Gannicus's smile faded to a softer look, sad, but the grief was further away now. "Yes," he said. "Agron, my brother on the sand, disappeared. Foha was his, and now he has come to us. And... our Hild disappeared. She was--"

It was not emotion that choked him, necessarily, but for a moment he was not sure that he could put what Hild meant to anyone on this farm into simple words.

"She was the mistress of our household, and dearly loved by all within it."

She was a good mistress, Bran put in, in his quiet voice. Strong and clear. A good pack leader. Aster voiced his agreement.

Foha sat against Daine's leg and leaned into her. This new pack is good. There are two leaders now instead of three. But they care for us. I do not know if I like the cat.