The pass rose up between the white mountains, and ever so distant was a swath of green. Diego modified his inner narrative-a swath of brownish green. Through that gap was his herd and all the migratory prey. However, it was guarded by a formidable pack. Diego led the party, having relinquished Arla to her mother's jaws. He was unwilling to let down his guard in Glacier Pass territory, and although he was on speaking terms with Soto, he didn't necessarily believe that there wasn't a trap being sprung.

Melle flanked him. "This is where I grew up," she mumbled through a mouthful of fur. "The den site is somewhere around here."

Shetar held her head high. Out of the four adults she was the most comfortable in this territory. Soto was a dominant male and apparently pack but didn't have the blood line, Melle was a returning runaway, Diego had never met the pack, but Shetar was a mother. "Don't give away pack secrets," she admonished.

"It's my pack." Melle responded automatically. "You're the intruder."

"Are you certain it still is?" A large male rose up from the ground. Around him fourteen other sabers, lean from battle, padded over to surround them.

"Father." Melle acknowledged the leader but ignored the others.

"You do not have permission to refer to me as such. You failed our pack when you didn't pass your solo hunt. You failed me personally when you ran away in shame. You are not fit to be a part of Glacier Pass." Melle's eyes flashed and she lowered her head in submission.

Diego growled but Soto held him back. "She ran away. You would shame her even further interfering."

"I understand."

Diego knew Glacier's reputation for being ruthless, but he also knew of the importance they placed on individual pride. So he could only watch as his mate lifted her head again. "I ask for the opportunity to retest. I have learned many skills while in the wild."

There was muttering among the Glacier sabers. "Enough," growled Tierin. "There have been precedents indicating that a retest is allowed. If Melle can bring back large prey by tomorrow at dawn I will grant her pardon. She will be able to return as Pack in my favor and with her the scrawny male who is growling at her. This is my verdict." He turned his back on them and walked away. Over his shoulder he ordered, "Soto, please make sure that this newcomer does not interfere with his mate's hunt. I can smell his anger."

Melle loped through the pass after them in search of prey. Diego made a move to follow her, but Soto interfered. "You heard Tierin."

"She's pregnant Soto, that's no condition to hunt."

"I understand that. Our pack had mercy, this pack doesn't."

"What happens if she fails again?"

Soto looked at him gravely. "Ignorance is bliss." At Diego's glare, he continued. "Melle will be killed if she fails a second time."

"What?"

"Glacier Pass has too many mouths for any of them to be idle. If Melle can't feed them alive, then they will feed from her corpse."

Diego was disgusted. "That's cruel."

"This pack exiles their old to fend for themselves as soon as their muzzles start graying." Soto said. "I used to think that your father was a harsh leader, but he is nothing on Tierin. I'm ashamed to serve under him but I was left no choice. I would rather suffer myself than have my children starve to death. You'll understand someday."

"The only way that I could understand is if my kittens get a shot at life."

"Then you had better hope Melle can kill something impressive."