The Hunter's Song II: Lost Blood

Ch 10: Elder (Shale)

The boys spent the morning squealing since I made the official announcement at first meal.

"Do you see her?" Raven Tide wagged his little tail, shouting to his brother from above the crowd of Zhaguai and razkurs.

The two insisted on being perched on mine and Eh'kt's shoulders to better scour the Hall of Bones, despite being assigned venerable seating.

"Red quills!" Crazy Wolf yelled. He was practically standing on my head as he lunged and pointed.

The crowd parted below and there she was.

I'd recognize her red and meridian blue-tipped mane anywhere.

Peleon stepped toward us. Her red scales glistened in the dim torchlight while the rest of her was dripping in radiant gold highlights.

She wore her best vertebra shawl and her favorite larrcat broach over her right armor-clad breast.

"Gamma!" Raven Tide scrambled down Eh'kt and ran to his forebearer.

I couldn't hear what she was saying to my pup over the rumbling crowd, but she greeted Raven Tide formally and took his hand when he guided her to our balcony.

"Greetings, Crazy Wolf," Peleon turned her gaze up at the excited pup on my shoulders, then lowered her golden eyes to me. "It is good to see you as well, my offspring... in person."

"Sit!" Crazy Wolf jabbed his little white claws into my chest as he climbed down, not bothering to notify me that he was changing positions. "We saved a seat for you!"

The twins perched themselves on either side of an empty section of bleachers, patting their hands for my bearer to sit between them.

It was alarming how easily they accepted Peleon's presence, even with the knowledge of what happened to my brother.

"Greetings, Honored Bearer," Eh'kt lowered his head respectfully as he moved over to make room on the opposite side of the boys.

"Well met, Eh'kt," my bearer dipped her head in regard. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you. Your tournament and Dread records are most impressive. I've made a point to monitor your progress since Shale first notified me you were to become his Adjutant."

"I am most honored," Eh'kt splayed his claws across his chest. It was cute how his gestures always instantly softened whenever he shifted into formal conversation.

I knew my choice in mates was still confusing for Peleon. Not because one was male and the other another species, but because there were three of us. She worried for me and loathed the notion of anything connected our lineage to being merely an expendable afterthought.

"Is that an U'la'ke stinger on your headdress?" Raven Tide leaned back to see all of Peleon's nine-foot stature with his little white bare feet dangling from the bench above the black concrete floor.

"Yes," Peleon answered. "It was a particularly stubborn vanguard stalker that took six days to take down."

"Can I touch your necklace?" Crazy Wolf reached out impulsively at the delicate bones woven together around my bearer's neck. "Are they human?"

"Do not put your claws on someone without their permission," I chided the boy.

Crazy Wolf quickly pulled his hand and slender quills away.

"It is alright, and yes, several humans," my bearer leaned down and held the carefully crafted jewelry forward for the pup to admire. "The bindings are made to endure the jostle of combat. It would be quite impressive if your small claws managed to do any harm."