The priestess drew a breath and lifted her chin. Her rigid shoulders squared visibly . She narrowed her glowing eyes and hissed.<br/>"I have to fight my way for no one. My power does not rely on flesh or BLOOD. I command the spirits as well as the people."<br/><br/>Her voice was low and menacing, an imperceptible growl just below the surface.<br/><br/>"Take your abomination from our camp. Now! tonight! Do not come back for you, Raschen Earthshaker, are no longer part of the Kuguar. From this day forth, you are cast out, dead to us, an enemy to the tradition and people. Go. The only mercy that is extended is that you have until dawn to be gone far enough to not be found. If you are found, the price put on your heads will be paid."<br/><br/>The priestess was terrible in her wrath, trembling, braids swinging, eyes glowing like the lava from a volcano. Turning on her heel, she swept from the banquet hall, out into the bitterly cold night. The stars burned the heavens and the air was still. She noted these things in passing when a trio of shooting stars lit up the northern sky. A sign to confirm her heartbreaking decision. She hurried on to set the bones that would declare Raschen dead.<br/><br/>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br/><br/>Taryn had stood speechless through the confrontation between her mate and his mother. Tears streamed down her face at the edict. She knew how he loved and respected her. She knew how seriously he took his position of Sheriff. She knew how he loved honor. Touching his back, she whispered.<br/><br/>"I'm going to die anyway when the birthing happens. The babies won't be normal, might even die too. When that happens, you will be alone, a renegade, outcast from your people. Just kill me, let us go."<br/><br/>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br/><br/>Unseen by anyone, Loz sped away into the night.<br/><br/>"The good people of Home need to know what the slut has done and what shame she brings to the Hume. I think I will let them know."