaks were outlined against it. Gray Wing in a deep breath of cold, crisp air.

He could never leave this behind.

He took a path along a snow covered ledge. From below, he could hear voices.

“You have to come with me.”

Gray Wing looked down and spotted Clear Sky with Bright Stream beside the waterfall’s pool.

“It’ll be great,” Clear Sky said. “We’ll explore new places, eat new foods…together.”

Bright Stream turned away. “This is my home, Clear Sky. I can’t just leave.”

“Yes, you can,” Clear Sky said, walking around Bright Stream. “You can go with me. We’ll be together.”

Bright Stream shook her head. “I need more time to decide.”

She walked away, and Clear Sky gazed after her.

Before Gray Wing could get much farther, Bright Stream called out to him. “Come hunting with me. I need to clear my head.”

“Uh…okay,” Gray Wing agreed. “I could use the company.”

“Good! Go hunting!” Clear Sky called angrily. “And when you come back hungry and empty handed, you’ll know we need to leave!”

Gray Wing ignored him, heading for the ridge. Bright Stream followed. As they drew closer to the summit, icy wind blasted their faces, lifting the snow off the rocks. Dark clouds were gathering on the horizon, promising more snow.

Gray Wing turned his back to the wind and spotted three more people in the valley. They were nothing but tiny specks of black, pursuing a hawk that was flying low over the slopes.

Bright Stream took in a deep breath. “Gray Wing, what do you think about all this?”

Gray Wing hesitated. “I don’t know,” he admitted. “I don’t know if there is a better place to live. The whole reason we came here was because it was sheltered from monsters. Maybe there’s some place out there with more food, but we’ll have to fight for it.”

Bright Stream looked thoughtful. “I love the mountains. I know it’s cold and barren and there’s never any food…but I’ve always imagined raising my children here. And I always imagined their father would be Clear Sky.”

She turned away, shielding her look of sorrow.

“It must be hard for you, too,” she said. “With how Clear Sky and your dad talk about leaving.”

Gray Wing nodded in agreement. Everyone except him and his mother were set on going. He felt like he was being torn in two. Him and Clear Sky had always done everything together. But he couldn’t leave his mother and other siblings behind. This was his home. He wished Clear Sky could see that.

A flicker of movement caught his attention. Drawing his spear, he raced across the slope after a snow hare, hardly visible against the white of the mountains. Bright Stream joined the chase, but Gray Wing outpaced her, relishing the wind rushing through his hair.

He drew one arm back and threw his spear, listening as the rabbit’s squeak of alarm was cut off.

Gray Wing slowed to a stop, then leaned down and picked up the rabbit.

“Great work!” Bright Stream panted, catching up to him. “You’re really fast.”

“Thanks,” Gray Wing said. The rabbit wasn’t plump by any meals, but it would make a good meal. “Let’s get this home and cooked. We sure proved Clear Sky wrong.”

Bright Stream fixed him with her green gaze. “You’re going to stay, aren’t you?”

Gray Wing nodded.

When they returned to the waterfall, just as Gray Wing was handing Bright Stream the rabbit, they spotted a group of people coming up the slope. Shaded Moss was in the lead with Clear Sky at his shoulder. Tall Shadow, Dappled Pelt, and Rainswept Flower were close behind, with Turtle Tail bringing up the rear.

Clear Sky’s eyebrows jumped when he spotted the hare Gray Wing was carrying.

Gray Wing felt a flash of satisfaction. “What were you up to?”

“We need to map out a path we can take out of the mountains,” Shaded Moss explained. “Half Moon told me to follow the rising sun.”

“We’re heading to the ridge to get a better view,” Turtle Tail said. “Join us.”

Gray Wing hesitated. He was sure about his decision to stay, but he didn’t want to share it yet. “I’m tired.”

Before Turtle Tail could protest, he slipped into the cave. Those still inside were restless. They gathered in small groups, talking in hushed voices.

“Do you think they’ll really do it?’ Stone Song muttered to his wife, Hollow Tree.

“If they’re idiots,” Hollow Tree scoffed. “They have no idea what’s out there, or where they’re even going.”

Gray Wing knew they spoke for very little of the Tribe. He wished Half Moon had never said anything. Their Tribe was being torn apart.

“I want to go!” Jagged Peak was whining, pulling at his mother’s sleeve.

“No,” Quiet Rain said sternly. “You’re too young.”

“It’s not fair!” Jagged Peak wailed.

“Come here, Jagged Peak,” Snow Hare called from the elder’s hut. “Let’s place stone throw.” The old woman was leaning out of her sleeping hollow. She scooped up a flat pebble nearby and tossed it away.

Jagged Peak gave chase, grabbing for it with an excited squeal.

Quiet Rain sent Snow Hare a grateful look.

Gray Wing approached his mother. “Bright Steam is cooking a rabbit we just caught. Do you want some?”

Quiet Rain smiled. “Thanks, but Fluttering Bird needs to eat first.” Fear flashed through her blue eyes. “She wouldn’t get out of bed this morning. But I’m sure she’ll feel better once she eats.”

Gray Wing followed his mother to their sleeping hollow. Inside, Fluttering Bird was resting, partially hidden by the shadows.

“Are you going with Shaded Moss?” Quiet Rain asked quietly, sitting down. “I know Clear Sky and your father want to…” She was trying to keep her voice calm, but she couldn’t help letting out a sorrowful sigh.

“I’m staying,” Gray Wing reassured her. “This is my home. It was a refuge for our people, and it continues to be.”
Quiet Rain tried to keep her expression blank, but Gray Wing caught the relief in her eyes. She leaned against his shoulder. “Thank you.”

Gray Wing simply nodded. For a moment, he was content to sit in his mother’s arms once more, feeling the same sense of comfort and security he’d felt as a child, back when Winter didn’t seem as bad and the Tribe ate well, even during the worst blizzards.

But the moment could last forever. The smell of cooked rabbit was beginning to fill the cave. They needed to eat before someone else begged to join in on their meal. Quiet Rain leaned back, brushing Fluttering Bird’s hair from her face.

“Wake up, Flutter,” Quiet Rain said softly. “It’s time to eat.”

Fluttering Bird didn’t stir. Gray Wing and Quiet Rain exchanged a glance.

“Fluttering Bird?” Quiet Rain prodded her daughter. “Fluttering Bird!” She crawled into the sleeping hollow, shaking the small girl’s shoulder. “Gray Wing, get Half Moon! Now!”

Gray Wing stumbled to his feet and sped across the cave, plunging into the tunnel that would lead to Half Moon’s private hollow. He had only been in here once before to receive his cloak- a mark of adulthood in the Tribe- and was overcome by awe when he arrived at the entrance.

Narrow beams of sunlight slanted through a hole in the roof, illuminating the column of stone that grew from the cave floor. Pools of water reflected the darkness of the cave ceiling, and the entire place echoed with the sound of dripping water.

Half Moon was sitting in her bed, a pile of soft pelts at the back of the cave. She sat cross legged, her hands on her knees and her eyes closed. When Gray Wing approached, she woke.

“Gray Wing,” she greeted. “Is something wrong?”

“Fluttering Bird won’t wake up,” Gray Wing rasped.

Half Moon gracefully rose to her feet. She reached into a crack in the rock wall, pulling out a few pitiful, shriveled leaves. It was all she’d have until the snow melted. While she joined Gray Wing by the entrance to the cave, she dropped the leaves into a small clay bowl she kept on her belt, and used the end of a stubby, carved bone to begin mashing them.

Gray Wing led her to where Fluttering Bird was laying in her sleeping hollow. Quiet Rain was still shaking her gently, trying to wake her up without hurting her. Tears shown in her eyes.

Half Moon entered the sleeping hollow and leaned over the small girl. She rested her hand on her chest, then moved it to another spot, then another. She used two fingers to open Fluttering Bird’s mouth and began spooning the pulp she’d made onto her tongue.

“Come on, little one,” she murmured. “Swallow.” She used her thumb and forefinger to massage Fluttering Bird’s throat, willing the pulp to go down.

But Fluttering Bird remained still.

Half Moon raised her eyes to Quiet Rain. “She’s too far gone. Her hunger was too great. I’m so sorry, Quiet Rain.”

Quiet Rain collapsed, bracing her hands against the floor of the hollow. Her fingers clenched, her fingernails digging into the hard stone. “This is my fault! I should have given her all my food.”

Gray Wing felt hollow with grief. He crept over to his mother, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. “It’s not your fault.”

“I should have-”

“Enough, Quiet Rain,” Half Moon interrupted. “Fluttering Bird may be able to hear you. Don’t let her pass into the next life knowing you’re scared and angry.”

Quiet Rain brought her hands to her face, sobbing. “My precious daughter. Oh, my little girl.”

Misery swept over Gray Wing. His sister’s chest rose one last time, then went still. He closed his eyes.

“What’s going on?” A shadow fell over the entrance to the sleeping hollow. Gray Wing blinked through his tears and met his father’s eyes. Shattered Ice’s question went unanswered, but a quick glance around told him all he needed to know. “No…”

Half Moon pushed past him. “I’m sorry,” she murmured, then retreated to her own cave.

Shattered Ice crawled inside the hollow, joining Quiet Rain’s other side. She leaned against him, sobbing into his chest.

“Gray Wing, go find your brothers,” he ordered, his voice taunt. “Let them say goodbye before we bury her.”

Gray Wing emerged from the sleeping hollow and spotted Jagged Peak on the far side of the cave, kicking a pebble across the floor for Snow Hare to throw again. Gray Wing caught his eye, and beckoned him closer.

Despite his youth, Jagged Peak still recognized the look of raw grief on Gray Wing’s face. “What is it?” he asked.

“Fluttering Bird…” Gray Wing didn’t want to say it, as though hearing it in his own voice would suddenly make it real. “Fluttering Bird passed away.”

Jagged Peak stared at him for a long moment. Then, his eyes seemed to overflow with tears, and he let out a shrill wail. Gray Wing dropped to his knees and pulled his younger brother against his chest. He could feel the little boy shaking.

From the cave entrance came the sound of voices. Shaded Moss had returned with the others, who were chattering amongst themselves.

“This is going to be great!” Clear Sky cheered, pulling his hood off his head. “That path through the valley is perfect.”

“So long as the gap in the cliffs really does take us out of the mountains,” Shaded Moss reminded him. “And we’ll need to be careful when we come to that river.”

“Still, it’ll be a quick trip!” Turtle Tail said enthusiastically. “How long until we’re out of the mountains, do you think, Shaded Moss? A few days?”

“Seems like it,” Shaded Moss confirmed. “But we won’t promise anything yet. After all, there were blind spots we couldn’t see over the peaks. We’ll have to be vigilant.”

Just as Clear Sky was opening his mouth to reply, he caught sight of Gray Wing comforting their younger brother. Excusing himself from the group, he rushed over.

“What happened?”

“Fluttering Bird is dead,” Gray Wing murmured.

Clear Sky inhaled sharply, then darted to the sleeping hollow.

“No!” he exclaimed, sliding inside. “Oh, Fluttering Bird…” He shook his head, then straightened up to look at his parents. “This will never happen again once we reach our new home.”

“Clear Sky,” Shattered Ice snapped. “Not now. Don’t remind your mother she’s going to lose you, too.”

“But she can come with us,” Clear Sky insisted. “I’ll protect and hunt for us all. Please, mother, you must come.”

Quiet Rain shook her head. “I can’t. Not when Fluttering Bird will be here forever.”

Chapter Text

The Tribe had a special place where they buried their dead. On the other side of the waterfall, a narrow ledge would lead to a vast plateau. Years ago, this was where the Tribe grew their crops- cabbages, potatoes, carrots…anything from seeds that had been brought with them when they’d first found this place. But as each got colder, none of the plants survived very long, and they soon ran out of the means to produce them. Those of the Tribe who had been skillful farmers once tried to harvest the mountain plants to grow, but this high up, it was too cold for any of them to thrive. And since death was more common than food, it was seen to that the Tribe would begin burying their dead here.

Gray Wing and Clear Sky had scraped away the small stones and frozen soil to make a deep hole. Quiet Rain clutched Fluttering Bird, and had to be encouraged to let her go so Shattered Ice could lay her in her grave. As her sons began covering Fluttering Bird in earth and stone, Quiet Rain began to sob once more.

Clear Sky stepped back and joined Bright Stream’s side. Gray Wing let Jagged Peak cling onto his leg. He could only nod in acknowledgement when Turtle Tail murmured her condolences.

It wasn’t mandatory for all of the Tribe to be present for the burial. But the extra support from friends was appreciated by Gray Wing, and he knew the rest of his family agreed. Hollow Tree and Quick Water were cooing to Quiet Rain, offering her encouragement. Shaded Moss murmured hoarsely to Shattered Ice, her responded with a nod. Clear Sky was quickly being surrounded by his friends. Even the elders had found the strength to take the hike to the plateau.

“It’s something I’ve seen too many times,” Silver Frost mumbled, shaking her head.

“Gray Wing.” Jagged Peak tugged his brother’s pant leg. “If we lived somewhere warmer, would Fluttering Bird still be alive?”

Gray Wing wasn’t sure how to reply. “Don’t think about that right now. There’s nothing we can do to change this. It’s no use dwelling on it.”

Still, Gray Wing found his gaze wandering toward the cliff’s edge. From here, he could see all across the vast mountains. He spotted a few of the landmarks Shaded Moss had spoken about previously. Far in the distance, a sparkling river rumbled down the mountain. A passage through two sheer cliffs led to what seemed like stretch of unfamiliar green. For the first time, Gray Wing genuinely wondered what life was like out there. Warm? Bountiful?

He pondered Jagged Peak’s question. Maybe Fluttering Bird would have survived if she didn’t live in these mountains. But maybe she was also born weak. Maybe her family hadn’t done a good enough job providing for her. Maybe she just wasn’t meant to live. Surely sorrow and tragedy didn’t disappear just because the weather was warmer?

But still, there was a part of him that wondered.

The Tribe was starting to disperse. Dappled Pelt was helping the elders back down the cliff. The younger hunters were quickly fleeing back into the warm cave. Even Clear Sky soon left, and Shattered Ice called for Jagged Peak to come back inside.

Gray Wing was aware of Quiet Rain at his shoulder. “These mountains are cruel,” she rasped. “But it’s my home.”

“This won’t happen again,” Gray Wing said. His voice was hoarse. “I’ll hunt more. I’ll make sure-”

“You’ll leave,” Quiet Rain interrupted.

“What?” Gray Wing turned on her.

His mother’s eyes were still brimming with tears. “You have to leave, Gray Wing. You must go with Clear Sky and your father. Jagged Peak is too young to make the journey, but you’re not. Don’t throw away this opportunity. Don’t stay here, only to watch your children die, too.”

Gray Wing was dumbfounded. “You wanted us to stay!”

Quiet Rain’s gaze was filled with sorrow. “I love you too much for that,” she said. “Go, Gray Wing. Live.”

Chapter Text

Light was filtering through the waterfall, though it was so early that most of the cave still lay in shadow. Gray Wing hauled himself out of bed and noticed Shaded Moss huddled with some of his followers, including Clear Sky. The group got larger every day.

Heads turned when Gray Wing walked over to join them.

“You changed your mind?” Clear Sky asked, smiling hopefully.

Gray Wing hesitated. “I’m thinking about it,” he replied reluctantly.

Turtle Tail grabbed his arm. “I’m so happy you decided to join us!”

“We still have a while before we leave,” Shaded Moss said. “You have time to decide.”

Before Gray Wing could thank him, a cry came from the other side fo the cave. Gray Wing whipped around to see Dewy Leaf stomping towards them. The blonde woman halted in front of her husband, Moon Shadow, shaking with fury.

“What are you doing over here?” she demanded. “You promised you’d stay here!”

Turtle Tail and Gray Wing exchanged an awkward glance.

Moon Shadow flinched. “There isn’t enough food. You know that. Our baby will be better off with fewer mouths to feed.”

Dewy Leaf gritted her teeth. “And who’s going to hunt for it while I’m stuck in here nursing it?”

“She has a point,” Twisted Branch called from the fire pit. “Anyone with responsibilities should stay here and see to them.”

“Are you calling us irresponsible for leaving?” Tall Shadow snapped.
Shattered Ice, who’d been sitting with the others, glared at the old man. “We’re going off into the unknown so all of us can have a chance at a better life.”

“And leaving your grieving wife behind,” Twisted Branch muttered.

Shattered Ice gasped and Tall Shadow had to grab Clear Sky by the arms before he launched forward. “How dare you!” Clear Sky shouted. “She wants us to leave!”

“Enough!” The authoritative voice cut through the commotion. Those in the cave fell silent, parting down the middle as Half Moon stepped into the center. “I can’t bear to see you fight over this. I had hoped giving you the idea to find a better home would benefit us all. But perhaps it will only cause more suffering…”

Lion’s Roar limped over to stand in front of her. “Don’t lose faith. My mother told me that before we came here, we held a vote to decide the future of our people. What if we voted on this issue now? If the majority of us want to stay together and face Winter, Shaded Moss’ journey will be canceled.”

Half Moon looked thoughtful. She turned to Shaded Moss. “Would you accept whatever is decided by this vote?”

Shaded Moss. “I want what is best for our people. I believe they should decide what that is themselves.”

Half Moon glanced around. “Gray Wing, Bright Stream,” she called. “Collect a stone for everyone and hand them out.”

“Do I get one?” Jagged Peak squeaked excitedly.

“Yes,” Half Moon agreed. “Everyone’s voice will be heard.”

Gray Wing looked around the cave. The entire Tribe had gathered, drawn by the argument and Half Moon’s announcement. After a quick head count, he and Bright Stream headed for the waterfall, where they’d be able to find a cluster of small stones. Gathering as many as they could carry, then began handing them out to the other Tribe members.

“My mother wants me to leave,” Gray Wing whispered to Bright Stream.

His joining sister’s eyes widened. “I thought she wanted all of you to stay.”

Gray Wing shook his head. “Not after Fluttering Bird.”

“Well, are you going?”

“I don’t know.” Gray Wing couldn’t give a straight answer. “Mom is convinced what happened to Fluttering Bird was a sign. But I think it just means the Tribe needs as many hunters as possible. How can I leave?”

Once everyone was holding a stone, Half Moon walked to the front of the cave. “If you believe we should split up, place your stone beside the waterfall. If you think we need to stay together, place it here in front of me.”

Shaded Moss stepped forward first. He nodded to Half Moon. “I trust your judgment. If you believe there’s a better home out there, so do I.”

He carried his stone to the waterfall and laid it down just outside the range of the splashing cascade.

Meanwhile, the rest of the Tribe was lining up for their turn. Jagged Peak was bouncing with excitement.

Lion’s Roar went next. He laid his stone beside the waterfall. “I’m far too old for the journey,” he rasped, “but these young ones deserve a better chance at life.”

Snow Hare and Silver Frost followed, voting to stay together. Clear Sky set his stone beside the waterfall, and so did Dappled Pelt and Turtle Tail. Jagged Peak bounced up next, delicately laying his stone directly beside Clear Sky’s.

Quiet Rain took a deep breath before joining him.

Bright Stream went next. She sent a glance towards Clear Sky, then set her stone at the waterfall with a deep frown.

Clear Sky grinned, his eyes warm with affection. He held out one arm, and Bright Stream joined him. “Thank you,” he whispered.

Bright Stream nodded wordlessly.

It was Gray Wing’s turn. He felt his heart lurch. It was time to make his decision.

He glanced around, and couldn’t help noticing the jutting bones of his Tribe, their dull eyes, and aura of exhaustion. He met his mother’s gaze, and saw the pleading in her eyes.

Gray Wing felt like roots had broken out of his skin and dug into the ground below him. He forced his legs to move, carrying his stone to Half Moon and dropping it into the small pile.

He kept his gaze on the ground as he rejoined the crowd, only glancing up to walk Moon Shadow march to the waterfall and drop his own stone.

Dewy Leaf went next, and snapped at him when she passed. “This child will never know its father’s name!”

Moon Shadow didn’t reply. With a huff, Dewy Leaf walked to Half Moon and practically threw her stone on the pile.

One by one, each member of the Tribe set down their stone. Cloud Spots, Quick Water, Falling Feather, and Jackdaw’s Cry voted to leave. Shattered Ice, with a nod to Quiet Rain, did the same.

Twisted Branch placed his stone in front of Half Moon, then scowled with disapproval when his daughter, Tall Shadow, placed her own beside the waterfall. The dark haired woman glared at him, then joined Moon Shadow at the edge of the cave. Stone Song and Hollow Tree, who had both voted to stay, were a little more forgiving when their own daughter, Hawk Swoop, voted to leave. Hollow Tree looked to the ground sadly and Stone Song silently shook his head.

“You’re all going to get yourselves killed,” Sharp Hail growled as he passed those who were gathering around Shaded Moss. He placed his stone in front of Half Moon.

The final people to vote were some of the youngest members of the Tribe. Shaded Moss and Misty Water’s daughter, Rainswept Flower, confidently placed her stone beside her father’s.

There was one stone left, and it was in Half Moon’s hand.

Gray Wing didn’t think he’d ever seen her look so tired. For the first time, he saw her for her age. Her once beautiful blonde hair was thin and knotted. Her face sagged, and as she gripped the stone, her hand shook. She stepped over the pile in front of her, hobbled to the waterfall, and gently laid her stone on the top of the pile. Then, she knelt to count them.

Even from his vantage point, Gray Wing could tell the pile by the waterfall was much bigger. He’d noticed during the vote just how few of the Tribe wanted to stay together. Even those that couldn’t make the journey like Lion’s Roar and Misty Water had agreed to it.

Once she also counted the other pile, Half Moon stepped into the center of the cave. “Nineteen stones are beside the waterfall. Eight were placed in front of me. Shaded Moss will leave.”

A murmur passed through the cave. The Tribe shared apprehensive looks with one another, as though they had suddenly realized just what they’d done.

“Good luck to those who leave with him,” Half Moon continued. “We will always remember you.”

An air of somberness floated through the cave. Not even those who wanted to leave looked triumphant, or even relieved. Suddenly, the journey was real. They were leaving their home behind.

“Let’s go scout the route again,” Shaded Moss said. “We must know exactly where we’re going.”

He walked to the cave entrance. Clear Sky jogged over to join him, and was soon followed by Turtle Tail, Moon Shadow, and Dappled Pelt.

Gray Wing was about to return to his sleeping hollow when he noticed Quiet Rain stalking up to him.

“I told you to leave,” she murmured. “You know it’s for the best.”

“I don’t believe that,” Gray Wing said. “I want to be here with you.”

Quiet Rain just sighed. Gray Wing gave her a smile. Perhaps some food would cheer her up. With a nod, he headed out of the cave and climbed the ridge. As he climbed, he noticed Shaded Moss leading his followers along it, explaining something while waving his arm. His companions replied with comments and suggestions that Gray Wing couldn’t hear. But he did feel a pang of loss in his heart when Clear Sky enthusiastically pointed to something in the distance.

He turned and slid down the other side of the ridge, into the valley. Hares liked to graze on the grass that poked through the snow here. From the corner of his eye, Gray Wing spotted movement and veered towards it.

Something small was scampering over the snow, kicking it up in its wake. Gray Wing broke into a sprint, but just before he could distinguish the shape, it slipped through a narrow gap between the boulders. Gray Wing jogged to a halt, frustrated.

Why were the mountains insistent on punishing the Tribe? Did these ranges themself want the people here to leave?

He heard a pebble skitter down the slope and turned, only to freeze in surprise. Half Moon was teetered down the slope, looking small and fragile against the looming cliffs.

“Are you alright?” he stammered. Half Moon was the oldest person in the Tribe, and none of the other elders ever came out this far. It was too cold, and a single wrong step could be death.

“I’m fine,” Half Moon replied, clambering onto a flat rock. “I just needed some fresh air.”

Gray Wing sat beside her. “Half Moon, are you sure there’s a better home beyond the mountains?” he blurted out.

Half Moon sat up straight, turning her green gaze on him. “I am. I’ve never been more sure. It’s sad to watch so many leave, but I truly believe it’s the best option for everyone.”

“Then why did we leave the lake?” Gray Wing asked. “We might as well have stayed there, if we were just going to leave this place, too.”

Half Moon shook her head. “I’m the only one left alive who remembers the lake. It was beautiful. And peaceful…for some time. But you’ve heard the stories. The monsters that came into the night, that began to fill the lake and drive us away. To stay there would be to die in the most gruesome of ways. At the time, these mountains were a shelter. And they still are. But not for this many people. Not when the sky itself seems to despise us.”

“Do you ever wish you’d tried to stay?” Gray Wing asked. “At the lake, I mean.”

“Not anymore,” Half Moon admitted. “I did when I was younger. But back then, I hadn’t known a life without combat. I had never had a night’s sleep that wasn’t filled with the anxiety of what might come for me in the night. This place isn’t always easy to live in, but it’s safe.”

“Well, I’m not going to give up,” Gray Wing said. “These mountains are my home, and they always will be.”

Half Moon simply nodded in acceptance.

Chapter Text

Wind buffeted the top of the rocky cliff. The entire Tribe gathered around Half Moon, who stood on a boulder at the top of the waterfall. Shaded Moss and his group were huddled into a tight bundle. Some were switching their weight from foot to foot anxiously. Others had the light of excitement in their eyes.

Clear Sky and Shattered Ice broke away, walking over to join Gray Wing.

“I’ll miss you,” Clear Sky murmured, hugging Quiet Rain, then Gray Wing, before kneeling to embrace Jagged Peak. “I hope you’ll be okay. And maybe I’ll come back and visit one day,” he said cheerfully.

