The group stayed in the canyon bottom for seven days, recovering and counting their blessings. During the day, Jeb and his cohort would scour the landscape for any escaped among the Cotl. Jax explored the area, bringing back herbs and edible plants. Lily was in her element of healing and cooking, mothering the warriors as if her own experience was minute compared to theirs. She was especially attentive to Taryn.<br/><br/>Every night, the group would rest around the campfire, telling stories and anticipating the reaction from those back home. One night, a clan of Kyote crept in from the darkness to speak to the Sheriff. Even more shocking was the visit from the Southern Kuguars. They told of how the Cotl had forced them to hide to survive. The last day of their rest period, Jeb came back with a large pack of Ratkin.<br/><br/>"We were the breeding pack," one of them told him, stuttering and shifting from foot to foot. "Our children and grandchildren were the food of the Cotl. We have never seen the sun." he squinted at the sun with trembling whiskers. "We had heard of it, but the Cotl told us it was only meant for gods. They were gods, you see. and we were not worthy to view it. That we would die if we looked upon it."<br/><br/>Jeb spat snuff , wiping his mouth with his arm. "Bullshit. The sun is fer ever one, you include Rat. Just know that during the day, it can get real hot and that is when  you goes to nappin'."<br/><br/>Taryn leaned her head against Raschen's shoulder, sighing with contentment.<br/><br/>"I can hardly wait to see the looks on the faces of all the people of the Warren when they hear of the defeat of the Cotl."<br/><br/>Jax snickered.<br/>"You know there are many who do not believe the Cotl exist. You will have defeated an imaginary foe in their minds."<br/><br/>Jeb answered, "Thet's what these fangs are fer. We can carry them to each of the people as proof."<br/><br/>Taryn laughed and nodded at Jax as if to say, There you go.<br/><br/>Lily's face opened in a joyous smile.<br/>"Think of the joy when you share your news of the babies."<br/><br/>Taryn felt Raschen go still but she smiled at the Hase female.<br/>"New life, going forward. What more could we ask for?"