Relief was evident upon the wolf as he climbed the mountain once more, ascending to the main den and forever increasing the distance between himself and the Hearthwood River party that has just departed their borders. At last he was rid of them and all obligations they might have expected of his pack. No longer did he need to worry about allies that could not be trusted at any measure, and the fact that Kisla had so easily agreed to a neutrality between the two packs further alleviated the pressure the king had felt regarding the issue. One more hindrance from the past that they could allow to wash downstream and away from their lives completely.

Now, he needed only to deal with Kova in order to close the issue. The whole of him hoped dearly that Kova did not yearn for vengeance, apprehensive of what such aggressions might mean for the Crest as a whole, given the connections the assumed perpetrator held within the Western half of the Lore. Yet given Kova's own claim during yesterday's meetings, he did not feel particularly hopeful. Regardless, the king maintained a sense of obligation in supporting the yearling no matter his decision on the matter. He owed Minka as much, and did not have it in him to deny Kova something so personal. Yet now was not the time to act upon anything, and certainly they should not strike before they were certain that it was Ash Hervok who had slain the old king, and Kova would need to accept this if he was to have Gent's assistance in the matter.

When at last he made it to the den, his pale gaze searched for Kova's presence, a bark being issued to summon the boy to him.