Gray Wing caught his parents exchanging a glance. They both knew that would never happen.

“Travel safely.” Quiet Rain stood up tall to press a kiss to Shattered Ice’s cheek. He sighed longingly.

“Why can’t I go?” Jagged Peak whined.

Quiet Rain glared at him, and the young boy’s gaze turned to the ground.

“Are you sure you want to stay here?” Clear Sky asked Gray Wing.

Gray Wing patted his brother’s shoulder. “My place is here.”

“At least someone will be watching out for Jagged Peak,” Clear Sky joked. Gray Wing offered him a sad, breathless chuckle.

Shattered Ice nodded to them, then led Clear Sky back to the group of travelers. Bright Stream was among them. Her head was high, but there was uncertainty in her eyes.

Half Moon looked toward Shaded Moss. “Tonight is the full moon,” she said. “It is time for us to split. Shaded Moss, do you wish to speak?”

The sturdy man climbed onto the boulder beside her. His dark green gaze swept over the gathering. “I have always trusted in Half Moon to decide what is best for our people. She has told me to follow the rising sun past the mountains. Although we will be far away, we will always keep you in our hearts.”

“As will we,” replied his wife, Misty Water. She was far too old to make the journey.
Shaded Moss nodded to her.

Half Moon placed her hand on his shoulder. “Thank you, Shaded Moss. We will always remember your selfless courage. And we’ll never forget you.” She took a deep breath, then turned to address those who would be leaving. “Be cautious. Beyond these mountains is a world filled with monsters and beasts. Keep an eye on one another. Don’t wander into an area that gives you a bad feeling. Stay vigilant.”

Turtle Tail’s eyes widened. “What kind of monsters?”

“Dangerous birds,” Half Moon replied. “So large they can carry off a full grown man. Wild dogs and water dwelling horses will also try to lure you to your doom.”

Shaded Moss nodded. “You’ve told me about all of them, Half Moon.”

“You taught Dappled Pelt and I about herbs and healing,” Cloud Spots added. “We’ll be fine.”

Half Moon shuddered. “Trust your instincts.”

“We have a lot to learn,” Shaded Moss admitted, “but we trust you. Now trust us to travel safely.”

Half Moon sighed. She slid off the rock. “Find a place you’ll be happy,” she said. “Use your talents to your advantage.” She tried a smile, but her green eyes were filled with grief. “Good luck.”

“Bye!” Gray Wing called. “Stay safe!”

“Good riddance!” Dewy Leaf growled. “Cowards!”

“We don’t need them,” Twisted Branch agreed.

Lion’s Roar glared at him, and Misty Water shook her head sadly. Even after the travelers left, tension would still be running high.

Shaded Moss gathered his followers together, then set off down the mountainside. The large group made their way along the path until they rounded a large boulder and disappeared from sight.

The remnants of the Tribe stood in silence for a long moment, glancing at one another. They had been more than cut in half, and there were almost as many children and elders as viable hunters. Gray Wing felt a pang of apprehension, but ignored it.

“Does anyone want to go hunting?” he asked.

Dewy Leaf scoffed. “With a baby inside me? Absolutely not!”

“I didn’t say you had to,” Gray Wing told her.

“I’ll go,” Twisted Branch offered.

“Me, too,” Stong Song offered.

Half Moon and the elders were heading back to the cave. Quiet Rain was leading Jagged Peak after them, but Lion’s Roar and Silver Frost stayed behind.

“We’ll hunt, too,” Silver Frost said. “We might not be young or nimble anymore, but you’ll need all the help you can get now.”

“Thank you,” Gray Wing replied gratefully.

He turned and began trekking along the cliff, moving away from the river. He found himself glancing toward the rising sun, trying to catch a glimpse of his brother and father. But they were completely obstructed by the snow.

His heart sank. He would never see them again.

A shadow passed over head. Gray Wing looked up and noticed a young hawk swimming the surface of the snow. Gray Wing quickly drew his spear. The hawk was inexperienced and overconfident, and Gray Wing had no trouble taking aim and launching his spear through its neck.

He jogged over to grab it from the ground, shaking the snow off it. Then, he began trekking back to the cave. The hawk was large for one so young. It would make a good meal.

By the time he reached the water fall, the other hunters had also returned. Stone Song and Silver Frost carried rabbits, while Twisted Branch and Lion’s Roar dragged a mountain goat between them, gripping it by the horns.

“We caught it together,” Twisted Branch said. “I chased it towards Lion’s Roar and he ambushed it.”

When they entered the cave, the rest of the Tribe gathered to admire their soon to be meal. Quiet Rain was starting a fire while Hollow Tree and Dewy Leaf sat down to begin preparing the game to be cooked.

“I’ll go hunting tomorrow,” Quiet Rain promised.

“So will I,” Hollow Tree added.

“We can take turns,” Stone Song suggested. “Each of us will go out every other day, alternating.”

Half Moon nodded in approval. “I’ll put you in charge of organizing that.”

Stone Song’s brown eyes gleamed. “Of course.”

Gray Wing glanced around. Looks of determination were appearing on his companions faces. He felt his heart lift, reassured by a successful hunt and a moment of peace among the Tribe.

They could make this work.

Chapter Text

Gray Wing awoke early in the morning. A few days had passed since Shaded Moss had taken his followers and left, and Stone Song’s arrangement of hunting parties was working swell. Without so many mouths to feed, even small game was keeping the Tribe well fed.

He was supposed to hunt with his mother today, along with Stone Song and Hollow Tree. He was looking forward to it.

When he crawled out of his sleeping hollow, the cave seemed brighter than it usually was this time of year. Outside the waterfall, the sun was shining in a clear blue sky.

As he headed for the entrance, he heard the pattering of running behind him. Jagged Peak’s voice was shrill. “Gray Wing! Wait for me!” His older brother turned, and Jagged Peak skidded to a halt. “I want to go hunting!”

Gray Wing smiled warmly. “You’re too young. Go ask the elders to play with you.”

“I’m tired of playing with the elders,” Jagged Peak whined. “I want to go hunting!”

“It’s too dangerous,” Gray Wing said.

“No, it’s not! I’ve been outside before. It’s all snow and rocks,” Jagged Peak said. “Clear Sky said he was even younger than me when he went on his first hunt.”

Reluctantly, Gray Wing was starting to consider it. Jagged Peak was enthusiastic, and the Tribe could do with another hunter. But he was still rather young. Anything larger than a rabbit would pose a threat to him.

“Is something wrong?” They had caught Quiet Rain’s attention, and their mother walked up to join them. “Jagged Peak, leave your brother alone. He has a job to do.”

“He wants to go hunting,” Gray Wing explained.

Fear flashed through Quiet Rain’s eyes. “But he’s so young…”

“Clear Sky went on his first hunt when he was only seven,” Gray Wing reminded her.

“He wasn’t supposed to!” his mother shot back. “He snuck out on his own.”

“He caught a hawk.”

“It nearly caught him!”

“Which is exactly why Jagged Peak should come with me,” Gray Wing reasoned. “I can keep an eye on him.” His younger brother cried out in protest when Gray Wing used both hands to cover his ears. He leaned close to whisper to his mother. “Look, this kid is filled with more energy than a lightning bolt. If you don’t let him out soon, he’ll go behind your back and get himself hurt. Just let me take him. We’ll be careful.”

Quiet Rain hesitated a moment longer, then sighed and dropped her head. She knelt down to get level with Jagged Peak. “Stay with your brother. And do exactly what he tells you.”

Jagged Peak’s blue eyes lit up. He grabbed Gray Wing’s arm, fruitlessly dragging him toward the cave entrance. “Let’s go!”

Gray Wing didn’t move. “The first thing you need to learn is patience. Keep quiet and follow me.”

Jagged Peak calmed down, although his eyes still sparkled. Quiet Rain followed her sons out of the cave. In the distance, Gray Wing spotted Stone Song and Hollow Tree already heading for the valley.

Quiet Rain hesitated. “Good luck,” she told them. “I’m going to hunt on the ridge. Call if anything happens.”

Gray Wing nodded in agreement, then watched as she turned to head up the rocks toward the top of the cliff. He guessed she wanted to get out of their way so Jagged Peak had less distractions.

“Alright, Jagged Peak,” Gray Wing began, “the most important thing to remember is that even though we’re hunting, we can still be hunted. Someone small like you would make an easy meal for an eagle, and mountain lions don’t always appreciate us taking their prey. Always been on the look out.”

Jagged Peak vigorously.

“Good,” Gray Wing said. “Now, I’m going to teach you how to search for game. Charging around won’t do anything- you’ll scare everything back into its burrow. Use your eyes and ears. What can you find?”

Jagged Peak stood up tall, his eyes open wide. He let his gaze swivel around, completely silent as he listened for any sound the breeze would carry towards him. Gray Wing nodded in approval when he glanced towards the sky as well.

“See anything?” he asked.

Jagged Peak looked disappointed. “No…”

“Don’t worry, neither do I,” Gray Wing admitted. “Animals don’t come this close to the cave. Too much noise. Before we go check the usual places, let me show you how to stalk. There’s not a lot of places to hide and wait here, so we have to creep up and attack our game from behind. How do you think we do that?”

Jagged Peak dropped into a crouch. “Keep small!”

“Right. But if you’re going that low, you need to disperse your weight or you’ll sink into the snow and make it hard to move.”

Gray Wing lowered himself into a crouch. He kept his head low and his back straight, stalking forward. Although the snow was icy, he hardly made a sound, and the soft crunching of frost was drowned out by the wind. Jagged Peak stayed at his side, copying.

“Good,” Gray Wing said. Jagged Peak was a fast learner. “Now what about your scent? Animals have much stronger senses than we do, and will smell you long before you even see them. How can you make sure you get close enough before that happens?”

Jagged Peak thought for a moment, then frowned. “I don’t know.”

“Could the wind have something to do with it,” Gray Wing hinted.

“Wind…” Jagged Peak gave it more thought. “Oh! The wind carries scent and sound. So we have to make sure it’s blowing towards us, not away.”

Gray Wing nodded curtly. “Exactly right. Now let’s go put that to the test. And don’t forget to be wary.”

He led the way up to the ridge, but took a different direction than Quiet Rain. “This is a great place to find snow hares,” he explained. “But during the Winter, their fur turns white, so they’re harder to spot. And they’re fast, so you need to get as close as possible. If you end up chasing one, you’ll likely lose…” He noticed Jagged Peak getting distracted, staring off into the distance. “Jagged Peak!”

“Sorry!” his brother hissed. But after a few more steps, Jagged Peak’s eyes were wandering again.

Gray Wing halted, irritated. But before he could reprimand the boy, movement on the rocks caught his attention. The black tipped ears of a hare were just barely visible over a boulder.

Gray Wing nudged Jagged Peak with his elbow, leaning close to whisper to him. “Go on.”

Jagged Peak’s eyes were wide with excitement. Gray Wing handed over his hunting spear, and Jagged Peak began creeping towards their target. The spear- a long, thin stick with a sharpened bone at the end- was so large, it made the little boy wobble. But he trekked along carefully and confidently.

Gray Wing winced. The wind was blowing toward them. Just when Jagged Peak was reaching the boulder, the hare sat up, its nose twitching. Then, it raced for the shelter of a hole in the boulders, spraying up snow beneath its paws.

“No!” Jagged Peak hurtled after it in pursuit. He stumbled through the snow, clumsily raising the spear and throwing it as far as he could. It clattered onto the ground, far from the hare. But just before it could dive into a hole in the snow, a harsh cry rang out from the sky. A large eagle was diing to the ground, its talons outstretched. The hare squealed in terror and swerved away, heading right back towards Jagged Peak.

The young boy quickly grabbed up the spear again, stabbing it into the flustered hare before it could dodge around him. He turned to Gray Wing with a triumphant grin, but his older brother’s eyes were still on the eagle.

If it couldn’t have the hare, it would settle for Jagged Peak.

“Get down!” Gray Wing raced for his brother, his arms raised and waving, trying to scare off the bird. Jagged Peak collapsed into the snow, his hands over his eyes.

Upon noticing the larger human, the eagle screeched with surprise and began mounting into the sky again. It soared away, searching the peaks for an easier meal.

Gray Wing panted, standing over Jagged Peak. He looked down and watched as his brother shakily climbed to his feet. The body of the hare lay between them.

Jagged Peak’s eyes sparkled. “I did it! I’m a hunter now!”

“It was messy,” Gray Wing said, “but not bad for your first hunt. Once we sharpen your skills, you’ll make a fantastic hunter.”

Chapter Text

“Well done!” Lion’s Roar praised.

“It seems we have a new hunter,” Snow Hare added with a pleased grin.

Gray Wing had sat Jagged Peak down in front of the firepit to begin preparing the hare. Although usually the task of skinning and cooking was passed off to whoever hadn’t hunted that day, Gray Wing had thought it a good idea to teach Jagged Peak how to do it now. The little boy was clumsily pushing the hare onto the roasting spit when Quiet Rain returned, carrying a hawk.

“You did well,” she remarked upon seeing the hare.

“Jagged Peak caught it all on his own,” Gray Wing replied. Jagged Peak puffed out his chest pridefully.

Quiet Rain’s eyes gleamed with pride. The uncertainty she showed that morning was gone. She sat down to show Jagged Peak how to properly mount the spit.

Once food was cooked, the Tribe gathered around to eat. Jagged Peak was allowed first pick, and took a leg from his hare to chomp down on hungrily. Gray Wing reflected on how this was probably his first proper meal in a long time.

While Gray Wing ate, he wondered how Clear Sky and the others were doing. The cave felt strangely big with so many missing. He just hoped they were safe and eating well.

Once Jagged Peak had finished eating, he climbed into Gray Wing’s lap, nearly knocking away his own share of the meal. “Can we go out again?” he asked excitedly. “That was so fun!”

Gray Wing hesitated, not wanting to protest. He still had energy and the snow had stopped. But when he glanced toward the cave entrance, he saw the light fading into dusk.

“Not now,” Quiet Rain replied. “It’s bedtime. You can go out again tomorrow.”

“But I’m not even tired!” Jagged Peak protested.

“Don’t argue with me,” Quiet Rain said briskly. She shooed Jagged Peak toward the sleeping hollow, and Gray Wing followed. As he settled into bed, he once again realized just how large the sleeping hollow was, now that three of his family was gone. He never thought he’d find himself missing how Clear Sky used to toss and turn all night, and how Shattered Ice would begin to snore.

He just hoped they were safe.

Feeling energized and nostalgic, Gray Wing had a hard time getting to sleep, even after his mother and brother slipped into slumber. So it felt like he’d only been asleep a second when Quiet Rain began shaking his shoulder.

He sat up with a yawn. His mother was outlined by the pale dawn light of morning. Even in the dark of the sleeping hollow, he could see that her blue eyes were wide with worry.

“Jagged Peak is missing!” she yelped. “He must have gone out by himself.”

Gray Wing was up. “He couldn’t have gone far. I’ll find him.”

“I need to tell Half Moon,” Quiet Rain said. She whisked off for the tunnel at the back of the cave, while Gray WIng raced onto the slopes outside the waterfall.

“Jagged Peak!” he called. “Jagged Peak!”

His only reply was silence.

“Dumb kid.” Gray Wing took the path that led onto the plateau. Here, wind immediately slapped him in the face, lifting his dark hair and making his cloak flap behind him. There was no sign of Jagged Peak, and no reply when he called out.

Troubled, Gray Wing went the other direction, retracing his steps to the place where he and Jagged Peak had hunted the day before. Still, there was nothing.

When he returned to the hollow, he found Quiet Rain waiting with Snow Hare and Half Moon.

“He’s no where near the cave,” Gray Wing reported.

Quiet Rain’s eyes widened. “An eagle took him!” she wailed. “Or he fell off a cliff. Oh, no!”

Snow Hare ran a hand up and down Quiet Rain’s back. “Jagged Peak is strong and clever. He’ll keep himself safe.”

“Still, he shouldn’t have left on his own,” Half Moon said. “I’d like to send a search party after him. Gray Wing, take Sharp Hail and Hollow Tree, and spread out across our land.”

“Let me come,” Misty Water offered.

Snow Hare turned on her with wide eyes. “What? But your eyesight is failing. It’s too dangerous out there.”

Misty Water was one of the oldest members of the Tribe, but she held her head high. “I’m the best tracker these mountains have ever seen. I want to help.”

“Let her go,” Half Moon agreed. “Gray Wing, stay with her.”

Gray Wing nodded, and led the way out of the cave. Sharp Hail and Hollow Tree had quickly joined them, and took the path towards the plateau. Gray Wing soon let Misty Water draw ahead of him, mostly because it seemed she wanted to. Although her eyesight was nearly gone, she shuffled along the cliff, one hand brushing against it.

“He came this way,” she reported.

“How can you tell?” Gray Wing asked.

“It’s very faint, but there’s heat in this rock. Someone came by here not long ago, pressing against it. And the heat begins lower to the ground. It had to be a child.”

Gray Wing placed his hand on the rock, but couldn’t sense any heat. He glanced at Misty Water anxiously. He didn’t have time to entertain an elder wanting to relive her glory days. Still, he didn’t say anything, following Misty Water up the ridge. Suddenly, she halted, and doubled back, heading for the plateau.

Gray Wing shuffled behind her, holding his tongue. He hoped Hollow Tree and Sharp Hail had actually found something by now.

But then, he noticed small footprints in the snow. They were faint, already being filled in by more snowfall, but they weren’t dotted enough to be the tracks of a goat or rabbit.

Gray Wing pulled ahead, racing onto the plateau. “Jagged Peak!” he called again desperately. Still, there was no answer.

Misty Water clambored after him. She was starting to pant. “The snow is upturned, isn’t it? I can tell.”

Gray Wing had stopped. “The snow over Fluttering Bird’s grave has been cleared.” It piled around the little grave in a circle, along the middle was starting to fill in again.

“He must have spent some time here. Do you see footprints? You should by now, if they’re more fresh.”

Gray Wing glanced around, and realized there was a line of footprints heading down the other side of the plateau. “Yes!” he called. “He went back towards the waterfall, but on the other side.”

Misty Water straightened, frowning. “That’s the way Shaded Moss went when he left.”

“You don’t think…?” Gray Wing knew the answer before he was even done answering the question. He raised his head to the sky, just as the sun pierced through the dark clouds that would promise a storm sometime today.

The Sun Trail.

Jagged Peak was following it.

“Foolish boy,” Misty Water murmured. “He’ll come right back once his stomach starts rumbling.”

Gray Wing wished he shared her confidence. Jagged Peak was stubborn and strong, and that hare from yesterday must have given him the confidence boost he needed to set off after the others.

“We need to tell Half Moon,” Gray Wing said. He gently took Misty Water’s arm, helping her back down the rocks and along the path to teh cave. Inside, he found Quiet Rain anxiously pacing while Half Moon sat nearby.

Both raced over to meet the returning party. “Did you find him?” Quiet Rain asked.

Gray Wing shook his head. “It looks like he went to say goodbye to Fluttering Bird at her grave, then…” He glanced away. “Went to follow Shaded Moss.”

Quiet Rain gasped in horror. “No!” she wailed. “He’ll be killed before he even finds them!”

“He can look after himself-” Gray Wing began.

“No, he can’t!” Quiet Rain cried. “He’s too young.” She took a deep breath, blinking the tears out of her eyes. “Gray Wing, you wouldn’t leave them I asked you to before. Now I’m telling you- you must! You have to find your brother and make sure he reaches the others safely.”

Gray Wing’s eyes widened. He glanced at Half Moon, who remained silent, but there was encouragement in her green eyes.

“I-I can’t,” Gray Wing protested. “I can’t leave you here alone.”

“I won’t be alone,” Quiet Rain said. “I have friends. I have Half Moon. You must go. Please, Gray Wing. If not for yourself, then for me.”

Gray Wing stared at his mother. He had told himself he was stay for her sake, so she wouldn’t have to lose all her children. But she was begging him to go, for reasons he might never understand.

Sadly, he nodded in silent defeat.

The rest of the Tribe was beginning to gather, brought together by the commotion. Gray Wing braced himself, expecting hostile growls and personal jabs. But the faces of his companions were gravely accepting.

“I wouldn’t want to set off on my own,” Stone Song said, giving Gray Wing a friendly nod. “You’re brave for that.”

Hollow Tree nodded. “We’ll never forget you.”

Gray Wing didn’t feel worthy of their praise. His stomach churned with apprehension. It was all happening so suddenly.

He spotted Dewy Leaf nearby. “Do you want to come with me?” he asked. “It’s your last chance to be with Moon Shadow again.”

Dewy Leaf hesitated, a hand settling over her rounded stomach. She shook her head. “My child belongs in the mountains,” she replied. Her tone was bitter, but resigned. “And I think Moon Shadow and I will be better off separated. But when you see him, tell him I hope he finds happiness in his new home.”

“I will,” Gray Wing promised.

Misty Water laid a hand on his shoulder. “Take the route over the boulders and around the side of the mountain.”

“Okay,” he said respectfully. “I can’t thank you even. You really are the best tracker in the mountains.”

Misty Water smiled, satisfied.

Quiet Rain glanced around, suddenly looking unsure. “Let me come with her part way,” she offered. “I need to know you’ve made it across the stream safely.”

With a final farewell to the others, Gray Wing led the way out of the cave. Quiet Rain followed. The light was growing stronger as noon approached, although the sky was still gray and covered in clouds. A stiff breeze blew snow into their faces.

Together, mother and son climbed onto the plateau for the last time. Gray Wing halted just before the boulders were Jagged Peak would have gone. “Wait here,” he murmured, before jogging over to the heap of stones that marked Fluttering Bird’s grave.

He knelt down, wanting to choose his words carefully. This was the last time he’d ever be able to visit this place.

“I’ll keep you in my heart,” he promised. “Goodbye, Fluttering Bird.”

After a moment, he returned to his mother. Together, they climbed over the boulders and found a ledge that would be the beginning of the sun trail. Gray Wing had feared the fresh snow would block the trail, but he could make out dents in the snow that must have been footprints.

The trail led around the flank of the mountain. A shiver ran down Gray Wing’s spine, and he turned to take one last look at the waterfall. The sound of the crashing water had faded, but he could still see the top of it over the boulders.

For a while, their surroundings were still familiar. Gray Wing seldom hunted this way, but he knew it. The Tribe had always considered their land to be as far as they were willing to walk and back in a single day. But just as the sun was reaching its peak, the land became strange. The trail led them into a valley, and the sound of running water touched Gray Wing’s ears. He stopped on the bank of a fierce, tumbling river that poured over the side of the mountain. A thin layer of ice stretched from bank to bank, the dark water gurgling beneath it.

“You’ll have to run across before the ice breaks,” Quiet Rain said. “I can’t go any farther.”

Though her voice was calm, raw grief was welling into her eyes. Gray Wing brought her into a hug, taking in her scent and the feel of her hands on his back.

“I will find Jagged Peak,” he promised. “And I’ll never forget you.”

Quiet Rain let out a long sigh, then pulled away. “Go quickly,” she told him. “Before either of us changes our minds.”

With a deep breath, Gray Wing braced himself. The ice was thin and the sun was starting to melt it. If it gave way, the water would sleep him over the cliff and he’d certainly meet his death on the rocks below. He kept his gaze fixed on a pointed rock on the far bank, then lurched forward.

Immediately, the ice began cracking under his feet.

“Faster!” Quiet Rain shrieked.

Gray Wing hurled himself to the opposite bank, never stopping or looking back. Behind him, the ice was giving way and falling into the river, only to be quickly swept away. He leaped, and landed in the snow on the far bank. Behind him, the ice had shattered, and freezing water surged over the mountain side.

He turned, and realized the splashing ice had caused mist to rise above the river, blocking the opposite side.

“I made it!” he called as loudly as he could. He waited a moment, hoping the mist would go down, but it was starting to freeze. “Goodbye!” he called, hoping Quiet Rain could hear him. He didn’t want to leave her thinking she’d just sent her remaining son to his death. “I love you!”

Turning away, Gray Wing tried to work out where to go now. The sun was a pale disc behind the clouds, and he couldn’t tell where it was accurately enough to follow it. But he knew which way the sun set, and knew to follow the opposite direction.

By the time it was late evening, Gray Wing needed to stop and rest. His legs were aching from wadding through snowdrifts all day. He’d never travelled so far in his entire life.

He felt his heart sink. Maybe that was the Tribe’s problem. They always stuck so close to home. They might have found more food if they’d spread out wider. But as Gray Wing thought about it more, he realized he hadn’t seen a single sign of life since crossing the river.

The breeze was stiffening into an icy wind, picking up loose snow. Gray Wing found shelter under a rocky overhang. As he sat down, he realized the ground here had been cleared of snow, and there were traces of footprints in the gravel.

Could the others had come this way?

He wondered if Jagged Peak might have, too.

Determination to find his brother flooded through him. He forced himself into the wind again. The storm hadn’t hit yet, but sharp snowflakes were falling from the sky. Gray Wing pulled his hood over his head and peered into the valley below. He didn’t want to go on without being sure Jagged Peak had come this way. His duty was to keep him safe.

He plunged down the slope, climbing from boulder to boulder until he hit the ground in a crouch. Standing up, he looked around the valley. The wind had dropped, blocked by the hills on either side. A broad stretch of green lay in front of him, covered in streams and scattered boulders. A few stunted trees poked up through the snow. Hungrily, Gray Wing drew his spear and kept an eye out for anything he could eat. But he found none, or any new signs of Jagged Peak.

He spotted something colorful in the snow, and felt his legs begin to quiver with excitement. Quickly, he raced for the bush, and popped a handful of bright red snowberries into his mouth. Crunching down, he relished in the cold juice that flooded his mouth, and didn’t even mind when the skins got caught between his teeth. He ate as much as he could handle, just wanting something to fill his stomach.

Once he’d nearly cleaned the bush of berries, Gray Wing turned to properly study the valley. Looking back in the direction he’d come, he could see the river crashing down the mountainside, and wondered if he’d gone too far. Jagged Peak had never traveled very far outside the cave, and it would take the little boy much longer to work his way around so many rocks and cliffs.

Gray Wing headed up the valley, winding around boulders. Climbing onto a rather large one, he turned to scan the valley. Still no sign of Jagged Peak, but his brother was small enough to stay hidden among the rocks.

He took in a deep breath. “Jagged Peak!” he tried. His only answer was the whistling wind.

He turned to look along the valley, the sun behind him. A flicker of movement had caught his eye- a large bird was swooping close to a crag. Gray Wing watched it for a long moment, trying to figure out where its prey was hiding. If it missed, he could still take a shot at it.

The eagle flung itself down, out of view, only to mount into the sky once more, screeching in frustration. Gray Wing heard unintelligible shouting.

Gray Wing’s heart leaped into his throat. Jagged Peak!” he cried, leaping from the boulder and racing for the eagle, which was diving again. Rounding a boulder, Gray Wing could see that it was trying to dig its talons into a thin crevice too small for its wings to get through.

“Leave me alone!” A tiny, terrified voice was quivering inside the crevice. “Help!”

“Hey! Get out of here!” Gray Wing called. The eagle had landed on a rock, and squawked in surprise when it saw the adult human coming towards it. It lifted into the air, but didn’t leave yet. It began circling overhead.

Gray Wing ignored it. Not even a desperate eagle would attack a foe so much bigger than itself. Gray Wing placed himself in front of the crevice, staring into it. Beyond the shadows, he could make out watery blue eyes.

Jagged Peak lurched out of the crevice, throwing himself into his brother’s arms. He buried his face in Gray Wing’s chest. “You saved me!”

Gray Wing had been thinking about what he’d say to Jagged Peak when he finally found him. He’d had a whole lecture planned, wanting Jagged Peak to know what a full he’d been, and what he’d costed Gray Wing and their mother. But seeing his younger brother so scared and looking so little, Gray Wing didn’t have it in him.

“I’m so glad I found you,” Gray Wing said. He held onto Jagged Peak, consciously shielding him from the eagle that might still be lurking. “Are you hurt?”

Jagged Peak shook his head. His tears were from fear. “No. I’m okay.”

“Okay.” Gray Wing knelt down, getting closer to Jagged Peak’s level. “What are you doing all the way out here? You can’t just leave whenever you feel like it, even if you know how to hunt now.”

Jagged Peak’s eyes narrowed defiantly. “I wanted to go with the others! You can’t stop me!”

“You’re too young,” Gray Wing said. “You should have listened to mom. Even if you don’t like it, she knows best.”

Jagged Peak took a step back. “You haven’t come to take me back, have you?” he asked suspiciously. “Because I won’t go! Snow Hare taught me some fighting moves!”
Gray Wing couldn’t help smiling, amused, as his little brother put up both fists. “Calm down,” he said. “I’m not going home either. We’re going to find Shaded Moss.”

Jagged Peak dropped his hands, his eyes wide. “But I thought you wanted to stay!”

“You need me more than the Tribe does.”

Jagged Peak huffed with indignation. “I was doing fine on my own!”

“You were nearly eaten by a fledgling eagle,” Gray Wing protested.

“I had it handled!” Jagged Peak squeaked.

Gray Wing knew he couldn’t win this argument- not because he was wrong, but because Jagged Peak refused to let him be right.

“Still, you need to stay close to me and do as I say,” Gray Wing said. “We’re no where close to being out of the mountains. The further down we go, the more dangerous it gets.”

“We’ll be fine,” Jagged Peak said dismissively. “We have each other now! I can help you hunt and you can block me from birds!”

Gray Wing groaned in annoyance when Jagged Peak took off, climbing over boulders. Dusk was settling over the valley as the sun disappeared behind the distant mountain peaks.

“Wait!” Gray Wing called. “We can set off tomorrow. It’s late now.”

Jagged Peak halted, turning to look at him. “We should keep going. We’re already behind!”

“It’s too dangerous to travel in the dark,” Gray Wing insisted. “And this valley seems safe enough. We should stay here tonight.”

Jagged Peak rolled his eyes, but didn’t argue any further. Gray Wing led him to a sheltered spot beneath a leafless tree.

“There’s enough light to hunt,” Gray Wing said. “Do you want to eat before bed?”

Jagged Peak had already settled beneath the tree. As soon as he was off his feet, the energy seemed to seep out of his body, and he leaned against the trunk. “I’m good,” he said sleepily.

Gray Wing settled down beside him. He pulled Jagged Peak against his side, and threw his cloak over his shoulders. He watched as the last lights of the day faded before closing his eyes.

Chapter Text

The next morning was cold. The sky overhead was gray and massed with clouds that promised more snow. Gray Wing had woken feeling stiff and chilled. Mornings in the cave hadn’t always been easy, but they were a lot more comfortable than being left in the night cold under no cover except a few bare branches.

Gray Wing hoped the new home at the end of the sun trail would offer warm beds and tightly-knit shelter.

Jagged Peak woke a little after him. He’d completely curled in on himself, pressed to Gray Wing’s hip and trying to keep as warm as possible. He stretched as he awoke, then shuddered when Gray Wing’s cloak fell off him.

“Where’s mom?” he yawned.

“In the cave,” Gray Wing reminded him. “Stay here. I’m going to see if there’s any food nearby.”

Gray Wing walked up the valley to find the snowberry bush he’d stopped at the previous day. He’d eaten most of the berries off, but he’d left a few behind, and plucked them off the bush to hold in one hand. When he returned to the dead tree, Jagged Peak was sitting up, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. His face lit up when Gray Wing presented the berries to him.

“Thanks!” he cried, taking the berries and beginning to shove them in his mouth. His blue eyes sparkled and he licked what juice had come from the berries off his hand.

Gray Wing watched him eat, ignoring his own growling stomach. He didn’t have the energy to hunt and cook, and Jagged Peak needed to keep his strength up. He was sure they’d find plenty more food the further down the mountain they went.

“Today’s going to be great!” Jagged Peak exclaimed. “Clear Sky and dad are going to be so surprised when we catch up to them!”

Gray Wing murmured his agreement, studying the rocky cliffs on either side of them. The clouds overhead were thick, and Gray Wing could smell the snow in the air. In his head, he was mapping out where to go. They needed to get higher up, before the snow came and trapped them in drifts.

“Let’s get going, then,” Gray Wing said. Jagged Peak followed as he led the way to a low ledge.

There were no easy paths out of the valley. They had to climb over boulders, jump streams, and crouch under overhangs. At one particularly wide stream, Gray Wing jumped first, then turned to Jagged Peak. The edges of the stream were frozen, but there was still a channel of free water directly in the middle.

“The ice will hold if you step onto it,” Gray Wing instructed. “Jump as far as you can. I’ll catch you.”

With a determined expression, Jagged Peak took a few steps back. Then, he sprinted for the stream and launched himself over it. He landed on the ice at the far side, slipping. Gray Wing reached out to grab his arm and pull him off the ice right before it cracked.

“Thanks!” Jagged Peak gasped.

“Don’t mention it,” Gray Wing replied.

Farther along, the ground began to rise steeply, before shooting up into a sheer wall of rock.

Jagged Peak gazed up at it, dismayed. “Now what?”

Gray Wing stared up the rock. He could spot ledges all along the surface, just wide enough to serve as handholds.

“We climb it,” he decided.

Jagged Peak’s eyes widened. “We can’t climb that!”

Gray Wing glanced at him. “Shame. Then I guess we’ll just go home.”

Jagged Peak hesitated, then reached up to grab a handhold and hoist himself up the cliff. Gray Wing stayed on the ground, ready to break his fall if he slipped. Grit and dust showered down from the cliff until Jagged Peak reached the top and crawled onto the cliff.

Gray Wing began follow, digging his fingers into the cracks and using his legs to push himself up. He winced when one hand slipped, stubbing his fingers against the cliff. He forced himself upward, gripping the edge of the cliff and pulling himself onto the grass. Jagged Peak grabbed an arm, helping him.

Once he was on his feet again, Gray Wing looked down into the valley. The cliff wasn’t too long of a climb, and Gray Wing could see himself jumping back down if they needed to come back this way. He spotted a track that led towards the sun.

“This way,” he said, setting off at a brisk pace. But he soon stopped when he heard Jagged Peak starting to puff behind him.

“Slow down!” Jagged Peak complained. “You’re going too fast.”

Gray Wing opened his mouth to reprimand him for falling behind, then paused. He had to remember Jagged Peak wasn’t used to long walks, and his smaller legs didn’t allow the long strides Gray Wing could take.

“Sorry,” he said, but he couldn’t help picturing Clear Sky and the others pulling further ahead, not being held back by a little kid. Trying to match his brother’s pace, Gray Wing felt like he was wading through mud. When they reached a boulder blocking the path, he grabbed Jagged Peak and hauled him over it.

Jagged Peak dropped to the other side with a frown. “I could have done it myself!”
Gray Wing bit back an annoyed retort. Snow was starting to fall again.

“We need to find shelter,” he said.

The first place he spotted was a thin crag between a boulder and a rock face. Gray Wing shoved his brother into the narrow gap, then scrambled after him. Outside, snow was already turning everything white.

“Gray Wing,” Jagged Peak muttered, “are we going to die?”

“No,” Gray Wing assured him, his irritation vanishing. “We’re going to find the others. They can’t get much farther in this weather.”

Jagged Peak pressed to the back of the crag. Gray Wing stood guard at the edge, but exhaustion was pulling at his limbs. They’d been walking nonstop all morning, not even pausing to eat. He tried to rationalize the break they were dating- Shaded Moss’ group was larger than it would take longer for all of them to continue moving. Surely Gray Wing was catching up, even with the bad weather.

Chapter Text

The snow worsened into a storm that lasted the rest of the day and deep into night. When Gray Wing awoke the next morning, he found himself in a completely strange world. Snow covered the land, obscuring the landscape with its thick white blanket.

He’d never felt so helpless before. The path they’d been following was completely covered.

“The snow stopped!” Jagged Peak exclaimed, pushing past Gray Wing and bounding into the snow. The surface immediately gave way and he floundered in the drift.

Gray Wing approached cautiously, then reached down to pluck Jagged Peak out of the snow and set him on his feet.

“Stay close,” he warned. “You have no idea where you’re going. Watch me.” He stood up and reached one foot forward, letting it sink into the snow until he hit something solid. Then he did the same with the next step. “You need to make sure you’re not about to step into a hole or off a cliff.”

Jagged Peak nodded.

They set off for the day, going slow. Gray Wing could feel his energy leaving each time he dug his foot out of another snow drift. Hoping he was going the right way, he headed for a ledge where the boulders thinned out and the ground became flat. Gray Wing, a bit more confidently, set one foot down and felt the snow give away.

Gray Wing gasped, falling back. His foot had plunged into something wet and freezing. Through the hole he’d made in the snow, he could see water rushing past.

“Are you okay?” Jagged Peak asked, helping Gray Wing stand.

Gray Wing wanted to grumble out his frustration, but an idea struck him. “I’m fine.” He reached down and found a small pebble on the bank, then looked ahead. After judging how far he might be able to jump, he tossed the pebble there. It broke through the snow and splashed into water.

“Come this way,” Gray Wing instructed.

Carefully, he began following the stream, dragging one foot across the ground to kick up the snow and see where its bank wound down the mountain. He tried to imagine Shaded Moss coming this way for the first time. The stream would be visible, and would have no ice on it. But it seemed wide- too wide to be jumped. He could imagine the group of travelers walking down the bank, trying to find a narrow place to cross.

“Gray Wing!”

Jagged Peak’s scared squeak broke him out of his thoughts. Turning, Gray Wing spotted an eagle in the sky, hardly more than a blip of black against the sky.

“Stay close,” Gray Wing said, pulling Jagged Peak against his side. “It won’t attack as long as we’re together.”

The eagle was too close for comfort. Even from the ground, Gray Wing could make out the sunlight flashing on its beak and the cruel, curled talons against its stomach. But as Gray Wing watched it, he realized it wasn't close, but very far away- farther up than most eagles climbed. But its sheer size was distorting Gray Wing's perspective.

He ducked his head and picked up his pace. That was one big eagle.

The bird dipped its wings, turning away. Gray Wing watched its shadow slide over the snow and disappear over another peak.

“See? It’s gone now,” Gray Wing said. Jagged Peak glanced up at the sky.

The two brothers staggered up the slope, wadding through deep snow drifts.

“Let’s go all the way to the top!” Jagged Peak chimed. “We’ll be able to see better from there.”

“Good idea,” Gray Wing agreed. He had only wanted to get onto the ledge and continue along the path, but Jagged Peak’s suggestion would prove more helpful. Gray Wing climbed up the sheer rock, wind slicing at his body. The pinnacle of the peak was small and sharp, and they had to stand on either side of it.

“Wow!” Jagged Peak breathed out, his eyes round. “The world is so big! Gray Wing, look! You can see the top of the waterfall!”

He pointed to another summit, where something was glittering in the sun. Gray Wing squinted, but couldn’t make out if it truly was the waterfall or not. It felt too far away to still be visible.

He glanced over, and noticed sadness starting to fill Jagged Peak’s eyes. He dropped his arm and frowned. Gray Wing knew exactly why.

“Feeling homesick?” he asked sympathetically.

Jagged Peak nodded miserably. “I should have told mom goodbye before I left. But I was afraid she’d stop me.”

“She would have,” Gray Wing said. He hadn’t thought about that before- he had been given time to say his final farewells to all the people he’d once known. Jagged Peak didn’t. Although Gray Wing thought this was karma for running off on his own, he kept it to himself, not wanting his brother to feel any worse.

“She’s probably so mad at me,” Jagged Peak fretted. “I wish I could tell her I’m sorry.”

Gray Wing’s heart softened. He patted Jagged Peak on the back. “I’m sure she knows. She loves you very much. And maybe you did her a favor. She wanted me to leave, too, and now I have, only because of you. I’m sure she’ll miss us a lot, but she’ll be relieved we- Jagged Peak?”

While he spoke, he had become aware of Jagged Peak making a squealing sound, slowly growing louder. His sorrow had been forgotten, and he grinned wildly, bouncing in place.

“I can see the others!” he cheered, pointing.

Gray Wing whipped around. He could see figures moving through the valley.

“Come on! We need to go!”

Before Jagged Peak could leap off the summit, Gray Wing grabbed his arm and held him back.

“Calm down before you fall!” Gray Wing chided. “We need to head back down and find the way they went.”

“I bet it was past that fallen tree,” Jagged Peak suggested, pointing to a tangle of dead branches in the snow. Dots surrounded it, like several footprints had been left there.

“Good eye,” Gray Wing praised, impressed with Jagged Peak’s observation skills. “But follow me.”

With a clear goal in mind, their progress was more successful. Gray Wing led the way over boulders and arrive snow concealed screes. But before they could make it far, Jagged Peak suddenly halted.

“What’s this?” He was kneeling in front of a cluster of plants. They appeared to be closely clumped white flowers, and Gray Wing’s heart leaped when he recognized what they were.

“Carrots!” he said happily. Remembering watching his mother do this when he was very small, he reached down to grip the flower from the very base of the stem and pulled up sharply. What came out was shriveled, light orange roots.

Gray Wing brushed the dirt off them, holding the stiff vegetable in both hands.

“We used to grow these during the warm season,” Gray Wing explained. “Have a bite. They’re good.”

He brought the root to his mouth and took a bite, relishing in that familiar, sweet, but woody taste. Jagged Peak had pulled up another root and done the same. He chewed for a moment, but didn’t seem as impressed.

“Tastes…dry,” Jagged Peak said.

“You’re too use to meats,” Gray Wing said. “I’m sure we’ll get lots of things like these in our new home, if the soil allows it.”

After eating what they had pulled up, they continued slithering down a stretch of boulders. Small stones skidded down the cliff, landing on a narrow ledge that led in the direction they’d seen the others.

“Footprints!” Jagged Peak gasped when he reached the ledge. Sure enough, clear footsteps were denting the snow. “They came this way!”

“They’re still far ahead,” Gray Wing warned. “We should find shelter for the night.”

“What?” Jagged Peak whined. “But we’re so close! Let’s keep going, just for a bit.”

“It’s getting dark,” Gray Wing pointed out. “And it’s cloudy. The moonlight will be blocked. We need to stop.”

Jagged Peak frowned, disappointed. Gray Wing knew how he felt, but he also knew the mountains became even more dangerous at night.

“It’s dark,” Gray Wing tried again. “The others will be stopping, too. We won’t fall any farther behind so long as we rest now and start early tomorrow.”

Jagged Peak sighed, defeated. “Alright, fine. Just be up at dawn.”

Gray Wing rolled his eyes affectionately. “Sure.”

Chapter Text

That night, Gray Wing dreamed of his brother.

He was standing in the cave, shadows surrounding him. Nearby, voices were murmuring. Above them all, he could hear Clear Sky.

“We should hunt first,” he said.

Gray Wing whipped around, but he couldn’t find his brother. More voices became clear.

“Quickly,” Shaded Moss insisted. “We’re almost out of the mountains.”

“Yeah, we need to get out of here before the next snowstorm,” Turtle Tail agreed. “Or we’ll get stuck again.”

More voices joined the debate. Every time Gray Wing stepped toward a shadow, it shifted, always just out of his reach.

“Clear Sky!” he called. His voice echoed off the walls of the empty cave.

Gray Wing woke with a jolt. When he opened his eyes, the sun was rising over the mountains. Wisps of clouds were scattered across the pale blue sky. It would be a nicer day.

He yawned, stretching his stiff limbs. He and Jagged Peak had found an overhang to shelter under for the night, but it had done little to ward off the cold.

He could still hear voices in the distance.

“I see the sun!” Clear Sky called. “Let’s go!”

Gray Wing sat up, yelping as he smashed his head into the rocky roof. His head spinning, he turned to shake Jagged Peak awake.

“Jagged Peak! Jagged Peak!” Gray Wing hissed. “I can hear the others! We’re close!”

Jagged Peak grumbled, sitting up to rub his eyes. He blinked at Gray Wing, confused
and sleepy, then his blue eyes cleared and he bounced to his feet.

Gray Wing bolted out of the overhang, racing along the ledge with Jagged Peak on his heels. The ledge led into a rocky slope. At the bottom, familiar figures were milling around a dead tree, the first lights of the day shining down on them.

One raised her head, her brown eyes wide. “Gray Wing?” Bright Stream gasped.

More heads turned, grins appeared, and hands were raised to wave.

“Gray Wing!” Turtle Tail was the first to clamber up the slope.

“Gray Wing!” Clear Sky raced up the slope, his face alight with joy. He dove on Gray Wing. “I never thought I’d see you again!”

“You came all this way by yourselves?” Shattered Ice asked.

“Why?” Shaded Moss added.

Bright Stream looked anxious. “Is something wrong?”

“Is mom okay?” Clear Sky demanded.

“Everyone is fine,” Gray Wing reassured them.

Jagged Peak puffed out his chest proudly. “I came to join you!”

“Did you, now?” Shattered Ice asked. “I hope your mother knows about this.”

“She does,” Jagged Peak said.

Gray Wing put a hand on his hip. “Only after he snuck out one night and I had to go chasing after him.”

Clear Sky laughed loudly. “Should have figured!”

Shattered Ice shook his head, but it seemed he was having a hard time staying angry after reuniting with his other sons. “I’m just glad you’re safe.”

“How have you been?” Gray Wing asked. “It wasn’t exactly easy getting here.”

“It hasn’t been easy,” Shattered Ice admitted. “But everyone is fine.”

“We’re almost out of the mountains!” Jagged Peak chimed in. “Gray Wing and I climbed to the top of the mountain and saw the land beyond. It’s past the next ridge.”

“Awesome!” Clear Sky exclaimed, his eyes gleaming.

“We should get moving,” Shaded Moss said. The others were gathering around him.

“Can’t we eat first?” Moon Shadow groaned.

Beyond them, Quick Water and Jackdaw’s Cry were returning to the dead tree, dragging a mountain goat between them.

“Breakfast is solved,” Shaded Moss praised, sliding back down the slope to meet them. As the two hunters dropped their catch, their eyes widened in surprise. While they began preparing the meal, Shaded Moss sat at the bottom of the rocky slope and Gray Wing joined him.

“How is Misty Water?” he asked. “I hope she knows how much I miss her.”

“She’s fine,” Gray Wing reported. “She actually helped me find Jagged Peak when he went missing. Neither of us would be here now without her.”

Shaded Moss smiled affectionately. “She’s the best tracker I’ve ever seen, even if she can’t see so well anymore. What about Half Moon?”

“She’s okay. But she’s worried about you,” Gray Wing said. “She’s afraid she made the wrong decision.”

“We were the ones who decided to leave,” Shaded Moss pointed out. “She merely put the thought in our heads. Everyone who came on this journey did so because they wanted to.”

Gray Wing nodded, knowing he was right, but he doubted Half Moon would ever be convinced. While they spoke, the smell of roasting meat was rising into the air. Puffs of smoke occasionally rolled off the fire Quick Water had got started.

“Shaded Moss!” Clear Sky called. “I found a narrow stream we can cross. It’ll be faster than climbing over the rock pile we saw yesterday.”

Shaded Moss nodded. “Thank you, Clear Sky.”

Clear Sky’s eyes lit up at the praise. He nodded before heading away, joining the others around the fire to begin eating.

Once portions had been distributed and ingested- Gray Wing hadn’t had such a filling meal in days- the group set off again. Shaded Moss was in the lead with Tall Shadow at his side, but Clear Sky jogged to catch up every so often, offering his opinion and asking questions. He held his head high, pride filling his eyes each time Shaded Moss nodded in agreement. Meanwhile, Jagged Peak was bouncing around some of the younger travelers. Hawk Swoop, Falling Feather, and Jackdaw’s Cry were all older than him, but only by a few years. The four kids helped each other scramble over large boulders and warned one another of overhead eagles. Shaded Moss’ daughter, Rainswept Flower, stayed nearby in case they needed the extra help.

The adults walked mostly single file, or occasionally in groups of two. When Clear Sky wasn’t pestering Shaded Moss, he was at Shattered Ice’s shoulder. Quick Water and Cloud Spots walked together, hand in hand. Dappled Pelt was seemingly trying to enjoy the quiet of the morning, but Moon Shadow wouldn’t leave her side.

“That’s when I whipped out my spear,” Moon Shadow was bragging. “You should have seen the look on that eagle’s face!”

“I did see it, Moon Shadow,” Dappled Pelt replied blankly. “I was there. It happened yesterday.”

Moon Shadow ignored her. “If it wasn’t for me, that dumb bird would have carried Jackdaw’s Cry off for sure.”

Gray Wing rolled his eyes. He was starting to understand Dewy Leaf’s sentiment- he also wanted to be separated from Moon Shadow.

Moon Shadow’s older sister, Tall Shadow, glanced back at him when he got too loud, but otherwise didn’t comment. Even in the cave, she rarely spoke. But when she did, it was worth listening to.

Gray Wing didn’t understand how they were so different. Although he thought Clear Sky could often be a bit too headstrong, he was no where near Moon Shadow’s level.

They came to a narrow cliff, forced to walk in groups of two. Gray Wing found himself beside Turtle Tail.

“I like being towards the back,” she said. “I can watch everyone at once.”

Gray Wing nodded in agreement. They climbed along the side of the valley, emerging into the sunlight. He raised his head, relishing the warmth on his skin.

“It’s been getting warmer,” Turtle Tail remarked.

“It’s because we’re not as high up anymore,” Gray Wing explained.

They stopped to rest around a pool where a stream emptied its water into. The ice that covered the surface was melting in the sunlight. It was wide enough for everyone to gather around the edge and drink.

Gray Wing was joined by his father. “I’m glad you caught up so quickly,” Shattered Ice said. “Jagged Peak really is too small for this. But he’s been doing well.”

“He’s a great hunter,” Gray Wing said. “And he’s eager to learn. Now that he’s here, he’ll be an asset.”

Shattered Ice nodded.

Across the pool, Dappled Pelt was holding a hunting spear just above the water. She gazed into the pool, concentrating. Quick Water and Rainswept Flower stood on either side of her to watch.

In one swift movement, she plunged the spear into the pool, splashing. When she drew it up again, a plump, silver fish was impaled on the end.

“Nicely done!” Shaded Moss praised.

“Where’d you learn that?” Hawk Swoop asked curiously.

“We used to fish in the waterfall’s river all the time when we were kids,” Cloud Spots explained. “But when it got colder, the fish stopped coming back.”

“I remember that,” Shattered Ice agreed. “I miss the taste of fish.”

“Will you teach me to hunt like that?” Falling Feather asked.

Dappled Pelt’s golden brown eyes gleamed as she took the fish off her spear. “Sure.”

Jackdaw’s Cry was scowling. “It looks slimy. I’ll stick to hares.”

“Food is food,” Moon Shadow said cheerfully. “We can stop for a quick snack.”

A fire was started, and the older adults taught the others how to properly skin the fish. After Dappled Pelt had caught a few more, the meal was ready and everyone had a taste.

Jackdaw’s Cry declined to try it at all, and Moon Shadow seemed to regret it as soon as it landed on his tongue. But Bright Stream’s eyes shone with delight and Rainswept Flower finished her share in just a few quick bites.

“It’s amazing,” Bright Stream cooed. She nudged Clear Sky, who had only had a bite of his before discarding it. “I wonder if we’ll be able to fish in our new home.”

Clear Sky gave her a doubtful smile. “Maybe I’ll warm up to it if our baby likes it.”

Gray Wing glanced at them. “Baby?”

Clear Sky’s eyes gleamed. “Yeah. Our baby.”

Bright Stream laid a hand on her stomach. Now that Gray Wing was paying attention, he could see that her stomach was starting to swell. “Dappled Pelt confirmed it a few days ago. We’re going to have a baby.”

“It’s not ideal timing,” Clear Sky admitted. “But we couldn’t be more excited.”

“I’m happy for you,” Gray Wing replied.

Once everyone had eaten, Shaded Moss announced they could take a break. Everyone took the opportunity to relax on the rocks, enjoying the cool water and the warm sunlight.

“Turtle Tail, look!” Quick Water pointed to a box turtle basking in a shaft of sunlight.
“Looks like your already home.”

Turtle Tail giggle. “If that’s how we decide our new homes, you could live anywhere it rains, Quick Water.”

Clear Sky’s gaze had turned to the clouds. Small birds were circling overhead, waiting for a turn at the watering hole. “Anyone up for a proper meal?”

“Leave them alone,” Shaded Moss said. “We need to set off again soon.”

“What’s the rush?” Moon Shadow complained. “We’ll get where we’re going eventually. It won’t run away if we dawdle a bit.”

“Yeah,” Jackdaw’s Cry agreed. “We’ve been walking nonstop for days.”

Others murmured in agreement.

“We left on the full moon and it’s not even at half yet,” Falling Feather pointed out.

“We’ve got a long way to go before we’re out of the mountains,” Turtle Tail fretted.

Tall Shadow stood. “Why don’t we make a goal for today?” She pointed to a distant copse of pine trees further down the mountain. “Let’s aim for those by tonight.”

“That’ll be plenty of progress for one day,” Dappled Pelt agreed.

“Only if we start heading there now,” Shaded Moss said. “Come on, everyone.”

Everyone gathered before setting off again. Gray Wing once again found himself toward the back, walking between Turtle Tail and Bright Stream.

“A baby, huh?” Gray Wing murmured. “Exciting!”

Bright Stream’s gaze was on the ground. “I hope we’re out of the mountains soon. I don’t want to slow us down.”

“You won’t,” Turtle Tail assured her. “A new baby is the perfect thing to break in our new home.”

By noon, Shaded Moss had drawn to a stop. Gray Wing peered over his shoulder. The ledge they’d been following suddenly dipped into a wide scree before dropping off into the valley below.

“That looks dangerous,” Hawk Swoop murmured.

“Is there no other way to go?” Jackdaw’s Cry asked.

“Doesn’t seem like it,” Shaded Moss said firmly. “We’ll go slow and in pairs. Rainswept Flower, have all the kids pair up with an adult.”

“Clear Sky!” Jagged Peak appeared at his older brother’s arm. “Can I go with you? Please!”

“Why don’t you come with me, Jagged Peak?” Shattered Ice said, taking his son’s arm. “I think Shaded Moss meant the older adults.”

“Jackdaw’s Cry!” Cloud Spots called to his son. “Your with me. Falling Feather, go with your mother.”

“Want to go with me, Gray Wing?” Turtle Tail prompted before Gray Wing could begin looking for a partner. He nodded in agreement.

Ahead of them, Shaded Moss and Rainswept Flower were heading across the scree, their gazes fixed on the boulders and bushes beyond. Clear Sky and Bright Stream set out after him. Then Quick Water and Falling Feather, with Falling Feather towards the inside, away from the edge of the cliff.

Gray Wing and Turtle Tail exchanged a glance, then ventured onto the scree. He focused on keeping his eyes up, but the presence of the sheer drop weighed heavily on his conscious. At once point, his foot slipped, sending pebbles skittering over the edge. His heart lurched and he squeezed his eyes shut, prepared to join them.

Turtle Tail had grabbed his arm, helping him back to his feet. “Are you okay?” she asked.

“Fine,” Gray Wing replied through gritted teeth. His ankle was pulsing with pain. “Let’s just go.”

Shaded Moss had already reached the other side, and Clear Sky wasn’t far behind. Gray Wing glanced back to see Shattered Ice following with Jagged Peak. The others weren’t far away.

“Just keep moving,” Shattered Ice called.

Gray Wing began relaxing, turning to see solid ground just a few more steps away. They were almost there.

A sudden screech split the quiet air. “Eagles! Eagles!”

Jagged Peak was pointing into the sky. Gray Wing looked up to see three huge birds swooping near the scree.

“Those aren’t eagles,” Shaded Moss said, peering up the sky with narrowed eyes. Suddenly, he stiffened. “Dust wine birds! Run! Everyone, run!”

Shouts of panic echoed off the rocky walls. The remaining groups on the scree began to run, sending loose stones skittering down the cliff. Gray Wing felt his stomach drop when he nearly tumbled after them, but was righted when Turtle Tail grabbed his arm.

Behind them, Jackdaw’s Cry had frozen in terror. Cloud Spots grabbed the back of his cloak and threw him off the scree to land between Clear Sky and Shaded Moss. Shattered Ice had picked up Jagged Peak and was running across the scree.

“This way! Everyone in here!” Shaded Moss called. He was herding those would had already made it into a crack in the cliffs. It was deep enough for the travelers to squeeze inside, but just barely. Shaded Moss waited for everyone to enter before squeezing himself into the opening, standing guard.

Gray Wing was towards the middle of the group, painfully squashed between Turtle Tail and Moon Shadow. Looking over the heads of the others, he could see a giant shadow passing over the crack in the cliff. A dark brown wing flapped by, sending a gust of wind at the humans. A loud screech split the air, causing a few of them to duck their heads and cover their ears.

“What are those things?” Hawk Swoop squeaked.

“Dust wine birds,” Shaded Moss said. He had drawn his spear and was holding it in front of himself. “Huge beasts. Half Moon warned me of them, but I didn’t think we’d run into any so soon.”

“And you didn’t bother to tell us about them?” Quick Water snapped.

“I didn’t think we’d run into any so soon,” Shaded Moss repeated.

The screeches had died down, but the sound of flapping wings was still apparent. Shadows flitted by, and each time Shaded Moss raised his spear in warning.

“What are they doing?” Falling Feather asked. “Why won’t they leave?”

Quick Water was right behind Shaded Moss, peering over his shoulder. “They’re waiting.”

“Then so will we,” Shattered Ice growled. “They have to leave eventually, right?”

“Eventually?” Moon Shadow groaned. “How long will that take?”

“Yeah, we can’t stay in here all day,” Jackdaw’s Cry agreed.

“We can and we might have to,” Shaded Moss decided.

With a few grumbles of indignation, the group settled down, trying to get as comfortable as possible in the tiny space. A few were able to sit down and rest, both most had taken to leaning against the walls that surrounded them.

Cloud Spots switched places with Dappled Pelt to stand at the front. “Are they still out there?” he asked.

Shaded Moss nodded. His eyes were on the sky. “They keep circling.”

A screech sounded from above. Those in the front ducked and Shaded Moss stabbed his spear out of the crack. One of the giant birds squawked before taking to the sky again.

The light of the day was fading, but the dust wine birds showed no signs of leaving. One had landed on the scree and was walking toward them. Only when it got close enough did Gray Wing finally get a good look at it.

It looked similar to a hawk, but its eyes were sharp with intelligence and its beak hooked and sharp. On huge talons, it padded up to the crack, its head tilted. Shaded Moss raised his spear.

“Back! Get back!” he shouted, jabbing at the bird. The giant creature squawked, its wings fluttering as it took a few steps back.

“Cloud Spots, Gray Wing,” Shaded Moss hissed. “Help me block the entrance. And move all the children to the back.”

Called to action, Gray Wing awkwardly pressed past Turtle Tail and a few others to stand just behind Cloud Spots. He soon realized why Shaded Moss had addressed him specifically- the three of them were the heaviest in the group. These birds would have the hardest time picking up and carrying them off, protecting the others who would be more vulnerable. Behind him, Gray Wing heard more shuffling as the smallest members of the group were shoved into the back of the crevice.

“This is pathetic!” Clear Sky shouted. “We’re hiding in a hole like rabbits! We need to show these dusty whiny birds we’re not their food!”

“And how do you expect to do that?” Rainswept Flower snapped.

Clear Sky’s eyes were narrowed. “I say we eat one of them instead.”

Gray Wing glanced back at his brother. The others were exchanging scared glances.

“You’re insane!” Cloud Spots exclaimed. “These things are big enough to look a human in the eye. And you want to fight them?”

“I am not starving to death in a hole,” Clear Sky growled, undaunted. “There’s only three of them, and there’s like fifteen of us.”

Gray Wing wasn’t convinced. Clear Sky had been one of the first to enter the crevice, and was closer to the back. He couldn’t see the size of these beasts, or the weapons they boasted.

Clear Sky looked around, appalled by the hesitance of his companions. “We can do it! We’ll split into groups and each take on one bird. I’ll lead a group to take one down, and the other two groups can scare the others off. We’ll send them a message.”

“Sounds good to me,” Moon Shadow said. “We’ll make sure they never mess with us again.”

“Let’s do it!” Jagged Peak cheered.

“Okay,” Shaded Moss relented. “But the kids stay back. Clear Sky, take Quick Water, Moon Shadow, and Dappled Pelt. The rest of you, divide up. Rainswept Flower, you’ll stay behind with the children.”

“This way, everyone,” Rainswept Flower said gently. She positioned herself in front of where the children had gathered.

“This seems dangerous,” Turtle Tail said. “Can’t we just wait until nightfall and then sneak away?”

“And risk these bird brains following us when we can’t see?” Clear Sky growled. “No. We need to do something now.”

Tall Shadow looked thoughtful. “We can’t stay in here forever waiting for them to get bored. It’s worth a shot.”

Although everyone still looked uncertain, no one argued any further.

“We need to move quickly,” Clear Sky said briskly. “Is everyone ready?”

Their was shuffling in the crevice. Gray Wing found himself beside Turtle Tail again, along with Tall Shadow and Bright Stream. Shaded Moss, Shattered Ice, and Cloud Spots made up the final group.

“Go!” Clear Sky shouted.

As one unit, each chosen fighter sprang out from the crevice, shouting loudly to startle the birds. All three of them had perched on the rocks surrounding the crevice. Each one turned their sharp eyes on their opponents. Two of them took flight, swooping over the tribesmen.

“They’re huge!” Turtle Tail cried in shock, stumbling.

“Run!” Gray Wing shouted, shoving her forward. Bright Stream was right behind him. They raced across the snowy slope. One of the birds flapped overhead.

Bright Stream turned, raising her spear and stabbing at it. The bird squawked angrily and climbed higher into the sky, circling.

“Don’t take risks,” Gray Wing chided.

Bright Stream turned on him. “It worked, didn’t it?”

Gray Wing glanced around, looking for Clear Sky. But his brother was closer to the crevice, chasing down the largest of the dust wine birds. Gray Wing would have to keep Bright Stream safe.

Two of the birds had settled on the ground again. They raised their wings, the feathers along their necks puffing out. One screeched and took off into the air. Meanwhile, Clear Sky’s group had surrounded the third and were bringing it down. Gray Wing spared a glance towards them, and say the bird shriek in agony as a spear was plunged through its chest.

The glance was a mistake. The last bird took the opportunity to launch at him, its talons outstretched. Gray Wing braced himself, moving his arms in front of his face and preparing for pain. But instead, he heard the crunching of pebbles.

“Move!” Bright Stream cried, shoving Gray Wing to the ground. He gasped as he fell, seeing a shadow move over him as the bird narrowly missed. Gray Wing scrambled on the ground, his eyes squeezed shut. The fall had thrown up a cloud of grit. He reached out one hand, grappling for Bright Stream. But wings were still beating, and the space beside him was empty.

“Bright Stream?” Gray Wing blinked his eyes open.

The dust wine bird had caught Bright Stream’s shoulders with its cruel talons, sinking its claws into her skin. She shrieked as it lifted her off the ground.

“Gray Wing!” she cried. “Help me!”

“Let her go!” Gray Wing screeched. He raced for Bright Stream, but the tip of his fingers only brushed her leg as the bird flapped out of reach. “Struggle!” Gray Wing called. “Struggle! Get free! Before it goes too high!”

Bright Stream obeyed, fighting her legs and trying desperately to free her arms. The bird called, annoyed. Gray Wing’s attention was grabbed as the second bird dove from its place among the clouds. Its talons extended, it snatched Bright Stream’s leg, hoisting her further into the air.

Bright Stream’s screams were fading as she was carried into the sky. Gray Wing chased after her from the ground, leaping over boulders, skidding on loose stones.

“Gray Wing! Come back!” Turtle Tail called.

She and Tall Shadow raced after him.

“There’s nothing you can do now,” Tall Shadow panted.

Gray Wing skidded to a halt, staring at the sky. Bright Stream was just a black speck among the clouds, her figure blurred. Even if she escaped now, she wouldn’t survive the fall. Gray Wing dropped to his knees.

“I’m sorry,” Tall Shadow rasped, putting a hand on his shoulder.

“You did everything you could,” Turtle Tail agreed.

Gray Wing watched as Bright Stream faded into the clouds. He could swear he saw tiny specks of some sort of debris raining down. Her clothes? Her blood? His heart felt so hollow.

“Come on,” Tall Shadow urged. “We need to tell the others.”

Gray Wing could hear shouts of triumph behind him. He let Turtle Tail bring him to his feet, and followed her back to the crevice. There, the others had gathered, standing in a ragged circle around the only dust wine bird they’d managed to bring down.

“I knew we could do it!” Clear Sky exclaimed.

Jackdaw’s Cry was the first of those who had stayed behind to rush into the open. The others followed him, excited and amazed. “It’s huge!” he gasped.

“You killed this?” Jagged Peak’s blue eyes sparkled.

Clear Sky raised his chin boldly, basking in the praise of the children.

Shaded Moss gave him an approving nod, before movement caught his eye. He turned to wave in welcoming to Gray Wing’s group, then paused.

“Where’s Bright Stream?” he asked.

At the mention of his wife, Clear Sky whipped around. Gray Wing felt fresh, raw grief knock into him.

“I’m so sorry,” Turtle Tail said gently. “The birds took her.”

Clear Sky stared at her. “That’s impossible!” he rasped. “Bright Stream is too smart! She’d never get caught. Where is she, Gray Wing?”

“She…” Gray Wing stammered. “She saved me.”

Clear Sky’s eyes widened in horror. “Saved you? You let her get taken?”

“It wasn’t like that,” Tall Shadow said calmly. “One of the dust wines came for Gray Wing. Bright Stream pushed him out of the way. She sacrificed herself bravely.”

Gray Wing still hadn’t raised his eyes.

Clear Sky’s jaw was set. “Which way did they go?”

“Don’t,” Shaded Moss said. “There’s nothing we can do for her now.”

“We have to!” Clear Sky protested. “She’s carrying my baby!”

Gray Wing felt his heart wretch.

“She shouldn’t have even been fighting,” Quick Water murmured.

Gray Wing glanced at her coldly, but didn’t say anything. Bright Stream had died bravely. To say she died a fool was disrespectful. But at the same time…Quick Water wasn’t wrong. Someone should have stopped her. Clear Sky, most of all, should have said something. But Gray Wing couldn’t help feeling like this was still his fault. Bright Stream had courageously chosen to fight, and she’d only been killed because he’d gotten distracted.

A grief stricken silence fell over the tribesmen. Even Moon Shadow was too stunned to speak. They gathered around Clear Sky, offering him comforting words and hushed support. But Gray Wing knew there were no words humans could string together capable of easing Clear Sky’s pain.

He felt a hand on his shoulder. Turtle Tail’s green eyes shown with sympathy. “It wasn’t your fault,” she whispered, sensing his anguish.

Gray Wing sighed helplessly.

Chapter Text

They spent the night in and around the crevice, although no one slept very well. A gray, chilly dawn greeted them in the morning. When Gray Wing emerged into the open, he spotted Shaded Moss dragging the body of an eagle back to the group.

“We need to eat,” he announced. “We’ll need all our strength.”

Clear Sky was the last to wake up, his head down. Not even the smell of the cooking meat drew him closer to the others. Tall Shadow had to stand up and murmur to him before he would join them.

“Clear Sky,” Shaded Moss began, “do you want to return to the cave?” he asked uncertainly. “Bright Stream will say in these mountains forever now. Do you want to do the same?”

Clear Sky shook his head immediately. “I have to keep going. For her sake.”

Shaded Moss nodded. “Bright Stream gave her life fighting off those beasts. We will honor her in our hearts, always.”
Clear Sky only nodded.

Sadness surrounded the group as they set off for the day. Gray Wing noticed that everyone seemed uneasy around Clear Sky. He walked on his own, his head down, an air of misery surrounding him. Gray Wing wondered if he should say something. He glanced around and found Shattered Ice walking toward the back with Jagged Peak. His eyes were on the sky, as though he was keeping watch for more dust wine birds.

But before Gray Wing could catch up to his brother, Moon Shadow appeared at Clear Sky’s side. He placed a hand on his back, murmuring something. Gray Wing hung back. Moon Shadow was probably better equipped to help Clear Sky than Gray Wing was.

It was almost noon when they reached a copse of pine trees. Tall Shadow climbed up the northernmost one and braced himself on a thin branch.

“I see the end of the mountains!” she called.

“We’re almost there!” Turtle Tail exclaimed.

“What’s it look like?” Quick Water asked.

“Green,” Tall Shadow stately plainly. She dropped down from the tree and met with Shaded Moss. “We need to follow this slope,” she explained, gesturing. “Around this next peak is a narrow valley that leads to a ridge. Beyond is a flat meadow.”

They continued, the sun shining into their eyes and the wind smacking their faces. Gray Wing felt uneasy as he emerged onto an open expanse of sone. A pair of eagles circled high above. Gray Wing watched them closely, trying to figure out how big they were.

Gray Wing’s gaze traveled to Clear Sky again. He wanted to apologize. But how could he find the words? Pain bit at his heart.

The ground was becoming softer, covered in wiry grass that sprouted through a thin cover of snow. The rocky peaks of the mountains were giving way to softer, rounded boulders.

The group descended down a steep slow into a narrow valley. Tall trees grew here, their branches wide spread and their leaves huge. Gray Wing gazed in wonder. He was used to wind blasted pines. Further down, he spotted movement at the trunk of a tree. A small, russet colored creature was swarming up it.

“Is that a squirrel?” he asked, remembering the elders talking about them.

“Can we eat it?” Jackdaw’s Cry wondered.

“Won’t make a decent meal,” Shattered Ice grunted. “Too small.”

“But it’s new life,” Rainswept Flower put in. “A new creature. And I’m sure they’ll be plenty more.”

At the bottom of the valley, a shallow river gurgled over smooth stones. On the far side was a grassy path leading to a stretch of flat land.

“We’re almost out of the mountains!” Falling Feather squeaked excitedly.

“Almost,” Shaded Moss said. “First, we have to chose this river.”

The group spread out along the bank, searching for a narrow place to cross. The river was shallow near the edges, but a deep, fast moving channel ran through the middle.

“Over here!” Hawk Swoop called from upstream. “There are rocks above the water. Maybe we can use them to cross.”

Here, the current was broken by rocks poking above the surface, though some of them were spaced far apart, and a few had were just barely visible beneath the water.

“That looks dangerous,” Jackdaw’s Cry murmured. A few others agreed.

“I doubt we’ll find anything better,” Shaded Moss declared. “Thank you, Hawk Swoop. I’ll go first.”

The tribesmen watched with baited breath as their leader stepped onto the first rock. He had to jump between some, and make long strides between others. But he reached the other side without incident. Clear Sky went next, quickly and carelessly.

Gray Wing hung back, letting some of the others go first. But when Jagged Peak went after Shattered Ice, Gray Wing followed close behind. But Jagged Peak was strong and confident. He squeaked with excitement on the last rock, and jumped into the shallow water, splashing.

Once he was safely on the other side, Gray Wing turned to watch the others. Quick Water was taking her time bracing herself after each step and flinching when the smallest drop of water splashed her ankle. Halfway across, she stopped on a flat rock that was beneath the current. “I hate this,” she complained.

“Then hurry up!” Moon Shadow called unsympathetically.

Quick Water glared at him, then jumped to the next rock without sizing it up. She slipped on the wet stone, then shrieked in terror as she plunged into the water.

Before anyone else could react, Falling Feather dove into the water. She resurfaced a moment later, right beside Quick Water, and grabbed her arm. Together they floundered toward the bank without grace.

Gray Wing and Shaded Moss waited on the bank, and reached down to haul Quick Water from the river. Falling Feather clambered out beside her.

Quick Water shivered, coughing up water. “I’m so sorry!” she gasped. “Are you alright, Falling Feather?”

“I’m fine,” Falling Feather assured her. “Are you?”

“I think so.”

Falling Feather helped her mother to her feet. “We should get going. The more we move, the quicker we’ll dry.”

By now, the sun was setting and the light was fading. Shadows gathered under the arching peaks of the mountains and the tribesmen followed the path of the river.

“I’m still so cold,” Quick Water grumbled. “I’d be warmer back at the waterfall.”

Beside Gray Wing, Jagged Peak yawned. “What’s she talking about? This is nothing compared to the cave!”

“She’s just tired,” Gray Wing said.

Eventually, Shaded Moss stopped near a bundle of trees. “We’ll stop here for the night,” he announced. “Is anyone up for hunting?”

“It’s too dark,” Hawk Swoop objected.

“Don’t quit before you’ve even started,” Moon Shadow said. “Let’s see what we can track.”

“I want to hunt!” Jagged Peak added.

“Is it worth the effort?” Dappled Pelt wondered.

“Probably not,” Shattered Ice said. “I’ll go with them.”

The three hunters set off while the rest of the group found good places to sleep for the night. Gray Wing took a step toward his brother, hoping they could share a space, but Clear Sky had climbed into a low branch in one of the trees, finding a nook to lean in to. Gray Wing settled into a clump of long grass.

Shaded Moss joined him. “Don’t worry about Clear Sky,” he murmured. “He’s strong. He can handle this.”

“I feel awful,” Gray Wing admitted. “It’s all my fault. I got careless, and Bright Stream died because of it.”

“You would have done the same for her if your positions had been switched,” Shaded Moss said. “I’m sure she doesn’t blame you.”

Gray Wing’s gaze was on the ground. “She should still be alive. The dust wines should have taken me.”

Shaded Moss remained silent, walking away. Gray Wing leaned back against the trunk of a tree. He glanced up to see Clear Sky above him, his head turned to the side as he gazed into the clouds.

“Gray Wing! Gray Wing! Look what I caught!”

Gray Wing was roused once again by Jagged Peak’s return. He grunted as the boy dropped into his lap, shoving a small brown bird against his chest. Behind him, Moon Shadow was carrying a rabbit.

“They practically leapt at our spears,” Shattered Ice stated. “Animals around here have never seen people before, it seems.”

“We’re not even out of the mountains, and hunting is already so easy!” Jagged Peak squeaked. “This is so fun!”

After days of nearly starving in the mountains, the small catches seemed like a feast. Everyone was able to take a few mouthfuls each. Even Clear Sky came down from his tree to have his share.

“We should remember Half Moon in times like this,” Shaded Moss announced. “It is through her wisdom that we are here now. We must always be thankful to her for giving us a chance like this.”

Chapter Text

Gray Wing awoke at dawn, feeling refreshed. The others were already waking up and starting their morning. The sun was just over the horizon. In the light, Gray Wing could see a soft green meadow beyond the small cluster of trees. A breeze was blowing in from the valley, carrying unfamiliar sounds.

Turtle Tail joined his side. “This feels like only the beginning. We still have so far to travel.”

Gray Wing nodded, hoping the mountains were the most difficult leg of the journey.

Clear Sky had gone back to the river for a drink. Returning, he joined Shaded Moss’ side. “We’ll leave the mountains today.”

Shaded Moss nodded in agreement.

Gray Wing straightened himself. If Clear Sky had the determination and willpower to continue, he could too. He still felt full from the meal of the previous night, and it seemed the other did too. After a drink from the river, they set off for the day.

Quick Water’s pace was brisk. She had recovered from her swim the previous day, although she still seemed a bit grumpy. Cloud Spots walked beside her, and Gray Wing didn’t see any reason to bother them. He kept his distance at the back of the group.

The mountains were thinning out on either side fo the valley. The last of the snow vanished from the ground. At the mouth of the valley, the river flowed through flat stretches of green grass, dotted with huge trees. Far off in the distance was a cluster of strange animals. Their faces and legs were black, but their bodies were covered in white, cloud-like fur.

Warily, the tribesmen approached. As soon as they got close, the animals moved away, bleating.

“Sheep,” Shaded Moss said. “Half Moon told me the Tribe used to keep them at the lake. We should stay back. They might belong to someone.”

“Can you eat them?” Jackdaw’s Cry wondered.

“They look soft!” Jagged Peak added.

“Leave them alone,” Gray Wing chided.

The river led them away from the creatures. Gray Wing felt strangely relaxed. Although the space was open and vulnerable, he felt like he was able to properly breath for the first time in his life. The air wasn’t as thin or cold, and the grass was soft underfoot. Gazing across the meadow, he spotted a brown rabbit grazing. Without thinking, Gray Wing drew his spear and took off, racing over the ground under the land and sky vanished into a beautiful blur of color. The rabbit hurtled away.

Everything seemed to slow down. Gray Wing picked up speed, sprinting with his spear in one hand. He raised it above his shoulder and took aim, then threw it straight into the rabbit. The creature squealed before going limp.

Gray Wing retrieved his catch before returning to the others.

“Aren’t you speedy?” Cloud Spots praised.

“That was amazing!” Jagged Peak added.

Gray Wing smiled, a bit self conscious. He hadn’t meant to show off. “I just saw an opportunity and took it. We could use a snack.”

Shaded Moss nodded. “I don’t need to eat, but anyone who’s feeling peckish should. We don’t know when we’ll have another chance to hunt.”

“I’m not hungry, but I could use a break,” Quick Water admitted. “Can we rest, Shaded Moss?”

“Sure,” Shaded Moss agreed. “If anyone else wants to hunt, I’d suggest you do now. But only if Gray Wing’s rabbit won’t fill you. We don’t want to over hunt, even when this place is so abundant.”

Shattered Ice looked shocked. “We must be paradise, if there’s too much food!”

Chapter Text

The sun was rising higher. It was around noon when Shaded Moss decided it was time for them to get moving again. Only a few had sat down to eat, but everyone took advantage of the moment to relax. The group had set off with a bit more ease, chattering quietly and exploring. Huge stretches of grass spread out on either side of them.

Shaded Moss was in the lead. He stopped under a large tree and sent Clear Sky and Tall Shadow into its branches to scout.

“We can head straight for the rising sun,” Tall Shadow reported when they came back down. “There are pointed stones in the distance.”

“Not mountains,” Clear Sky added. “Looks like just rocks.”

Gray Wing looked where he indicated. The ground ahead sloped downward gently. Just visible over the horizon were the tips of dark peaks. His heart sank. They seemed awfully far away. It would be another day’s walk before they arrived.

They continued along the river. Gray Wing felt comforted by the sound of the running water, and he had a feeling the others were, too. Though it was much softer than the waterfall, it was preferable over silence.

Cloud Spots and Dappled Pelt were closest to the water, pointing out herbs and plants to one another. Dappled Pelt’s eyes shimmered with delight every time she spotted something she didn’t recognize.

A line of thick bushes stretched to the water’s edge, and the group had to manuever over and around them. Gray Wing winced when a thorn caught his skin. Behind him, someone snapped a twig, sending small birds flittering into the air.

“Let’s hunt!” Moon Shadow said. “There’s plenty around.”

“Are you hungry?” Shaded Moss prompted.

Moon Shadow hesitated. “I guess not.”

“Let’s not waste life,” Shaded Moss decided.

Hawk Swoop was watching the birds land nearby again. “It seems wrong not hunting.”

Gray Wing remembered the rabbit they’d had that morning. They’d buried a leg after no one had claimed it. He had to agree with Hawk Swoop- it didn’t feel right skipping out on a meal.

“This grass is so soft,” Jackdaw’s Cry remarked.

“There’s so many animals here,” Falling Feather said. “Strange animals.”

“It’s nothing we can’t handle,” Moon Shadow assured them. “We beat those dust wines, didn’t we?”

The siblings exchanged a glance, but didn’t say anything. The group began to press closer together, keeping a look out. Gray Wing wondered if they’d ever feel truly safe. Their only defense mechanism were hunting spears or running away. And those hadn’t been enough to save Bright Stream.

Jagged Peak suddenly stopped. “Hey, what’s that?”

He pointed to the ground. The others gathered around to look. Here, the mud of the bank was split, like something long and smooth had been dragged through it. The path it had made wove back and forth, smoothing out the mud and pushing apart the pebbles.

“It’s a snake!” Turtle Tail realized. “The elders told me about them. It’s too cold for them near the cave, but they’re long, slimy things.”

“I didn’t know they got so big,” Dappled Pelt said.

“They can be venomous,” Shaded Moss said. “We need to be cautious. Everyone keep together.”

The tribe clumped together, their eyes on the ground. Gray Wing had heard of snakes, but never seen one. He always imagined they’d look quite strange without limbs.

“Maybe we should do some scouting,” Clear Sky said. “I can take a look ahead.”

“I’ll go, too,” Gray Wing offered, not wanting his brother to step into possible danger alone. Clear Sky glanced at him, then looked away.

Shaded Moss nodded in approval. “Thank you. We’ll wait here. Travel only as far as the tree line, then come back.”

Clear Sky led the way into the trees. Undergrowth was thick here, and the brothers had to step over bushes and roots. Gray Wing trailed behind, frustrated as thorny vines grabbed for his clothes. But Clear Sky, nimble and lean, was finding it a little more easier.

“It smells weird here,” Clear Sky noted. “Doesn’t it?”

Gray Wing raised his nose. “Smells like something’s rotting. Must be a dead animal.”

“Yeah, but what killed it?”

Gray Wing stopped, watching his brother. Anything could have killed it. Sickness, age, weather, a predator…Just because something was dead didn’t mean there was danger nearby.

But as they journeyed further into the trees, he became aware of just how strong the scent was. It was sharp and strong, and eventually both brothers were covering their noses with their hands. Up ahead. Gray Wing could hear a strange rumbling. Almost like thunder, but a bit softer.

Suddenly, Clear Sky stopped and took a few steps back, forcing Gray Wing towards the thorns again. “Gray Wing…”

Gray Wing heard the unusual fear in his brother’s voice. He pushed to the ground, then stifled a gasp of horror.

They’d stumbled across a clearing. In the middle was a single tree, its branches spreading out to shelter the entire clearing. Around the bottom of the trunk was wrapped a giant, pale yellow serpent. Its face was hidden in the crook of its own tail, but Gray Wing could hear it snoring as it slept.

Gray Wing gestured for Clear Sky to step back, then followed slowly, keeping his eyes on the snake. He was under the impression snakes were long but small, not large enough to wrap around a tree.

Once they were far enough away that the clearing was out of sight, the brothers broke into a dash, pelting it back to the river. Once they skidded onto the pebbles, they stopped to catch their breath.

“That can’t be a normal snake!” Clear Sky gasped. “It was huge!”

“It smelled awful and sounded like thunder,” Gray Wing said. “That’s nothing like any snake I’ve ever heard of. Come one, we need to warn the others. We’ll have to find another path.”

They marched down the river. Not too far away, the others were gathered on the shore, stopping to rest. Shaded Moss stood as soon as he spotted them.

“What happened?” His brow was furrowed with concern. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

“Something worse,” Clear Sky said. “Up ahead is some sort of…thunder serpent.” The others gathered around as he began explaining what they’d seen.

“We have to turn around,” Hawk Swoop fretted. “We can’t go by something like that!”

“No one said this journey would be easy,” Moon Shadow growled. “We killed a dust wine, remember? We can kill this thing, too.”

“Bright Stream died because we fought those stupid birds,” Tall Shadow reminded him. “We should be cautious.”

“We might be able to sneak past it,” Clear Sky said. “It’s sleeping now, and we didn’t wake it even when we didn’t know it was there. As long as we’re careful, we can get past.”

Gray Wing didn’t share his brother’s confidence. “We were lucky it didn’t wake, and there were only two of us. How are we going to move a whole group of people through thick undergrowth and not alert it?”

Tall Shadow looked thoughtful. “Clear Sky might be on to something. It doesn’t know we’re near yet. We have a chance to sneak past.”

“Half Moon never told me about a serpent such as this,” Shaded Moss admitted. “I don’t think we should test our luck. We need to find a long way around.”

Clear Sky shook his head. “I will not be intimidated by a wild animal. We can sneak by. What if we went in pairs? So long as we don’t go all at once, we won’t make as much sound.”

Shaded Moss hesitated a moment longer, but others were nodding in agreement. Finally, he dipped his head. “Alright. Clear Sky, you and Gray Wing will supervise.”

“Let me go first,” Dappled Pelt volunteered. “I just want to get this over with.”

“I’ll go with you,” Rainswept Flower said.

Shaded Moss nodded. “Be safe.”

Gray Wing and Clear Sky led the two through the forest, slowing around the place they’d found the thunder serpent. Gray Wing tried to veer them away, not wanting the others to see the monster. The last thing they needed was a panic.

“Something smells weird…” Rainswept Flower whispered.

“It’s the snake,” Gray Wing replied. “We don’t know why, but it smells awful.”

The tree line was in sight. Cautiously, the group crept through the undergrowth, careful not to snap a single twig or brush up against the bushes too closely. At the tree line, Gray Wing let out the breath he’d been holding.

“You stay here,” Clear Sky said. “Make sure they stay safe. I’ll go back and get the others.”

“You can’t go alone,” Gray Wing rasped. “What if you’re attacked?”

“I can handle myself,” Clear Sky. “We need to do this quickly, and more people at once will slow us down. Stay here.”

Gray Wing wanted to argue further, but every time Clear Sky looked at him, he felt overwhelming shame. “Alright fine. Just be careful.”

Clear Sky nodded before diving back into the trees. A few minutes later, he reappeared with Cloud Spots and Quick Water. After a few more minutes, he was back again with Jackdaw’s Cry and Falling Feather.

Slowly but surely, the group was making it through the forest. Clear Sky didn’t have anything to say each he returned, so Gray Wing figured the thunder serpent was still asleep and out of the way.

Gray Wing stared into the forest, waiting for his brother to reappear. But the moments were trudging by, and there was no sign of him. He exchanged a worried glance with Rainswept Flower.

He waited a few more minutes, but Clear Sky didn’t appear. Apprehensively, Gray Wing stepped toward the trees, preparing to go check out what was happening. But at that moment, the undergrowth quivered and Clear Sky emerged, hastily leading along Shattered Ice and Jagged Peak.

“It’s awake,” he reported.

“Has it moved?” Gray Wing whispered.

“Not away from its tree. But it’ll sense us soon. We need to get out of here.”

Behind Gray Wing, the others were starting to fret.

“But the others are still at the river!” Dappled Pelt exclaimed. “We can’t leave them.”

“We’re not going to,” Clear Sky assured her. “But stealth isn’t going to work anymore. I’m going to bring everyone else to you all at once.”

Gray Wing hesitated. If the snake was awake, stealth was more important now than ever. Moving through a densely crowded forest with so many people would be dangerous. But Clear Sky was already backing away.

“Wait,” Gray Wing said. He knew he couldn’t change his brother’s mind, but he could make sure he went about this safely. “I’m coming with you.”

“Stay here with the others,” Clear Sky insisted. “They need protected.”

“So do you. I’m going,” Gray Wing shot back. “You’ll need backup.”

Clear Sky looked irritated, but they were running out of time. “Fine. Just go quickly.”

“I always do.”

Gray Wing stepped up beside Clear Sky, entering the trees once more. Immediately, he could feel that something was off. The air was thick with a strange tension. His heart began to pound in his chest. They shouldn’t be here.

They paused when the undergrowth ahead began to rustle. But then it went still once more. They quickened their pace.

Shaded Moss was waiting with the others beside the river. Turtle Tail and Hawk Swoop stepped forward, expecting to be the next group to cross. But Clear Sky went straight to Shaded Moss.

“It’s awake,” he said. “We need to make a break for it.”

Shaded Moss straightened. “We can’t risk getting caught. We have to go slow.”

“We need to run for it,” Clear Sky insisted.

Shaded Moss shook his head, and Gray Wing couldn’t be more relieved. “We don’t know if its spotted us yet. If we cause noise, it’s guaranteed to investigate. We’ll go slow and keep watch.”

Clear Sky’s frown was deep, but he wouldn’t argue with Shaded Moss. The group clumped together behind him, and Clear Sky led them back into the trees. Gray Wing found himself towards the back of the group, along with Turtle Tail.

“It’s nice being under the trees,” she whispered. “It’s shady and protected.”

Gray Wing nodded, although he didn’t agree. This forest was making him feel uneasy, and he didn’t think it was just because of the thunder serpent. Roots tripped his feet and thorny vines grabbed at his ankles. Noises surrounded them- birds calling, branches creaking, undergrowth rustling in the wind. He was never sure if a bush was shaking because a rabbit was grazing beneath it, or a giant snake was about to swallow him whole. For the first time in a while, he felt utterly homesick. He missed how open and silent the mountains were.

“How much farther?” Hawk Swoop whispered. “If I step on another thorn I’m gonna scream.”

“Quit whining,” Moon Shadow growled. “Before you wake the serpent.”

The group fell silent once more, trudging along quickly but with caution. Gray Wing was trying to keep his head up, but had to glance down to see where he was walking. Each unguided step slowed him down.

As they continued, their pace got quicker. Gray Wing realized they were passing the thunder serpent’s clearing, and could afford a little more speed. In the front, Clear Sky was starting to jog, and the others followed suit. Soon, they had broken into a sprint, scrambling desperately over undergrowth and dodging around trees.

The others were waiting for them at the tree line. By now, a thin but persistently cold drizzle of rain was falling.

“Finally!” Quick Water called when they arrived. “I thought we’d freeze stiff waiting.”

“Did you make it alright?” Rainswept Flower asked. “Did anything happen?”

“No,” Shaded Moss replied. “The snake didn’t spot us, as far as we know. But we should keep moving. I’d like to shelter for the night, and I don’t want to do it anywhere near here.”

Their cloaks over their heads, the group crossed the grassy space to a broad path of dark mud. Shaded Moss turned to follow it. The path seemed well worn, padded down by years of footprints, but no one else seemed to be around. It began to narrow, and the group walked single file, drudging exhaustedly through the mud. On either side of them were lines of thick trees, shadows gathering between them. Each time the wind rattled the branches, someone jumped.

Gray Wing kept glancing toward the sky. He knew it was getting darker beyond the canopy, but being unable to see the stars was uncanny. He felt trapped and suffocated without a clear path.

Shaded Moss and Tall Shadow whispered something, then veered off the track. The group’s leader was taking them back into the trees, resisting a lot of hesitation.

“There’s a cave here,” Tall Shadow called. Two giant boulders blocked their path, a small, low gap between them forming a sheltered looking cave. It seemed deep enough to fit the whole group comfortably.

“What if something’s inside?” Jagged Peak squeaked.

Shattered Ice peered inside. “Looks empty.”

Rainswept Flower was the first to crouch and enter the cave. “It’s cozy in here! And doesn’t look like anything’s visited lately. At least it’s out of the rain.”

Shaded Moss entered next, and the others followed. When Gray Wing entered, he found that the cave was a lot bigger on the inside than he’d anticipated. It dipped into the ground beneath the boulders, creating a wide, bowl-like shelter. The ceiling was dirt, held up by intertwined tree roots and flat rocks.

The group began to settle down, finding dry places to sleep for the night. Shaded Moss’ shoulders had dropped and his eyes were dull with weariness. Rainswept Flower joined his side.

“You look tired,” she murmured. “Get some sleep. I’ll take first watch.”

“I’ll join you,” Gray Wing offered at once.

“Can’t we hunt first?” Quick Water protested. “I’m hungry.”

“It’s too dangerous,” Clear Sky said. “We don’t know what’s out there, and it’s getting
dark.”

“We should have hunted earlier,” Moon Shadow grumbled.

“Yeah,” Hawk Swoop agreed. “I haven’t seen any animals since we passed the snake.”

“Shelter is more important than food right now,” Tall Shadow pointed out. “Clear Sky is right- we don’t know what’s out there.”

Gray Wing silently agreed. Although he didn’t like the close walls and small space, he knew this was the safest place to be tonight.

He joined Rainswept Flower at the entrance to the cave, looking down the muddy path. In the distance, he could hear branches rustling as wind blew through them. Something was underneath them- or maybe it was just his imagination. He willed it to just be his imagination each time the wind sounded a bit too much like a scream or the swaying trees sounded like footsteps in the undergrowth.

Rainswept Flower spoke, distracting him. “I wonder if we’ll see any other people on our journey.”

“Do you want to?” Gray Wing asked. He’d thought about it briefly, and didn’t think he wanted to encounter more people. He didn’t know what they’d be like, or how they’d react to new faces.

“I’d feel better if we did,” Rainswept Flower said. “My mother would tell be able all the people we used to know when we lived by the lake. She said travelers would wander by, and there were other settlements off in the distance. But we haven’t seen any sign of people since leaving the cave. It makes me anxious.”

“I suppose,” Gray Wing said. He understood what she meant, but didn’t dwell on it. He’d rather not run into anybody else, even if that meant they were the last people on earth.

It was a concern he’d had before- that they’d get to their new home at the end of the sun trail and realize they had to fight for it, or force someone else out so they could move in. He didn’t want to be a bother.

He and Rainswept Flower chatted softly the rest of the night. He filled her in on his journey with Jagged Peak, she explained to him how everyone was fairing. He remembered that they had once been childhood friends. He, Rainswept Flower, Turtle Tail, Bright Stream, and Clear Sky had all been born within just a few years of each other. As all the girls had been only children, they’d formed a strong bond with one another, and the boys. Clear Sky and Rainswept Flower had learned to hunt together. Although now that they were adults, the group had drifted apart a bit, they still all held each other in high regard, and Gray Wing enjoyed being reminded of that.

As the moon began descending towards the horizon, shuffling came from behind them. Shaded Moss had woken up.

“You two can get some rest,” he said. “I’ll take watch now. If you could find someone else to help, that would be great.”

Gray Wing stumbled to the back of the cave and decided Hawk Swoop would make a good switch. Mostly because he’d already woken her up by accidentally tripping over her.

“Uh it’s your turn to go on watch,” he whispered.

“Fine,” she mumbled drowsily, getting up to join Shaded Moss. Once the second guard was in place, Rainswept Flower found a place between Jackdaw’s Cry and Tall Shadow to sleep.

Gray Wing laid down where Hawk Swoop had been. The dusty floor was still warm. Before he could close his eyes, he heard footsteps walking by and looked up to see Moon Shadow.

“I’m just going hunting,” the older man whispered.

Gray Wing nodded. He wondered if he should offer to go as well, but weariness was pulling at his eyelids and his legs felt like stone. “Be safe,” he said. Moon Shadow moved past him, murmuring to Shaded Moss before leaving the cave.

Chapter Text

“Moon Shadow’s been attacked!”

Gray Wing was startled awake by his father’s urgent shout. He was on his feet in an instant, racing out of the cave with the others. Moon Shadow knelt on the ground, bloodied and bruises. Slashes covered his arms and chest, and blood was dripping onto the ground below him.

“What did this?” Rainswept Flower asked.

“What were you thinking?” Tall Shadow growled. “You never should have left on your own!”

“What did this?” Shaded Moss echoed, his voice stern.

“I was just hunting,” Moon Shadow reported. Dappled Pelt was starting to rub some sort of plant poultice on his wounds. “And these two people came out of nowhere, said I was on their land and they’d kill me if I didn’t leave.”

“And what did you do?” Tall Shadow asked.

Moon Shadow shrugged. “Called them both selfish numbskulls.”

Tall Shadow shook her head, agitated.

“He’s not wrong,” Clear Sky growled. “We’re only passing through. That’s not fair!”

“Maybe, but it seems we’ve trespassed,” Shaded Moss said. “The best way to fix this is to just leave. There’s no use fighting over land we don’t even want.”

“And let them get away with this?” Shattered Ice growled. “They threatened to kill one of us! They need to be dealt with, or they’ll do it again to another poor soul.”

Shaded Moss shook his head. “We’re not equipped for a fight, and there might be more people here. If we’re not welcome, we can just go.”

No one would argue with Shaded Moss, and so they set off immediately. Those who had been woken up stumbled after the group. Gray Wing had fallen to the back with Rainswept Flower and Turtle Tail. When Gray Wing glanced at Rainswept Flower, her eyes were on the ground and her brow was knitted with worry. He guessed she was thinking of their conversation from that night.

Shaded Moss found the muddy trail they’d followed the previous day, and continued along it. But when it veered to one side, Shaded Moss continued straight, heading right for the peaks they’d seen a few days ago.

It was a relief to find the end of the forest and emerge onto an open meadow once more. Now, the rugged peaks were in front of them.

“It’s no mountain,” Quick Water said, sounding disappointed.

“Half Moon wouldn’t have sent us to live in a different mountain, I’m sure,” Dappled Pelt replied. “Our new home will be different.”

“But I miss the mountains,” Falling Feather whined.

Gray Wing’s mother flashed through his mind. He wondered how she was doing, and wished there was a way to tell her he was okay. He kept his gaze ahead, desperately pushing down the urge to glance back where they’d come. Were the mountains still in sight? Were they anywhere near their birthplace?

At least they were in the open again. Gray Wing was soothed by the soft grass and sounds of animals burying into the ground. Soon, Shaded Moss was halting.

“Let’s hunt,” he said. “While there’s still daylight.”

A shiver of excitement ran through the group as they split up. Gray Wing stayed in the open grass, his eyes up as he scanned for movement. Moon Shadow and Clear Sky had moved closer to the trees again, chasing after birds. Shattered Ice was tailing after Jagged Peak while the young boy practiced his tracking skills.

Gray Wing’s attention was grabbed by rustling grass. A rabbit, startled out of hiding by all the noise, dashed through the long grass. Gray Wing drew his spear and gave chase, releasing in the feel of the wind lifting his hair.

Before he could catch up, the rabbit disappeared, diving into a hole in the ground. Gray Wing skidded to a halt, sighing in frustration.

“Hey!” the call came from the trees. Turtle Tail emerged, holding a small bird. “I caught enough for both of us. We can share.”

Gray Wing glanced at the hole. He wished he could hunt underground, but rabbits made their burrows small on purpose. “Sure,” he replied. “Thanks.”

Returning to the others, Clear Sky was boasting about two crows he’d caught. Rainswept Flower and Cloud Spots had settled down to prepare meals- skinning and cooking.

Shaded Moss was gazing into the trees. “We must thank Half Moon for this bounty. It is because of her that we get to enjoy it.”

Chapter Text

The next morning, Shaded Moss set a brisk pace. They were nearing the peaks Clear Sky had seen before, and Shaded Moss seemed desperate to reach them before the sun set again.

Movement in the bushes caught Gray Wing’s eye. He thought he saw something slinking through the shadows, but it was too dark to make out.

He nudged Shattered Ice, gesturing to the bushes. “What do you suppose that is?” he asked.

Shattered Ice peered into the shadows. “No clue,” he admitted. “Looks mean. We shouldn’t disturb it.”

By the time the light was fading, they’d crossed several meadows, found several streams, and had near misses with several unidentifiable creatures. Nothing ever approached them directly, but the entire group was aware of their presence. They walked close together, with the younger members on the inside. Shaded Moss never strayed off course, walking a straight line towards the distant peaks.

Eventually, they passed another stream, and found a place where the ground sloped down into a marsh. The puddles of water were broken up by tussocks of grass and clumps of reeds.

Quick Water looked disgusted. “We can’t go this way. It’s too soggy.”

Shaded Moss glanced back and forth, but the bog stretched out in either direction. “We’ll have to,” he decided. “A little water never killed anyone.”

The ground shivered and swayed as they stepped into the marsh. What wasn’t water was mud that sucked at their ankles and trapped them. Gray Wing found himself struggling with each step.

“This is awful!” Hawk Swoop was up to her knees in mud.

Quick Water was muttering under her breath, floundering from tussock to tussock. Falling Feather and Dappled Pelt didn’t look much happier.

Jagged Peak, the smallest of the group, was having an easier time. He leaped nimbly from each patch of grass, avoiding the mud. And when he did have to walk across it, he was light enough to hardly make a dent.

By the time they had reached the other side of the marsh, everyone was cold, soaked, and absolutely filthy. Not far away, they were able to locate another cave, made from boulders.

Shaded Moss took the lead, trudging toward it. He paused in the entrance, glancing around cautiously. Inside, the floor was lined with dried grass and dead leaves. Gray Wing felt exhaustion pulling at him, knowing it must be so warm and comfortable inside. Anything was better than the cold ground they’d been sleeping on.

Moon Shadow voiced his thoughts. “This looks great! Let’s sleep.”

Shaded Moss nodded. “Seems safe enough.”

One by one, the group entered the cave to settle down. Gray Wing found himself toward the back of the cave. It was warm and dry, and the grass was packed down into a thick, comfortable layer. All around him, the others settled into the warm cave. Gray Wing felt more comfortable than he had in days. His stomach was full and his bones were warmed.

Before he closed his eyes, he spotted Clear Sky not far away, staring into the shadows of the cave. He was illuminated by a single shaft of moonlight coming through the entrance. Gray Wing’s heart ached for him.

He missed Bright Stream.

Around him, the others were settling down to sleep. Shaded Moss hadn’t asked for a lookout, and this place seemed too comfortable to throw someone outside into the cold.

Deep into the night, Gray Wing was suddenly awoken by the sound of trampling outside. He blinked his eyes open and could see the gray light of dawn illuminating the cave. Now, he could clearly hear heavy footsteps from outside.

Gray Wing crawled to the cave entrance, looking outside. What he saw made his blood run cold. A giant, bear-like creature was grazing just outside. It swiped one massive paw against the ground, pulling up the grass before digging its nose into the dirt. Its fur was dark and shaggy, with even darker stripes streaked across its back.

“Shaded Moss! Shaded Moss, wake up!” Gray Wing hissed. He reached down to shake the older man’s shoulder.

Shaded Moss was up in an instant. He joined Gray Wing’s side, peering out at the creature. His eyes widened when he saw the sheer size of it. “I didn’t know they got so big.”

“What is that?” Gray Wing whispered.

“Bugbear,” Shaded Moss replied. “Monstrous things, and cunning, according to Half Moon. But it doesn’t seem to have noticed us yet.”

“What do we do?” Gray Wing asked. They needed to move before it realized they were close, but how could they sneak by it?

“I’m thinking,” Shaded Moss said. “Wake the others. But tell them to be quiet and get ready to run.”

Gray Wing stepped carefully around the cave, waking those closest to him. A ripple went over the group as one by one, each of them woke. Wide eyes turned toward the entrance. The children were pushed to the back of the cave and those most capable joined Shaded Moss’ side.

“Can we fight it off?” Moon Shadow wondered. “It’s just a big bear.”

“With what, a couple hunting spears and a dream?” Shattered Ice shot back. “None of us have ever fought anything bigger than a mountain lion, and that was when we had a hidden cave to retreat to.”

“We fought off those dust wines pretty well,” Moon Shadow mumbled, then yelped when Tall Shadow elbowed him harshly in the ribs.

“No, we can’t risk losing anyone else,” Tall Shadow said bluntly. “Shaded Moss, you seem to know about this beast. Would we be able to outrun it?”

Shaded Moss thought for a moment. “Half Moon never mentioned them being fast, nor particularly ferocious. But we can’t all scatter into the forest. We need to know where we’re going and what to do when we get there. Tall Shadow, Clear Sky, both of you have been scouting. Is there anything ahead we could use as a landmark to meet at in the event someone gets lost?”

“Nothing reliable,” Tall Shadow answered.

At the mention of his name, Clear Sky had pushed to the front. “The closest thing would be those distant peaks. Why don’t we aim for that?”

“It’s too far!” Quick Water protested. “We’ll never all make it.”

“We can,” Clear Sky argued. “And they’re so tall, no matter which direction you go, you can still see them. Just don’t be stupid.”

Shattered Ice winced. “It’s hard not to be when you’re running for your life,” he pointed out.

Clear Sky turned toward him, his blue eyes cold. “Run for the hills. Don’t run in any other direction. Easy.”

“Don’t argue,” Shaded Moss chided, sensing the tension.

“Clear Sky is right, though,” Moon Shadow said. “As long as everyone knows where we’re going, it should be fine.”

Shaded Moss shook his head. “I’m sorry, but it sounds too risky. If someone gets lost, finding them will be dangerous.”

The group fell silent for a moment, despairing. Outside, the bear had yet to notice them, but the sound of its grunting and churning paws made Gray Wing shudder.

“What if we paired up again?” he suggested. “Then at least if anyone gets lost, they’ll have a partner.”

Shaded Moss turned his dark green eyes on Gray Wing, looking thoughtful. Carefully, Gray Wing continued.

“We could go in waves,” he explained. “Three pairs at a time, heading to the left, right, and straight for the peaks, so the bear can’t chase all of them at once. Once the side groups get far enough, they can veer for the peaks.” He brightened when he noticed the others nodding to one another, murmuring positively. “Our fastest will be in the first group, to be more sure they can get away.”

“That could work…” Shaded Moss murmured. After another moment, he squared his shoulders, raising his chin and letting his confident gaze sweep over the group. “Everyone, find a partner. All children must be paired with at least one adult. Those with spears, have them ready for self defense.”

Immediately, the cave was bustling. Swiftly but quietly, the tribesmen moved around the small space, dividing themselves into pairs and then into two groups. The first was mostly the adults, and all the fastest runners. Gray Wing once again found himself beside Turtle Tail- she didn’t even ask him this time, their companionship an unspoken rule. The others gathered around them, and with a jolt, Gray Wing suddenly realized all eyes were on him.

“It’s your plan, Gray Wing,” Shaded Moss said. “How should we go about it?”

Gray Wing glanced around. “Turtle Tail and I will go first.” He raised an arm, pointing to his left. “That way. Shaded Moss, you and Rainswept Flower will go the other way. Clear Sky and Br- Tall Shadow and Moon Shadow will head for the peaks. Wait-” He paused, thinking. Tall Shadow, like Clear Sky, had also seen the peaks while scouting, and would no how to get their better than the others. A bit awkwardly, Gray Wing continued with, “Tall Shadow, would you mind letting Shaded Moss go with them instead, and taking Rainswept Flower?”

Both Tall Shadow and Shaded Moss looked surprised, exchanging a glance. But when Tall Shadow nodded in acceptance, Shaded Moss did the same. “Very well.”

Gray Wing watched as Shaded Moss stepped away from his wide-eyed daughter, regretting ever suggesting it. He felt like he’d just asked Shattered Ice to separate from Jagged Peak or Quick Water from Falling Feather.

Those he hadn’t named moved further back, letting the others through. They’d make up the second wave. If this worked how Gray Wing was hoping, the bugbear would completely ignore them and they could make a clean get away.

His heart was pounding. This was his idea. If a single one of them was hurt, it would be his fault and his fault alone, with no debate to be had.

“Is everyone ready…?” he asked, trying to keep the fear out of his voice.

His people were more confident, now that they had direction and hope. Gray Wing thought about how easily their uncertainty and worry had been lifted just by being presented with a plan to follow.

Shaded Moss had moved to the mouth of the cave again. Gray Wing was able to peer past him, seeing the bugbear still in the clearing. It was lumbering toward the other side, scrapping up grass to get at the worms underneath. Gray Wing began to wonder if this plan was even necessary. The bugbear was huge and looked powerful, but it only seemed interested in grub hunting.

“Everyone knows where to go?” Shaded Moss murmured. The others nodded, and their leader looked to Shattered Ice, who the second group had gathered around. “Wait until the bear gives chase to one of us, then make a run for it. You know the way.”

Shattered Ice nodded. “We’ll meet you at the peaks.”

“Right. Ready? On my count.”

Shaded Moss raised one arm over his head, holding up three fingers. He dropped one, then the second. Then, when his fingers curled into a fist, half of the tribesmen dove forward.

For a moment, it was sheer chaos. Seven people trying to get out of a small cave entrance at once caused a pileup. They scrambled over one another for a moment, tangled and squished. Then, breaking apart, they dashed into different directions. Gray Wing and Turtle Tail shot to one side, while Shaded Moss and Tall Shadow went the other. Clear Sky leaped up the boulders that made up the cave, then turned to grab Rainswept Flower’s hand and hoist her up. Moon Shadow found his own way around, then the three sprinted away, letting out caterwauls and shouts.

Just as Gray Wing broke into the tree line, he heard a roar from behind, followed by the sound of pounding pawsteps. His heart began to race, but he didn’t dare look back, afraid of slowing himself down. Deeper into the forest, twigs whipped his arms, vines grabbed his legs. He ignored it all, because he could hear underbrush being trampled behind him.

The bugbear had chosen them.

“Faster!” he called when Turtle Tail tripped over a root. “It’s right behind us!”

“This way!” Turtle Tail grabbed his arm, pulling him to one side sharply. Gray Wing was forced to stumble after her, roots gripping his ankles and threatening to trap him. Off guard, the bugbear slid right past them. He didn’t look back, but Gray Wing could hear the sound of branches splinting as it skidded to a halt.

He darted after Turtle Tail. Ahead, the sky was brightening, the trees thinning out. They were close to the treeline. Gray Wing quickened his pace, taking long strides and trying to dodge roots and stray branches. If they could just get into the open, they’d escape.

Then, he was suddenly aware there were no trampling pawsteps behind him. The hot breath on his heels had disappeared, along with the sound of broken underbrush. He allowed himself to glance over his shoulder, and felt great relief when he saw nothing pursuing them.

“It’s gone!” He leaped forward, breaking out of his sprint and slowing to a halt. Turtle Tail was panting beside him.

She opened her mouth to speak, then whipped around. A scream had sounded from the trees.

Her green eyes were wide when she turned to Gray Wing. “Was that Hawk Swoop?”

There was no time to speculate. Gray Wing raced back into the trees with Turtle Tail at his side. They followed the broken branches and trampled underbrush half way back to the clearing, then heard a roar ahead.

“Hawk Swoop!” Dappled Pelt shrieked. “Move!”

Rounding a tree, the sight in front of Gray Wing made his blood run cold. In a small, moss lined clearing, Hawk Swoop must have been knocked to the ground, staring up with wide eyes at the beast that loomed over her. The bugbear, big and dark furred and spitting saliva as it roared, was reared on its back legs, one sharp-clawed paw raised.

“Help her!” Dappled Pelt cried. Gray Wing looked around, spotting Dappled Pelt hiding in the top branches of a nearby tree. But Gray Wing could only stare back at her helplessly. Fighting would be death for them all.

“Hey!”

The bugbear grumbled, dropping its paw and raising snout. A small pebble had bounced off the top of its head.

“Oh, no,” Turtle Tail breathed out. Gray Wing had spotted Jackdaw’s Cry at the exact same moment, standing at the top of the hollow with more rocks in his fists.

“Leave her alone!” he shouted, throwing another rock. The bugbear roared angrily, dropping onto its front paws and stomping after the young boy. Jagged Peak dashed back into the forest.

Hawk Swoop tried to scoot back, but was caught in a flurry of lumbering pawsteps. She led out a shriek of pain, disappearing under the bugbear as it crashed over her in pursuit of its tormentor. When the bugbear pushed into the trees, Hawk Swoop was left lying on the ground.

Turtle Tail raced for her, and Gray Wing followed, his head still raised while he watched for danger. By the time they reached Hawk Swoop, Dappled Pelt had dropped to the ground.

“Move!” Dappled Pelt shouted. Gray Wing stumbled to the side when she shoved his shoulder. The older woman dropped to her knees. Her hands moved rapidly, feeling over Hawk Swoop’s body.

She was alive, but in pain. The young girl had curled in on herself, gripping her shoulder and quietly sobbing. “My arm! I can’t move my arm!”

“I need daisy and elderberry,” Dappled Pelt said. “Turtle Tail, do you know what those are?” When the woman nodded, looking frightened, Dappled Pelt continued. “Good. I need you to find some. Gray Wing, I need you here.”

“I-I don’t know anything about healing,” Gray Wing admitted. “Let me find you herbs.”

“No.” Dappled Pelt’s voice was stern. Gray Wing had known her his entire life, and it was a strange thing to behold. Dappled Pelt wasn’t the sort of person to show such power. “I need you here.”

She gently laid her hand on Hawk Swoop’s shoulder. The young girl drew in a gasp of pain.

“She’s dislocated her shoulder,” Dappled Pelt said. “I think I know how to fix it. I watched Half Moon do it once when an elder slipped off the waterfall.”

Hawk Swoop groaned in agony as Dappled Pelt set one hand on her neck and the other on her shoulder. “This is going to hurt, dear,” she warned. “But it’ll fade quickly. Gray Wing, come hold her for me. Put your right hand here…and the left one here. Good.” She raised her head, her brown gaze narrowed and intense. “You must keep her as still as possible. Do you understand?”

Gray Wing gripped Hawk Swoop’s good shoulder. She groaned when he squeezed her injured arm. To Dappled Pelt’s instructions, he nodded seriously. “I’m ready.”

Dappled Pelt took hold of Hawk Swoop’s arm. “Three…two…one…now!”

She yanked at Hawk Swoop’s arm with such viciousness it nearly knocked Gray Wing over. Hawk Swoop shrieked, then went limp against the ground. Dappled Pelt let her go, gesturing for Gray Wing to do the same. The girl was left trembling, her breath coming in shallow gasps.

“Just breathe,” Dappled Pelt instructed. Her voice was gentle as she ran her hands through Hawk Swoop’s long, carrot-colored hair. “The pain will fade. You’ll survive.”

Slowly, Hawk Swoop began to calm, regaining her breath. She was able to sit up, very cautiously stretching her shoulder. “Thank you, Dappled Pelt.”

Dappled Pelt nodded curtly. At that moment, Turtle Tail returned, her fists full of herbs. “Are these right?”

Dappled Pelt took the leaves and began sorting through them. She plucked one up between two fingers. “They look like the ones we had in the mountains,” she mused, then handed the leaf to Hawk Swoop. “Chew that up and swallow. It’ll help with the pain.”

While Hawk Swoop ate the herb, Gray Wing and Turtle Tail began moving around the edge of the hollow, listening for danger in the forest. Once Hawk Swoop was able to stand, leaning on Dappled Pelt for support, they headed off through the trees. Gray Wing had drawn his hunting spear off his back.

The forest was quiet, calming down from the clamor of the tribesmen’s escape. But from the shadows, Gray Wing heard rustling, and turned toward it with his spear at the ready.

He relaxed when it was only Cloud Spots who emerged, looking frantic and wide eyed. Jackdaw’s Cry was right behind him.

“Hawk Swoop!” Jackdaw’s Cry called. He hurried to meet her, but stayed back when he noticed the pained look on her face. “Are you okay?”

“What happened?” Cloud Spots demanded. “I lost track of this one for a second and then I heard screaming. Jack said he found off the bugbear?”

“He threw a rock at it,” Turtle Tail explained.

Hawk Swoop’s eyes sparkled. “It was incredible! He led the bugbear away to save me! But how did you get away?”

Jackdaw’s Cry puffed out his chest. “That stupid beast could never outrun me! I ran all the way to the treeline and back and the dumb thing got lost in the woods!”

“That was really brave,” Hawk Swoop praised. A light blush spread over Jackdaw’s Cry’s face.

“We need to move,” Dappled Pelt said, nudging Hawk Swoop forward. “We need to meet with the others before that thing comes back.”

A air of seriousness settled over the group. With Jackdaw’s Cry in the lead, they set out through the forest.

Chapter Text

With each passing day, Gray Wing found himself losing hope in their journey. Not long after he and the others had reunited with the rest of their group just past the trees, a rain had begun to fall and hadn’t stopped. The distant sharp stones seemed further away than ever.

The life in this new land was disappearing. Small animals and birds were sheltering from the rain. Hawk Swoop had recovered quickly, but she hadn’t been the only one injured during the getaway. Tall Shadow had twisted her ankle while running and Shattered Ice had sliced open the palm of his hand on a sharp bit of tree bark.

Dappled Pelt and Cloud Spots’ skills had done the group a great service. They’d been able to easily wrap any injuries, but finding pain-alleviating herbs or anti-infection plants was proving difficult.

“I don’t recognize these,” Cloud Spots had said.

“We don’t want to get someone sick,” Dappled Pelt had added.

Even Jagged Peak was losing his liveliness. As the smallest and least experience, the long journey over rough, unfamiliar terrain was starting to affect even his endless energy.

“I’m tired of the rain,” he complained, trudging through another puddle. “And I’m hungry!”

“We’ll be able to eat soon,” Falling Feather said.

“How soon?” Jagged Peak whined.

“Quit asking!” Clear Sky snapped, turning on Jagged Peak with fiery blue eyes. “If you wanted food and shelter, you should have stayed in the cave where you had it!”

Jagged Peak flinched back, his eyes wide and miserable. Shattered Ice stepped up to his side. “Don’t yell at him,” he chided sternly. “We’re all hungry and grumpy. Yelling at the children doesn’t help.”

Clear Sky huffed, but spun on his heel to stomp after Tall Shadow and Shaded Moss.

A stretch of woodland loomed in front of them. Jagged Peak fell to the back of the group, closer to Gray Wing and Turtle Tail. As they entered the forest, Gray Wing noticed his brother looking fidgety.

“What’s wrong?”

Jagged Peak glanced around nervously. “I think we’re being watched.”

Gray Wing looked around, but saw nothing out of the ordinary. “Probably just an animal.”

From the forest came the echo of a snapping branch. Jagged Peak jumped. “What was that?”

“A falling twig,” Gray Wing replied. He set a hand on Jagged Peak’s back, trying to usher him forward. “Come on! We’re falling behind.”

Jagged Peak dug his heels into the mud. He narrowed his eyes, staring off into the shadows. “We’re being followed.”

“We are not being- oh.”

Just as exasperation was worming into Gray Wing’s voice, a tall, brown haired man stepped into the open.

“See?” Jagged Peak snapped.

Gray Wing stared at the stranger. He was older, with a full beard of graying brown hair. His clothes were strange. They were died a dark green color, unlayered, and made from a soft looking material Gray Wing thought could be rabbit fur.

The man was regarding him with a similarly cautious look. “You’re not from around here,” he stated.

“We’re from the mountains!” Jagged Peak replied, round eyed.

The strange man blinked, surprised. “You mean Highstones?” He nodded in the direction fo the sharp peaks, just visible beyond the trees.

“No,” Gray Wing replied. “We-”

“Who are you?”

Gray Wing recoiled as Clear Sky dove in front of him, glaring at the strange man. Behind him, the others were gathering, their attention drawn.

The man glanced around, but seemed undaunted. “There’s a lot fo you.”

“We’re just passing through,” Shaded Moss explained. “We won’t be here long.”

The man turned to him. “Do you live on that moor behind Highstones?” When Shaded Moss gave him a lost look, he pointed toward the peaks in the distance.

“Oh. No, we’re from back that way,” Shaded Moss explained. “We used to live in a mountain range far from here. We’re trying to find a new home.”

“You know those stones by name,” Rainswept Flower said. “Do you know anything about them?”

The man shrugged. “I know there’s some farmland just beyond them, then not much or anything.”

“So people live there already?” Gray Wing asked.

He nodded. “There might be a village, too. Not sure. I’ve never actually been there myself.” He glanced at the sky, noticing the sun beginning to dip. “I need to get home before dark. I’d suggest you do the same.”

Shaded Moss nodded. “Thank you.”

“Best of luck.” With that, the man was gone, stepping back through the bracken and into the trees.

Jackdaw’s Cry looked excited. “There’s people beyond the stones?”

“Highstones,” Jagged Peak corrected.

“They don’t look that high,” Falling Feather mused, looking toward the distant peaks.

“If other people are there, it must be a good place to live,” Rainswept Flower said.

Shaded Moss was frowning. “What if they’re hostile?”

“He wasn’t.” Turtle Tail pointed at the trees were the stranger had disappeared.

Clear Sky scoffed. “He had to be. He was outnumbered.”

The mood had lightened. Setting off again, the group of tribesmen were able to indulge in a little friendly chatter, their tempers culled by the new information. The rain persisted, but the branches overhead kept back the worst of it.

Gray Wing spotted movement from the corner of his eye and turned to see a blackbird in a nearby tree. Clear Sky was closer, already had his spear drawn and thrown.

The bird squawked, then fell to the ground in a heap of black feathers.

“Nice!” Jackdaw’s Cry exclaimed.

With a reason to stop, Shaded Moss suggested taking time to rest and eat. Moon Shadow and Shattered Ice instantly vanished into the trees.

“Stay close!” Shaded Moss called. “Don’t cause trouble!”

Gray Wing stared into the trees, wondering if he should hunt. Or if he’d even be able to. He wouldn’t be able to see anything around all the trees and bushes, nor chase anything if he did.

“I saw a stream a few paces back,” Dappled Pelt said. “Could I take Falling Feather for a fishing lesson?”

Shaded Moss nodded and Dappled Pelt led the girl away. A moment later, Rainswept Flower slipped into the trees after them.

When Moon Shadow and Shattered Ice returned, they were loaded with game. After eating, the group settled down to rest. Overhead, the rain was lessening again, but the dark clouds still weren’t moving. The rain would continue for another day at least, much to Gray Wing’s dismay. He was getting tired of being constantly wet and cold, and the others were too.

Suddenly, he noticed Tall Shadow at the edge of the clearing, staring into the trees. She was completely still, her eyes narrowed.

“Is something wrong?” Gray Wing called. The question drew attention. Shaded Moss and Shattered Ice walked over to join them. Moon Shadow had raised his head and Quick Water had already been watching Tall Shadow.

“Something smells weird,” Tall Shadow reported. “Do you smell that?”

Shaded Moss leaned over a line of bushes. “Smells like something rotten.”

But Gray Wing recognized this smell. “It’s a thunder serpent!” he hissed, shuddering. “That’s what the other one smelled like. There’s one close!”

Shaded Moss snapped around. “Everyone! We need to leave. It’s dangerous here.”

Before the command could even register, the sound of twigs snapping echoed through the trees. A moment later, a huge yellow mass crashed through the undergrowth.

“Run!” Turtle Tail shrieked, barreling into Gray Wing. The others followed behind her, desperately scrambling into the undergrowth and floundering off into the trees. The treeline wasn’t far, and Gray Wing broke onto an open stretch of grass just as a snarly hiss sounded from behind him.

He risked a glance over his shoulder. The others swarmed around him, uninterested in seeing their adversary. As soon as Gray Wing did, he wished he hadn’t. The thunder serpent’s head was thin and narrow, but huge, sharp fangs hung down from the corners of its mouth, which was hanging open and ready to strike. It weaved back and forth through the trees, trampling the undergrowth beneath its muscled body.

At the end of the trees, it reared up, towering over the humans it was chasing. Gray Wing took a step back, preparing to run for it, but then a large figure flashed past him.

“Wait!” he shrieked.

Shaded Moss leaped in front of the snake, holding the tip of his spear just below its neck. “Back!” he shouted. “Get back! Leave us alone!” He prodded his spear at the beast.

The snake hissed angrily, slithering backwards. But not because it had been defeated. It moved its tail forward, raising the gigantic poisoned barb on the end.

“No!” the scream came from somewhere behind Gray Wing, and he knew it must be Rainswept Flower. He could only watch, horrified, as the snake wrapped its tail around Shaded Moss and stabbed its stinger straight through his back.

The man let out a guttural gasp. His back turned to the others, his spear fell from his hands and he seemed to go limp, held up only by the snake’s tail. Gray Wing could see splotches of blood blossoming on the inside of his black and white cloak.

The snake barred its fangs, sinking them into Shaded Moss’ shoulder, then turned and slithered back into the forest.

For a moment, the tribesmen were still, scattered around the stretch of grass in clumps. Finally, Rainswept Flower’s voice raised in a horrified sob.

“Daddy!” she cried, racing for the forest. Clear Sky grabbed her arm, making her spin to face him.

His icy gaze was filled with sorrow. “He’s gone, Rain. Don’t be stupid.”

Rainswept Flower stared at him, tears brimming in her eyes. Then, her face contorting with sorrow, she threw herself against his chest, wailing. Clear Sky remained still, gently laying his hands on her back. The others surrounded them, offering support and kind words. Dappled Pelt stroked her fingers through Rainswept’s Flower brown hair, murmuring to her. Shattered Ice removed the gray and white cloak from his back, throwing it over her shoulders.

Grief stabbed at Gray Wing, watching his tribemates remorse for their fallen leader. Shaded Moss had brought them so far. How could they continue without his guidance?

Clear Sky pulled himself from Rainswept Flower. “Come on,” he murmured. “We need to move before that snake comes back.”

“What about my father?” Rainswept Flower’s voice hitched. “We can’t leave him!”

“There’s nothing we can do now,” Shattered Ice told her.

Rainswept Flower turned on him, her blue eyes blazing. “I’m not leaving him! I want to bury him properly like we’d do in the mountains.”

“And what are you planning on burying?” Clear Sky growled tauntly. “The bones that snake will spit up once its eaten him? Or would you rather join him after stupidly chasing after a thunder serpent?”

His words were cruel, but true. Rainswept Flower dropped her head, sniffling miserably.

Clear Sky remained beside Rainswept Flower as the group set off once more. He kept a hand on her back, beckoning her forward. Although he allowed her to lean on him, he walked rigidly, his eyes staring ahead. Gray Wing knew he must be thinking of Bright Stream.

He wished desperately to apologize to his brother, but the words kept getting stuck in his throat.

Tall Shadow joined Rainswept Flower’s other side. “Your father was a brave man, and he died protecting us,” she murmured. “He brought us out of the mountains and led us so far. We will never forget him.”

Moon Shadow nodded in vigorous agreement. “He helped teach me to hunt.”

“He never gave up,” Cloud Spots added. “Even when the rest of us would have.”

“He inspires us,” Dappled Pelt breathed. “None of us would be here without him.”

Others added their own thoughts and feelings, praising Shaded Moss for his courageous, his level-headedness, his kindness. Rainswept Flower’s tears never dried, but they did stop falling, relishing in the impact her father had made on her people.

Chapter Text

Into the next day, they continued towards the distant, mysterious Highstones. The path they followed took them past another thunder serpent next- which they were able to sneak past- and through several more stretches of trees. During the night, shrill cries echoed off the trees, coming from creatures none of them had ever seen.

Finally, they came to it. Highstones was just ahead, outlined against the dark pre-dawn sky. Anticipation made Gray Wing feel tingly. They had waited so long for this.

The group trekked over the tough grass, reaching a copse of pine trees.

“We should hunt,” Moon Shadow suggested.

“I’m not hungry,” Dappled Pelt said. Neither of them had energy in their voices.

“Can we just rest instead?” Jackdaw’s Cry whined. “My legs hurt.”

The others murmured their agreement, and spread out to find napping spaces around the trees.

Turtle Tail settled down beside Gray Wing. “Why are we even still going? What’s the point without Shaded Moss? Half Moon made him our leader.”

Hawk Swoop was sitting nearby, her legs pulled up to her chest. “I want to go home.”

Gray Wing glanced between them, surprised. “We can’t! Not after coming so far. If we go home now, Bright Stream and Shaded Moss died for nothing.”

Hawk Swoop turned her head to him. Her brown eyes were filled with sorrow and exhaustion. “You didn’t even want to come to begin with.”

“Maybe not,” Gray Wing said. “But I’m here now. And I’m going to finish this journey whether Shaded Moss is here or not.”

“Me, too.” Rainswept Flower’s voice was soft and raw, but her eyes burned with determination.

Soon, they were off again. Beyond the pine trees was a stretch of bristly grass, flattened by strong wind. The ground sloped steeply upward, leading to the dark outline of Highstones against the sky.

Gray Wing took in a few deep breaths of clear air. Hope crept into his heart. This felt like the mountains. It felt like home. He glanced over his shoulder at the sweeping landscape. A dark, uneven smudge lay against the horizon.

The mountains.

Half a moon’s travel away.

The ground grew steeper. Boulders began to poke through the tough grass.

“This is harder than it used to be!” Cloud Spots was puffing.

They spread out as the grass thinned, finding themselves walking along a stone path. A sense of achievement made Gray Wing’s spine tingle as he reached the top of the pointed stones.

These peaks were lower and narrower than the mountains, but Gray Wing rejoiced in the familiarity of it. Others seemed to feel the same. He heard Hawk Swoop breath out a relaxed sigh, gazing out over the open land below them. Turtle Tail and Jackdaw’s Cry seemed similarly happy to be on familiar ground.

As the group stood looking out across the world, the sun broke above the far horizon, flooding the land in golden light. Below them, the rocks gave way to a gorgeous stretch of open land. Closest to them was an expansive moor, covered in rough grass and ending at a dense looking forest. A river, reflecting the fresh sunlight, wound through the land, coming from higher ground before slipping down the moor and into the trees.

“It’s beautiful!” Dappled Pelt gasped.

Falling Feather nudged her shoulder. “Look! There’s a river for us to fish in!”

“And trees to climb,” Clear Sky pointed out. “Imagine how much game must be living in them.”

Gray Wing glanced toward him. He hoped his brother didn’t expect them to live beneath the trees. They were a mountain tribe, used to open, rocky space. Not dirt-logged trees.

“We have a whole day to explore,” Tall Shadow said, hopping off the top of a boulder.

“I hope I’ll recognize the herbs around here,” Dappled Pelt said.

“If not, we’ll have time to learn them,” Cloud Spots replied.

“Jagged Peak!” the shrill cry came from Shattered Ice, who shot forward to grab the young boy before he could leap down the rocks. “Stay close. We don’t know what’s down there.”

Jagged Peak writhed in his father’s arms, who dropped him back to his feet. He didn’t try to pull ahead again, looking chastised.

Tall Shadow led them down a winding path between huge boulders and rising slopes. As they reached the bottom of the slope, Jackdaw’s Cry suddenly let out a loud shriek.

When Gray Wing spun around, he saw Falling Feather already kneeling to help her brother. He had stepped into a hole, his entire leg disappearing into it.

“What happened?” Cloud Spots asked.

“It just gave way!” Jackdaw’s Cry whined.

While Dappled Pelt and Cloud Spots began checking him over, Tall Shadow stopped. Her usually composed demeanor gave way to anxiety.

“Everyone, move slowly off the slope,” she called. “In case there’s more sink holes.”

With less enthusiasm and much more caution, the travelers lowered themselves down the slope, hopping onto flat ground. The rocky surface gave way to rough grass. As they continued, it softened, leading past enclosures filled with white sheep. More familiar with them now, the travelers ignored them, keeping to the bushes away from their space.

“There’s a village nearby,” Cloud Spots said. He pointed into the distance, where a cluster of stone structures sat on the horizon.

“We’ll avoid it,” Tall Shadow said, veering in the opposite direction.

Gray Wing raised his head, looking up at the slope of the moorland. His legs suddenly felt heavy, his feet aching. He was sick of travelling, and hoped Tall Shadow would let them rest once they made a bit more progress. She was all about progress.

On wary legs, Gray Wing climbed the slope onto the moorland. It was covered in tough, springy grass and clumps of gorse. Overhead, the sky was open and clear. A light breeze sang through the heather.

Gray Wing felt his exhaustion lifting. This place was nice.

Travelling had mostly halted for the day, while the group explored their new surroundings. Clear Sky had taken a group out to explore.

“We went as far as the river,” he’d reported. “There’s a massive waterfall going into a gorge.”

“No cave behind it, though,” Falling Feather had added regretfully.

Gray Wing had gone with a few others to explore in the other direction. But they had quickly turned back after finding evidence of a thunder serpent near the edge of the forest. However, they had managed to discover an oak-tree surrounded clearing with a flat rock embedded into the side of it.

Toward nightfall, they came across a shallow hollow lined with gorse bushes and small rocks. It wasn’t sheltered, but it would at least protect them from the wind.

“We can spend the night here,” Tall Shadow said. “In the morning, we’ll figure out what to do next.”

Chapter Text

Seven days had passed since the travelers had settled into the hollow. None of them were keen on leaving.

One morning, Gray Wing was hunting alone on the moor. The weather had been warm and the sun had remained bright while the travelers explored. But now, a raw chill gripped the air and clouds were massing in the sky.

Gray Wing scanned the open moor. Ahead, he spotted a rabbit racing across the top of a slope. Gray Wing drew his spear and gave chase. The rabbit veered to the side with a shrill squeal. Gray Wing turned with it, taking long strides to catch up.

Just as he was raising his spear to his shoulder, something heavy slammed into his side. He was thrown to the ground, rolling in the dust. He landed on his stomach, his cloak thrown over his head. He sat up with a groan and tore it off.

A short, wiry woman stood over him, glaring down at him with yellow-brown eyes. Her brown hair was pulled tightly against the back of her head in a neat bun. Just beyond her was a tall, thin man with spiky black hair, swiping dirt off his clothes. Both of them wore similar clothes to the stranger Gray Wing had meant just beyond Highstones, an event that seemed a lifetime away.

Gray Wing pulled himself to his feet. “You cost me a rabbit!”

“That was our rabbit!” the man growled, stomping over to join them. “You got in the way!”

“Easy, Gorse,” the woman chided.

“Don’t start with me, Wind,” the man growled. “You know who he’s one of.” He turned to Gray Wing, his green eyes blazing. “We’ve seen you mountain men. Who do you think you are, strolling in here and taking our food?”

“Where did you come from?” Wind asked. “I hope you’ll go back to it.”

Gray Wing raised his chin. “We aren’t. There’s plenty of food here.”

Anger flashed through the woman’s careful composure. “During the warm season, sure. But you’ll find nothing but trouble when the first snow falls.”

“Is there a problem here?”

Gray Wing glanced over his shoulder just in time to see Tall Shadow climbing the slope toward them. She joined Gray Wing’s side, towering over them all. Her green eyes were narrowed but her body was loose and calm.

“These two ran into me while I was chasing a rabbit,” Gray Wing explained.

“We ran into you?” Wind growled. “You ran right into my husband!”

“Let’s not argue,” Tall Shadow said. Respectfully, she gave the strangers a polite dip of her head. “We’re sorry for getting in the way of your hunting. We’ll try not to bother you going forward. But unless you need anything, this part of the moor is our’s for now, and we will defend it if we need.”

Gorse took a step back, sneering at her. Wind tapped his shoulders, and the two turned to leave. “We won’t cause trouble now,” she growled to Tall Shadow. “But know this- you and your people aren’t welcome here. We might be nice, but no one else around here will be.”

Tall Shadow and Gray Wing watched until a fold in the moor buried their retreating figures. A thin rain was beginning to fall.

“Let’s get home,” Tall Shadow said.

Back at the hollow, the others were able to pick up on the tenseness the pair had returned with. They gathered while Gray Wing explained.

“We’re only trying to eat,” Turtle Tail said. “How could anyone be so cruel?”

“I don’t want to fight over food,” Rainswept Flower added. “Maybe we should leave.”

Cloud Spots nodded. “If Tall Shadow hadn’t arrived, Gray Wing could have been hurt.”

Dappled Pelt looked worried. “But where will we go?”

“Back to the mountains, I guess,” Jackdaw’s Cry said. “At least then we’ll only be fighting over food with each other.”

||||||||

The rain continued into the next few days. Exploring didn’t seem as exciting anymore, and the tribe spent their time in and around the hollow. One morning, Gray Wing was awoken by shouting.

“Tall Shadow! Check this out!”

In the half a moon that they’d stayed here, the travelers had begun outfitting the hollow to be a bit more…homely. Using twigs and sticks, they’d built huts to line the sides of the hollow that they slept in at night. A firepit sat in the center, often lit by whoever woke first. Scattered through the hollow was more evidence of recent residence- small clay bowls had been left beside the fire by the kids. A drying rack had been built and covered in the rabbit skins they’d been collecting.

Gray Wing emerged from a sleeping hut just in time to see Moon Shadow dragging an entire deer carcass into the hollow. He held it by its antlers. Despite his wide smile, sweat covered his reddened face and his breath was strained.

“Look what I caught!” he exclaimed proudly, dropping the deer with a wheeze.

“Where did you find it?” Tall Shadow asked.

“In the woods!” Moon Shadow boasted. “It was easy.”

“It was stupid,” Tall Shadow growled. “You shouldn’t have gone there alone.”

“Who died and put you in charge?” Moon Shadow demanded, his shoulders squaring.

“Shaded Moss,” Tall Shadow replied bluntly.

Moon Shadow’s jaw tightened, then he knelt beside the deer to begin skinning it. No one else challenged Tall Shadow.

Chapter Text

The next day, the rain finally stopped. A harsh wind scudded the clouds across the sky. During the morning, Gray Wing noticed Clear Sky climbing the slope to leave the hollow alone.

They hadn’t spoken since the first encounter with the thunder serpent. Clear Sky hadn’t approached him for conversation or hunting or even just to eat together, and Gray Wing had been assuming he simply didn’t want to talk. What was there to talk about?

Gray Wing had gotten his wife killed.

He hesitated a moment later, then climbed the slope after his brother. He was tired of not talking, of the awkward silence that spread between them. He wanted things to be how they’d been in the mountains. He wanted to be friends again. He wanted to apologize.

Clear Sky was heading for the river. Gray Wing hadn’t had a chance to see it yet. As they neared, he could hear the sound of thundering water in the distance.

Clear Sky briefly stopped on the riverbank, where the water fell away into the gorge, throwing up wet spray. Beyond the falls, the river ran between sheer walls of stone. The recent rain had left it full and foaming.

Clear Sky climbed down a narrow path at the water’s edge. Gray Wing followed, stepping carefully with one hand braced on the rock wall.

His brother wasn’t in a hurry, and Gray Wing was able to catch up. “This reminds me of home.”

Startled, Clear Sky spun around, slipping on the slick path. “Gray Wing! Don’t creep up on me like that.”

“Sorry,” Gray Wing murmured.

Clear Sky glanced around. “What are you doing out here?”

“I came to find you,” Gray Wing admitted. “I needed to talk to you, Clear Sky. About Bright Stream.”

Clear Sky tensed, raw sorrow filling his sky blue eyes. “What about her?”

The words tumbled from Gray Wing’s mouth before he could get ahold of himself. “I can’t stop thinking about her! About what happened. It was all my fault, and I can’t bear having you angry with me. Please believe me when I say I’m sorry.”

Clear Sky’s eyes widened. “Forgive you? You didn’t do anything! I got her killed!” he choked out. “The whole plan was my stupid idea. I never should have let her fight.”

For a moment, the brothers stared at each other, regarding one another. They watched the cloudiness in each other’s eyes fade.

“It’s not your fault!” they both yelled to one another, having to raise their voices over the sound of the crashing waterfall.

“I’m sorry, Clear Sky,” Gray Wing began. “I didn’t know you felt that way.”

“I didn’t know you were so bothered about it,” Clear Sky agreed. “I thought you were angry with me.”

“I thought you were angry with me!” Gray Wing said. “Why would I be angry with you?”

Clear Sky shrugged, frowning. “I’d be angry with me, too. I got someone killed.” He lowered his gaze. “Your plan against the bugbear went off without issue. Bright Stream died and all we managed to do was take down one bird.”

Gray Wing stepped toward him. “Your plan was the best we had. Maybe we just weren’t meant to get out of the mountains without losing someone.”

Clear Sky sighed, then turned back down the path. He led Gray Wing along the tumbling torrent in silence. Now, their silence was caused by the pain of grief, not guilt.

Downriver, the clear path they followed was slowly consumed by undergrowth they had to fight their way through. Gray Wing murmured curses beneath his breath, pushing through the trailing brambles and snapping twigs.

Eventually, the undergrowth thinned out. Here, a tall outcrop of rocks jutted out from the center of the river. The water swept around it in two channels.

“Look!” Clear Sky hopped into the water, splashing. Just beneath the surface were barely visible stones, rising up from the riverbed. “We can walk across these.”

Clear Sky jumped from rock to rock until he reached the outcrop. Gray Wing watched him from the bank. More hesitantly, he leaped across the stepping stones. Their surface was uneven and slick with moss. More than once, Gray Wing felt his heart leap into his throat as his foot slipped.

“Hurry up, old man!” Clear Sky called from the top fo the rocks.

“We’re two years apart,” Gray Wing growled, finally reaching the first rock. He reached up and Clear Sky took his hand, helping him pull himself to the top of the rocks. The outcrop was made of several huge, smooth boulders. Deep cracks separated them.

Gray Wing noticed scratches on the surface. “Someone’s been here.”

“There’s a village downstream,” Clear Sky replied. “I saw it while exploring the other day. Plus, there’s all those rogues living in the forest.”

“Rogues?”

“That’s what Moon Shadow calls them.”

Gray Wing sniffed. “He shouldn’t go in there. It’s dangerous.”

Clear Sky rolled his eyes. “Tall Shadow only says that because she’s never been there. Seriously, Gray Wing, you should come hunting with us sometime. You have to see the forest. It’s huge! And beautiful.”

As Clear Sky rambled, Gray Wing’s attention was grabbed by movement on the shore. He turned his head slightly, watching as a young, long haired woman emerged from the reeds close to the water. Her black hair reached her waist, sprawling down her back. She swept it out of the way to pull her dress over her head, then lowered herself into the water.

Gray Wing politely turned away. It seemed people already lived all throughout this land.

“I could see myself living somewhere like that,” Clear Sky continued. “I like the shelter of the trees.”

Gray Wing shook his head. “Not me. I prefer open skies.”

Clear Sky playfully shoved his shoulder. “You always did.” He stood up and stretched. “Come on. I want to check out the forest.”

Gray Wing sat up, startled. “Right now?”

“Yeah. We’re right beside it.” WIthout waiting for a response, Clear Sky hopped off the boulders onto stepping stones on the other side, leading to the forest’s shore.

Glancing around, his chest pounding, Gray Wing followed. He hadn’t been in the forest yet- he’d hardly gone near it. There was no reason. He already knew he didn’t like being under trees.

He caught up to Clear Sky at the edge of the trees. His brother stepped into the shade of the canopy, undaunted.

“Are you sure this is safe?” Gray Wing asked. “The forest is filled with rogues.”

“So?” Clear Sky turned to him. “If this is their land, they should make it known.”

“Maybe, but we’re just asking for trouble wandering in here,” Gray Wing pointed out. “And we’re not making a good impression. I don’t want everyone here convinced we’re taking over.”

The forest felt strange. It was shaded, the leaves overhead throwing dappled sunlight across the ground. The branches of the trees rustled lightly, disturbed by the wind. Gray Wing kept glancing upward, feeling closed in.

“This place is great!” Clear Sky exclaimed. With a running start, he leaped to grab a low hanging branch, swinging his leg up to wrap a foot around it. Just as Gray Wing caught up, he was heaving himself into the next branch.

“Get down!” Gray Wing called.

“It’s fine,” Clear Sky said dismissively. “Moon Shadow taught me.”

Gray Wing sighed heavily. Despite his status as the oldest, he’d never been able to control Clear Sky’s impulse for adventure. Come to think of it, he couldn’t seem to control Jagged Peak’s, either.

Clear Sky had wedged himself into a fork in the main trunk. A wide smile crossed his face as he surveyed the forest. “I could get used to this.”

Chapter Text

The brothers returned home to an argument.

“I’m sick of eating rabbits!” Moon Shadow shouted, facing Tall Shadow with defiant blue eyes. “And I’m sick of being cold and wet! Why can’t we move into the forest?”

“It’s not that easy.” Tall Shadow’s voice was cold but calm.

Turtle Tail came to greet Gray Wing as he picked his way down the slope. “They’re at it again.”

“All you do is order us around,” Moon Shadow growled.

Quick Water stepped in front of him. “And all you ever do is argue! I’m tired of listening to it.” She turned her face skyward. “The rain’s stopped. Go hunting.”

“I’ll go,” Jackdaw’s Cry offered. “I’m hungry.”

“Me, too.” Hawk Swoop joined his side.

Quick Water turned to Tall Shadow. “I saw hawks flying close to Highstones yesterday. Mind if I take a few people to check for a nest?”

Tall Shadow nodded. “So long as you stay away from the trees.”

Moon Shadow scoffed before stomping away.

Dappled Pelt had joined Quick Water’s hunting party. Despite his sore legs, Gray Wing followed.

“Are you coming?” he asked Turtle Tail.

“No, thanks,” she replied. “I’ve been out already today.”

With Quick Water in the lead, the party climbed the slope and took off toward Highstones. A brown-colored hawk soared high above them.

“It seems small,” Dappled Pelt murmured. “More like a sparrow.”

“The eagles back home were huge,” Jackdaw’s Cry argued.

“This is our home now,” Hawk Swoop corrected.

Her words were followed by heavy silence. Gray Wing knew the others were asking themselves the same question- was this home?

When the hawk swooped low to the ground, the hunters gave chase. As Gray Wing ran with the wind in his hair and the sun on his skin, he thought the answer to that question might just be yes.

Jackdaw’s Cry reached the hawk first, which seemed to be going after a brown rabbit. Just before its talons closed around the retreating creature, it became aware of the human hunters nearby and took to the sky.

It was too late. Pulling the hunting spear from his back, Jackdaw’s Cry hurled it through the air. The hawk squawked, hitting the ground in a cloud of feathers.

“Great catch!” Hawk Swoop praised.

Jackdaw’s Cry beamed happily. “Thanks!”

Gray Wing offered his own praise, then became aware that Dappled Pelt had disappeared. He glanced around, seeing her returning with the same rabbit the hawk had been after.

“Two catches in one hunt!” she boasted. “That was almost too easy.”

“We never could have done that in the mountains,” Quick Water added.

Although everyone looked pleased, Gray Wing couldn’t help feeling their cheerfulness was slightly forced. He knew Moon Shadow wasn’t the only one who wanted to move.

Chapter Text

Gray Wing followed Clear Sky through the trees. They were joined by Jackdaw’s Cry, Falling Feather, and Turtle Tail. It had been a few days since Moon Shadow and Tall Shadow’s argument. Although Tall Shadow still reminded them of her disapproval, she had stopped reprimanding those who hunted in the forest.

Gray Wing didn’t like it. The forest always made him feel uncomfortable. He always felt trapped, closed in, and watched. He couldn’t chase down game when vines and brambles kept grabbing his legs. He couldn’t hunt in peace when eyes could be watching from around every tree.

Falling Feather grabbed Clear Sky’s arm, pointing silently to rabbit ears sticking out from the foliage. Before either of them could act, a loud shriek echoed through the trees, followed by something crashing through the undergrowth. The rabbit sprinted away.

Clear Sky whipped around. “That was Moon Shadow!”

Leaping a berry bush, he took off in the direction of the sound. The others crashed after him much more clumsily.

Turtle Tail was shaking her head. “What has he done now?”

Gray Wing shared her exasperation. Moon Shadow was always causing trouble, going off on his own and arguing with anyone who pointed out his recklessness. Things hadn’t been much different in the mountains.

Clear Sky was the first to reach a wide clearing in the forest. On the far side, Moon Shadow was pinned to the ground by three others. He heaved beneath them. Nearby, a deer with an arrow in its side lay dead.

“Let him go!” Clear Sky shrieked, drawing his hunting spear and hurtling across the clearing. He grabbed the first man by his shoulder and wrenched him off Moon Shadow. Gray Wing leaped for the other, shoving him back.

He wasn’t prepared for the man to shove him back, or to rake a dagger down his arm. Gray Wing gasped, reeling back in pain. The man took the opportunity to tackle him to the ground. Gray Wing reached up to grab his wrist, stopping him from plunging the knife into his throat.

Shouting surrounded him. He could hear bodies hitting the ground and blades sheening. The knife hovered dangerously in front of his face, trembling as he used all his strength to keep the man’s hand back.

Panic swelled in Gray Wing’s throat. If he lost this fight, he would die.

A heavy weight shoved his attacker against him and knocked the dagger from his hand.

“Get off him!” Turtle Tail cried. The man rolled off Gray Wing.

Turtle Tail grabbed his wrist, pulling him to his feet. “You alright?”

Gray Wing checked his arm. “It’s shallow. But it hurts.”

“I think you’ll live.”

The three strangers had broken away from the fight, glaring at the mountain men. The one Gray Wing had been fighting was by far the largest, a wall of a man with close shaven brown hair and piercing eyes. The man beside him was smaller, but just as intimidating, with black hair and darker skinned than the others. The last of the rogues was a small blonde woman. Her green eyes flashed with hatred as she took in the tribesfolk.

Moon Shadow heaved himself to his feet, panting. His shirt had been torn around the collar, but he seemed uninjured. Turtle Tail had a scratch on her cheek and looked ruffled, but was also unhurt. Falling Feather and Jackdaw’s Cry had escaped without a mark.

But the entire hunting group regarded Moon Shadow with annoyed frustration.
Moon Shadow glanced between them, then indignantly threw an arm toward the rogues. “They attacked me!”

Turtle Tail was unsympathetic. “Serves you right, wandering in here by yourself!”

“Whether alone or with a group, you’re not welcome here,” growled the black haired man. “Go back to wherever you came from.”

“And stop stealing our food,” the large man grumbled.

“Your food?” Moon Shadow was offended. “I killed that deer! It’s mine!”

The blonde woman still held a dagger in her hand. Her fingers squeezed around it, the muscles of her arm bunching.

Before she could move, the black haired man stepped in front of her. His ruddy eyes didn’t hold the same fierce disdain as his companions. “You’re not fighters,” he said observantly. “You only won today because you outnumbered us.” He let his gaze rake over the tribesmen. “Next time you come in here won’t be so easy.”

“Yeah,” the woman sneered. “Watch your backs!”

The large man waved his hand in front of her face. With a huff, she spun around to stomp into the trees. Her companions grabbed the deer by the front legs.

“Hey!” Moon Shadow protested.

“Let it go, Moon,” Clear Sky warned. “It’s not worth it.”

With an indignant scoff, Moon Shadow followed Clear Sky back into the trees, heading for the moor. The others crowded after them, limping from their injuries. Looking ahead, Gray Wing noticed blood oozing from a wound on Clear Sky’s shoulder.

If this was winning, he’d hate to know what it was like to lose.

Chapter Text

“How many times have I told you? How many times must I tell you?” Tall Shadow’s voice was taunt with fury. Her green eyes were hardened and narrow, her face shoved into her brother’s. “You never listen! And you were nearly killed for it!”

“I had it handled!”

“Really?” Tall Shadow scoffed. “That’s not what Clear Sky told me. Why are you so obsessed with that stupid forest? What is so important you want to die for it?”

“Because it’s better than this!” Moon Shadow raised his arms, gesturing around the hollow. “This is less space than we had in the mountains. The forest is rich with food and space and shelter. It’s better. It’s great!”

“It’s already lived in,” Tall Shadow reminded him. “It’s not our place.”

“It could be,” Moon Shadow grumbled.

Tall Shadow crossed her arms. Anyone could see she was struggling not to scream at him. After a moment, her jaw tight, she met his gaze again. “You can hunt in the forest. But you are never to go in there alone, understand?” She turned, her sharp gaze sweeping the watchers. “That goes for everyone.”

Moon Shadow blew his breath, unsatisfied but willing to compromise. At least the argument was over.

Those who had been part of the hunting party were gathered together at the edge of the clearing. Cloud Spots approached with a small bundle of herbs.

“Dappled Pelt and I found a chervil patch nearby,’ he said happily. “It’ll ease the pain of your scratches.”

He threw a few leaves into a stone bowl that had been attatched to his hip, then began mashing them with another stone. The leaves began to crush, the juices pooling together. Cloud Spots used two fingers to swipe up some of the poultice and dab it against Turtle Tail’s cheek before turning to Gray Wing.

“I hope you won’t be making this a common occurrence,” Cloud Spots murmured, wiping the juice down the length of Gray Wing’s arm. “I don’t like the idea of fighting for our home.”

“Why did they fight us so quickly?” Turtle Tail asked. “Surely that entire ordeal could have been avoided if we’d discussed the problem.”

Clear Sky scoffed. “Rogues aren’t interesting in talking. They only know fighting.”

From nearby, Hawk Swoop huffed. “If someone wandered into my home and started taking my things, I’d be the same way.”

Chapter Text

The next day, Moon Shadow went hunting at the crack of dawn, taking Clear Sky, Jagged Peak, and Quick Water. Clear Sky had invited Gray Wing along, but he’d declined. He knew they were going into the forest. His arm was still sore.

Turtle Tail approached with a much sweeter proposition. “Come walk with me? I’m not hunting, I just need out of this hollow.”

When they left the hollow, they could see Clear Sky leading his hunting party across the moor. He was heading straight for the forest.

Gray Wing was surprised when Turtle Tail started after them. “Where are we going?”

Turtle Tail turned to him with a smile. “The giant oaks. There’s a rock there that’s perfect for lazing around. Come on!”

She took off sprinting across the moor, her long blonde hair flowing after her. Gray Wing chuckled, then gave chase. They had grown up together, chasing one another through snow flurries, although it was really Clear Sky who tended to get under the adults’ feet.

Turtle Tail had stopped at the top of the clearing’s slope. The clearing here was vast and quiet. Four oak trees surrounded it. On the opposite side of the hollow’s slope leaned a wide black stone. Turtle Tail leaped down the slope, then approached it. Gray Wing followed.

When he sat, the stone was warm, heated by the sun.

Turtle Tail sighed contently. “Moon Shadow’s right, you know. The forest isn’t that bad.”

“I guess.” Gray Wing didn’t want to argue. “But it’s not our’s.”

Turtle Tail nodded in agreement. “We should have left the mountains sooner. Maybe we could have beat everyone else to it!”

Gray Wing laughed. He would never like the forest. He hoped he’d never have to live in it. But he could see its allure. He could see why Clear Sky and Moon Shadow, adventurers at heart, wanted to explore. It was rich in resources, sheltered, and safe, but most of all, it was mysterious. Gray Wing knew his brother. The moment someone told Clear Sky he couldn’t do something, he wanted to do it so badly. Banning him from the forest would not make him stop.

“Oh. Hello.”

Gray Wing sat up. Across the clearing stood a woman. Her blonde hair was pulled back into twin braids that sat on her shoulders. Her pudgy hands were holding onto a woven basket that spilled with fruit. Brown freckles splashed across her smiling face. She didn’t regard them with hostility or disdain like the forest’s rogues.

She was not a rogue. She didn’t have the lean muscles that they had, nor did she wear their dark, sensible clothing. Her plump body was covered by a long, brown dress with a white apron around the front.

“I didn’t expect to see anyone all the way out here. My name is Bumble. I come from Shell Village.”

“Nice to meet you.” Turtle Tail was quick with her friendliness. “I’m Turtle Tail, and this is Gray Wing.”

“You dress strangely,” Bumble observed, looking them up and down.

“We’re not from here,” Turtle Tail explained. “We came from far away.”

Bumble’s brown eyes blinked curiously. “Far away? How far?”

Turtle Tail turned, pointing to the tops of Highstones, just visible over the horizon. “From past there. We had to travel many days to get here.”

The young woman’s eyes widened. “That’s far! But what for?”

“Our old home wouldn’t feed us,” Gray Wing explained. “And the weather was too cold. We came here to find a better place to live.”

“Oh, wow!” Bumble explained. “I see why you left. Well, I hope you’re fairing better here! It’s a good place to leave.”

“You said you’re from a place called Shell Village?” Turtle Tail said. When Bumble nodded, she continued. “Where’s that?”

Bumble turned and pointed into the forest. “Past the oaks and the birches. You have to come visit! It’s very nice.”

“If it’s so nice, why are you out here?” Gray Wing asked.

Bumble’s smile faltered. She hesitated a moment, then laughed awkwardly. “Our harvest was sour.” She held up the basket in her arms. “But I know where there’s a cluster of apple trees! Everyone is going to be so excited.”

Gray Wing and Turtle Tail exchanged a glance. It seemed they weren’t the only ones who often had trouble finding food.

Bumble glanced around. “Do you hunt around here?”

“Yeah,” Turtle Tail answered.

The woman frowned, her brow furrowing with worry. “Then be careful. The forest is filled with criminals.”

“Criminals?” Gray Wing echoed.

“Outcasts. Rogues. Bad people,” Bumble explained. “They come here because they’re not welcome in any of the villages. The people who live on the moor are nice, though.”

“What people? Us?” Gray Wing asked. “We’re the only people.”

“Oh.” Bumble blinked. “I guess you haven’t met Wind and Gorse yet. Don’t worry, I’m sure they’ll introduce themselves, soon! Anyway, it was nice to see you. Bye-bye!”

Once she had climbed up the opposite slope, puffing, Turtle Tail stood up.

“She seems nice,” she remarked.

“She knows Wind and Gorse,” Gray Wing pointed out. Those were the names of the rogues who’d once attacked him on the moor. He’d only caught glimpses of them in the distance since that day, but they’d never approached. He didn’t think they were as friendly as Bumble said.

The sun was nearly at its peak. The two began heading home, back onto the open moor.

“The forest is nice,” Turtle Tail said, “but I don’t think I could live in it like Moon Shadow wants. It’s so noisy.”

Gray Wing nodded in agreement.

They walked in silence for a while, they Turtle Tail spoke again. “I hope we see Bumble again. She’s friendly.”

“I doubt we will,” Gray Wing replied. “It doesn’t seem like going into the forest is normal for her.”

Turtle Tail leaned into his shoulder. “She invited us to her home. We could always go see her!”

Gray Wing tried to smile, laughing awkwardly. “Maybe.”

So far, everyone else in this land hated them. Bumble might be an exception, but that didn’t mean her people were.

Back at the hollow, Clear Sky and his hunting party had just returned. Clear Sky carried a rabbit and Moon Shadow had a pair of thrushes. Quick Water and Shattered Ice dragged a deer between them.

Jagged Peak ran straight up to Gray Wing, his blue eyes gleaming. “Clear Sky is amazing! He climbed all the way to the top of a tree and shot down that deer. It was so clever! It didn’t even spot him.”

Clear Sky’s eyes gleamed with pride. He was looking more like his old self, the weight of Bright Stream’s death lessening.

Tall Shadow nodded in approval to the returning hunters. “You did well,” she praised. Others were gathering, excited for such a plentiful meal. “It is thanks to Stoneteller that we are here, where food is plentiful and the sun is warm.”

Chapter Text

Gray Wing paused at the edge of the moor. From here, he could look down at the tops of the four oak trees. They were growing lush with green leaves. The air was full of fresh scents, and new plants had sprouted up across the moor.

Spring was here. And it was beautiful.

After a quick stretch, Gray Wing took off, racing across the moor. He ran this track so often now, the heather easily parted to allow him though. It weaved around the edge of the moor, eventually ending at the entrance to the gorge. He’d been avoiding the river since visiting it with Clear Sy, but remembered the comfort that the thundering waterfall had brought. It reminded him of the mountains.

He could just see where the river disappeared into the gorge when the terrified squeal of a rabbit reached his ears. He skidded to a halt, watching a small rabbit tearing across the moor.

Wind and Gorse were close behind.

Gray Wing watched with unblinking eyes. The rabbit flashed past him, and he stuffed down the instinct to go after it. Just before it could vanish down a hole between two boulders, an arrow nailed it in the back of the neck and it fell to the ground limp.

“Nice shot!” Gray Wing called.

The rogues had neared- Wind was holding a bow- and exchanged unsure glances. Wind stepped past Gray Wing to grab her rabbit. “Thanks.”

“How’s hunting?” Gorse asked. “We’ve noticed you’re doing a lot of building.”

Gray Wing smiled. “Good. And it seems that hollow is going to be a more permanent home than we initially planned.”

The couple exchanged another glance. “You’re using the wrong wood, then,” Gorse said.

“Sorry?”

“We’ve seen you cutting down the birch trees by the river to build with,” he explained. “If you want permanent housing, use oak or maple. Much stronger.”

“Oh. Thank you,” Gray Wing replied awkwardly.

Gorse nodded curtly. “Don’t mention it. If you’re really here to stay, I won’t stand to watch your people die out in the cold. Stay safe, stranger.”

He led Wind away, heading over a crest in the moor. Gray Wing stared after them. Now that they hadn’t been angered by a failed hunt, the two didn’t seem as unpleasant. Maybe Bumble had been right about them. He supposed she never would have barged into their hunt and lost them a meal.

Later that day, when Gray Wing returned to the hollow, he intercepted Dappled Pelt and Cloud Spots coming from farther upstream. Both of them held small satchels.

“We never would have found so much in the mountains,” Cloud Spots remarked.

“Or such healthy herbs!” Dappled Pelt added. “Everything was always so shriveled.”

“Herb hunting?” Gray Wing asked when they approached the top of the slope.

“Very successfully!” Dappled Pelt said. “We were even able to find tansy.”

Now that they had come closer, Gray Wing noticed that Dappled Pelt’s blonde hair was wet and sticking to her shoulders. Her thin dress was drenched, but her cloak was still dry.

“Where’d you find it?” he asked.

Dappled Pelt grinned. “Across the river.”

“The mad woman swam all the way across,” Cloud Spots grumbled, shaking his head. “In winter-melt water.”

Dappled Pelt nudged him with her elbow. “We got the tansy, didn’t we? Now we can help Jackdaw’s Cry with his twisted ankle.”

They stepped past Gray Wing to enter the hollow, but Gray Wing hesitated. There was still plenty of sunlight. Perhaps he could hunt.

He headed past the hollow, toward Highstones, but he wouldn’t go all the way. Even as he walked, he could hear birds cawing and the rustle of small animals among the short moor plants.

Crunch.

Gray Wing stopped. He could hear laughter in the distance.

Another crunch.

The sound was crisp and sweet, and coming from around an outcrop of boulders. Cautiously, Gray Wing crept around it.

Turtle Tail sat on a flat rock, along with the young woman they had met a while ago now.

Bumble was the first to notice him. “Hello, Gray Wing,” she greeted, sounding pleased.

Turtle Tail whipped around to face him. She held a shiny red apple in her hand, and a thin trail of the juice dripped from her lips. “Oh. Hi. Bumble showed me where that apple patch was. They’re delicious.”

“Have one.” Bumble held out another apple, this one unmarked.

Gray Wing eyed the fruit. “No, thanks,” he declined.

He noticed the strange look Turtle Tail gave him. The Mountain Tribe never passed up an offering of food.

Bumble didn’t seem offended, and dropped the apple into a basket between her feet. “I was just going to invite Turtle Tail to the village for dinner. You should come, too, Gray Wing.”

Gray Wing shook his head.

Bumble, still smiling, turned to Turtle Tail.

The young woman glanced at Gray Wing. “Not tonight,” she said. “But I’d love to another time.”

Bumble nodded. She reached down to grab her basket, then climbed to her feet. “Sounds good! I’ll see you later.”

“Bye, Bumble,” Turtle Tail called. Bumble waved farewell before skirting the outcrop and heading for her village.

Gray Wing watched her go, then became aware of Turtle Tail at his side.

“Were you being serious?” he asked her. “About joining Bumble for dinner?”

Turtle Tail shrugged. “Sure. She’s nice, and I’m sure her home is lovely. I’m only being friendly.”

“Is that safe?”

“Why wouldn’t it be?”

Gray Wing couldn’t give her an answer, unsure himself. Bumble was friendly, and had shown them nothing but kindness. Just as she had promised, Wind and Gorse were actually rather pleasant when there was no hostility to be had. Now she was helping them find food.

It wasn’t Bumble he had a problem with, he realized. It was the uncertainty of her people’s nature that made him anxious.

One person was easy. Groups of people were harder. If Turtle Tail brought Bumble back to the hollow, Gray Wing knew their people would take issue with it. He couldn’t help feeling Bumble’s people would feel the same.

Chapter Text

Gray Wing laid in his fur-covered cot in the newly built shelter around the hollow. The tribesmen had been busy rebuilding what they’d started, using the wood of oak trees from the edge of the forest. Over the course of ten days, they’d managed to put up a series of wooden shelters along the slopes of the hollow.

Gray Wing’s bed was closer to the entrance of one he shared with his father and brothers. He was just out of reach of the half moon’s light, but could see into the dark hollow. Beyond the top of the slope was a clear sky filled with glittering stars. The shelter offered plenty of warmth and the Tribe had shared a decent meal that night.

Turtle Tail had yet to take Bumble up on her offer of dinner. Gray Wing hoped she’d only promised out of politeness. They had all they needed on the moor. She had no business in the village.

A dark shape appeared at the top of the hollow. Gray Wing only noticed it because its pricked ears blocked out the stars. Gray Wing sat up, watching the shape. A rank smell drifted into the hollow. It wasn’t the smell of rotten meat, like the thunder serpent, but instead sour and musty.

The dark shape slipped down the side of the hollow, followed by another, then a third. Gray Wing’s heart began to pound.

“We’re under attack!”

A dreadful shriek of pain drowned out his warning. The hollow erupted with shouting and fighting. Gray Wing was shoved into the clearing by his family, who were in a rush to get into the action.

“Wait!” Still dazed from sleep, Shattered Ice had allowed Jagged Peak to slip right past him. He reached out to grab the boy, shoving him back into the sleeping shelter. “Stay here! Gray Wing, watch him.”

Gray Wing nodded, ducking back into the shelter.

His father and brother, grabbing spears from inside, leaped into the fight. Meanwhile, Gray Wing forced Jagged Peak to the back, hiding him in the shadows.

“But I can fight!” the little boy protested.

“You can hunt,” Gray Wind said. “That’s not the same thing.”

Rapid footsteps sounded outside. A moment later, another shape barged into the shelter. Turtle Tail was covered in heavily bleeding scratches.

“Barghests!” she cried, stumbling into the shelter.

“What?”

“Barghests- those things! Bumble warned me about them. What are we going to do?”
Wailing and growling sounded from outside, rising higher with every passing moment. Gray Wing had to think fast. He thought of how the Tribe would hunt down mountain lions who wandered too close to their land.

“Jagged Peak, grab a spear. You’re learning to fight.”

His brother’s blue eyes shone in the light. He picked up one of the hunting spears against the wall. Gray Wing did the same thing, holding it in both hands with the tip pointed out.

“Thrust,” Gray Wing showed him, shoving the spear forward. Then he held it over one shoulder and did the same. “Stab. Lead with your opposite foot. Don’t worry about technique right now. We don’t have time.”

Jagged Peak copied each of Gray Wing’s moves. He wasn’t elegant or controlled like his older brother, but he could cause damage, and that was all Gray Wing wanted.

“I have a plan,” he said. “The three of us will go together. We attack one Barghest, kill it if we can, then go to the next.”

Turtle Tail nodded eagerly. “Good thinking! But will Jagged Peak be okay?”

“I’ll watch him,” Gray Wing said. “Jagged Peak.” He turned to his younger brother, then knelt in front of him. His brown gaze was serious and wide. “This is going to be dangerous. Not the fun kind of dangerous. You could get hurt. We could all be killed. Are you sure want to leave this hut?”

Jagged Peak returned his serious look. Any excitement in his eyes was covered by the determination that was setting in. “I’m ready, Gray Wing.”

“Good. When we attack, you’ll swipe at the thing’s left flank. Left side, okay? Turtle Tail, you attack the right. I’ll go behind.”

With everyone in understanding- and armed- they ducked out of the shelter and began prowling around the edge of the hollow. Chaos filled the dip below them. Spear stabbed, cloaks flew, blood splashed onto the ground. At last, Gray Wing spotted Barghest at the edge of the fighting, standing over an unconscious Hawk Swoop.

The creature was monstrously large, big enough to tower over a man on its shaggy back legs. Its fur was rough, shaggy, and pitch black, making it little more than a shadow in the darkness.

Jagged Peak leaped at it with a shriek of defiance, stabbing at its side before leaping back. Turtle Tail attacked its other side. The massive dog threw its head back and forth, but its snapping jaws only met open air.

Gray Wing had moved to the back, watching as the others distracted it. From the top of the hollow, he launched himself onto the barghest’s back, gripping its fur with one hand and stabbing his spear into its neck.

The Barghest roared, trying to shake him off. Harassed on three different sides, it began edging toward the moor. Gray Wing allowed himself to fall from its back, then watched as it fled into the darkness.

“I want to do that!” Jagged Peak cried.

Gray Wing shook his head. “Not until you’re grown.” When Jagged Peak began to pout, he continued with, “then you can jump on as many monsters as you want.”

He led the way back into the hollow. Tall Shadow and Jackdaw’s Cry were battling a second Barghest. Jackdaw’s Cry staggered, exhausted. Blood dripped into Tall Shadow’s eyes from a cut on her head.

Turtle Tail and Jagged Peak hurled themselves into the battle, attacking on both sides. Gray Wing got a running start, then leaped onto the creature’s back, stabbing at its head. It began to whine and yelp, swinging its paws at its attackers in an attempt to clear a path.

Gray Wing dropped from its back and watched as it pelted from the hollow. All around them, the Tribe was beating back the horrible creatures. They scrambled and clawed up the slope, disappearing into the darkness.

Clear Sky was bleeding from a gash on his arm, but he still chased the last one out of the hollow. “Get out! Good riddance!” he shouted. “And don’t come back!”

Gray Wing glanced around. Jackdaw’s Cry sank to his knees, panting, but he wasn’t injured. Moon Shadow was limping and Rainswept Flower’s cloak had been ripped on the bottom. Jagged Peak had a cut on his leg. Hardly anyone had escaped unmarked.

Gray Wing’s heart jolted. He turned to where Hawk Swoop had been laying, but she’d already picked herself up. Blood streamed down her neck from a gash on her head.

Cloud Spots went straight to her. Dappled Pelt started at Tall Shadow. They moved around the hollow, checking each of the tribesmen.

“We won!” Turtle Tail threw herself against Gray Wing’s side. “Your plan worked! You were amazing!”

“Your plan worked!” Jagged Peak’s blue eyes were wide with admiration. “That was so smart!”

Gray Wing blushed under their praise, but didn’t stop it. On the horizon, light was appearing. It was cold and dim, but it showed them the devastation in the hollow. Their newly built sheltered had been broken and scattered. Long rakes in the ground showed where large claws had scored it. The injured tribesmen huddled together in the few remaining huts.

They were lucky to be alive, and they all knew it. Gray Wing thought it was a miracle no one had been killed.

Dappled Pelt had already visiting him, giving him herbs to rub on any wounds and stop infection. He found a place on the slope to sit and rest, watching the light of dawn grow stronger.

Clear Sky and Moon Shadow were sitting opposite him, their heads together as they whispered. Then, both stood and walked across the hollow to where Tall Shadow stood.

“We have something to say,” Clear Sky began.

Tall Shadow looked at him. “Go on.”

Moon Shadow continued for him. “We want to live in the forest. The hunting is easier and our home would be hidden.”

“We’re too exposed here,” Clear Sky added. “We have no defenses except the spears on our backs.”

Tall Shadow glanced between them. “We are the Mountain Tribe. We’ve always lived in high places.”

“My father wouldn’t have wanted us to split up,” Rainswept Flower added. “You can’t leave.”

“Your father isn’t here anymore,” Clear Sky said bluntly.

The others had been drawn in by the conversation, gathering around and listening with troubled expressions. Gray Wing looked from his brother to Tall Shadow, feeling the tension between them.

“I can’t imagine living in the trees,” Jackdaw’s Cry said. “And what about the rogues?”

“We’ll deal with them,” Moon Shadow replied confidently.

“Oh, you’ll deal with them.” Hawk Swoop crossed her arms. “I’m not against the forest, but we shouldn’t split up just to force other people from their homes.”

“And how will you stop us from leaving?” Clear Sky growled. “If we want to go, we should be allowed to.”

“Yeah,” Moon Shadow added. “If you won’t go with us, we’ll go ourselves.”

Gasps sounded from the others. Gray Wing’s heart lurched. They’d come all this way together. How could they split up now?

Tall Shadow stared at her brother, her green eyes blank. “Then leave.”

Moon Shadow flinched back, as though he’d been struck. He blinked at his sister, surprised to be given her permission. He almost seemed confused, unsure what to do with it.

Clear Sky squared with shoulders, turning to face the others. “Anyone who wants to leave, too, is welcome.”

For a moment, the others were still. Then Quick Water stepped forward. “I’m tired of getting caught in the rain. I want shelter.”

After a moment, Falling Feather stepped up to join her mother. “I want to go, too.”

“What?” Cloud Spots sounded shocked. “Where did this come from?”

Quick Water regarded her husband with sorrow. “I can’t live out here any longer, Cloud Spots. Not after tonight. Even if you won’t come, I have to go.”

Those who had decided to leave were beginning to climb the slope. Moon Shadow was in the lead, watching from the top as the others said farewell to their families.

“Are you sure you won’t come with us?” Clear Sky asked.

Gray Wing shook his head. “My heart is here. But I’ll walk with you to the trees.”

He followed Clear Sky up the slope. Tall Shadow and Cloud Spots joined them.

“Goodbye,” Tall Shadow said. “I hope you will be happier in your new home.”

Clear Sky smiled. “Thank you. If you ever want to visit, you know where to find us.”

Chapter Text

Gray Wing paused at the edge of the trees, half hoping Clear Sky would appear. It had been three days since he’d left the moor, and Gray Wing still felt torn in two. It was like watching him leave the cave again.

He was just about to turn away when movement caught his attention. A figure emerged from the trees, glancing side to side before heading up the slope toward him. Gray Wing blinked in surprise when he recognized Turtle Tail.

“Where were you?” he called to her.

Turtle Tail’s expression was suspiciously blank. “Visiting Bumble.”

“What?” Gray Wing jolted, surprised. “I told you it was dangerous!”

Turtle Tail’s green gaze sharpened. “You're not my father! I can go where I want! Besides, it was great. Bumble’s people are nicer than you’d think. They showed me around their village and made the most wonderful meal. I’ve never tasted meat so juicy- they called it beef, and it comes from a cow!”

Gray Wing stared at her. “Did you have to go alone?”

“Stop fussing,” Turtle Tail grumbled dismissively. “It was fun, and Bumble was there to look after me. If it bothers you so much, you can come with me next time.”

“There shouldn’t be a next time. Stay away from the village.”

“No.”

Gray Wing felt a twinge of indignation. “Whatever.”

He spun around, stalking off further down the tree line. Turtle Tail could walk herself home. He didn’t understand why no one would listen to him. Why couldn’t he keep Jagged Peak in line? Why couldn’t he keep Clear Sky close? Why wouldn’t Turtle Tail just stay away from that stupid village? He felt like he was losing control of his entire life.

A soft weight barged into his side. Gray Wing stumbled, then spun to face Jagged Peak.

His little brother’s eyes were gleaming up at him. Behind him, Clear Sky appeared from the trees.

“Surprise!” Jagged Peak shouted.

“Clear Sky!” Gray Wing’s spirits lifted at the sight of his brother. Jagged Peak whined in protest when Gray Wing didn’t even bother shoving him out of the way, sandwiching him between his brothers as he took Clear Sky into a hug. “I’m so glad to see you!”

“I was just walking this one home.” Clear Sky grabbed the top of Jagged Peak’s hair, ruffling it. “He came all the way into our camp asking for hunting lessons!”

“Dad said I could!” Jagged Peak cried.

Gray Wing put a hand on his hip. “Did he really?”

Jagged Peak dropped his gaze. “No…but I’m old enough to hunt and I had Clear Sky with me the whole time! When I’m bigger, I’m going to live here.”

Gray Wing didn’t reply, knowing there was nothing he could do about it.

“Speaking of living situations, why don’t you come visit the camp?” Clear Sky invited. “Everyone is settling in great.”

“Sure,” Gray Wing replied. Although he didn’t like the forest, he wouldn’t pass up an opportunity to spend time with Clear Sky.

He followed his brothers along a well tread forest trail that weaved through the trees. It ended at a hollow with a shallow pool of water in the center. The sides were lined with ferns and brambles. Small wooden huts were scattered around the clearing.

“Welcome to our home!” Clear Sky announced.

Quick Water and Falling Feather appeared from one of the huts. “Hi, Gray Wing!” Falling Feather greeted happily.

“You came to visit.” Quick Water sounded pleased. “How do you like our new home?”

“It’s nice,” Gray Wing said genuinely. “I’m glad this worked out so well for you.”

“Me, too,” Clear Sky agreed, satisfied. “This place really feels like home. Are you happy on the moor?”

“Very,” Gray Wing said with a nod. “It’s perfect for me.”

Chapter Text

“Hey.”

Turtle Tail raised her head at Gray Wing’s greeting. She had been sitting along the edge of the hollow, bending twigs into a basket to weave together.

“Hey,” she replied.

“I’m going hunting,” Gray Wing began. “I was hoping you’d come with me.”

Turtle Tail sprang to her feet, her eyes shining. “Sure!”

Gray Wing returned her beaming grin, then led the way onto the moor. “I was out with Cloud Spots yesterday. We used the double team attack to catch a rabbit.”

Dark clouds were massing on the horizon, but the moor’s sky was clear blue. The sun was shining, bright and warm.

“Just like in the mountains,” Turtle Tail breathed. “Alright, let’s find a rabbit.”

It didn’t take long to spot one, hopping peacefully among the sprouting heather flowers. It stopped, leaning down to nibble on the short grass.

“Wait here,” Gray Wing murmured. “I’ll drive it toward you.”

Turtle Tail nodded, and Gray Wing passed her the spear he was carrying. He crept around the rabbit in a wide circle, stopping when Turtle Tail was adjacent to him, the rabbit between them. He could see its ears poking up just above the grass.

He shot forward, hurtling toward the rabbit with a shout of warning. It squealed in terror before racing off, running straight at Turtle Tail. But the young woman stood too quickly, giving herself away and allowing the rabbit to veer away. She turned to give chance, and Gray Wing forced out an extra burst of speed.

The rabbit dove into a hole and was gone.

“No!” Gray Wing skidded to a halt. “Turtle Tail! What was what?”

Turtle Tail’s eyes were wide with hurt. “I just missed!”

“A catch that easy? You never miss!”

“Well, maybe now I do!” Turtle Tail’s face reddened, embarrassed. She threw the spear to the ground and stomped away.

Gray Wing stared after her, feeling guilty. He took a step forward, then thought better of it. Lately, every conversation between them only ended in disaster. Above, clouds were gathering on the sky. It would rain soon.

Gray Wing bent to grab the hunting spear, then turned toward the moor hollow. He hoped Turtle Tail didn’t get caught in the rain.