Jax kept vigil at the window. In the distance he could see the procession of Kuguar heading toward the Hyane caves. He should have been comfortable listening to the rise and fall of Taryn's breathing but he wasn't. He kept seeing that night when the Hyane had caught up to him. Taking their time, they had delighted in tormenting him with the illusion of escape all the while knowing that only death awaited him. He had not been a warrior, after all, he was Hase. Most of his clan were peace loving, believing that non resistance and kindness would win over the more war like clans.<br/><br/>The walls of the box van seemed to melt away and Jax could see his lady stirring a fire to cook their meager rations. 16 of their offspring where in their hut, safe and sound. 8 of them were still quite young, Minon having just weaned them and the other 8 were remnants from 2 previous birthings. Jax loved his children, especially Kinyan, a tiny, white furred beauty. So delicate with eyes just like his. The walls of their hut were no safeguard against the Hyane that came.<br/><br/>His eyes stung as he recalled Kinyan's screams as they filleted the skin from her body. Broken, bleeding bodies, His children. His lady violated , all the while quoting poetry of beauty, love and grace to the ruffians. She died with words of peace on her lips.His throat constricted and Jax thought he would howl with rage. If he had had weapons then, he would have gutted a few Hyane on his way to his death. As it was, they soon tired of their sport, leaving him clinging to life, but just barely. They had taken the skinned broken body of Kinyan, saying how she would make a good meal tonight.<br/><br/>Jax had wandered for days. The wounds festering. When he finally fell, he was at the foot of the Wall of Home. Taryn found him. Nursed him back to health. Taught him how to use the knives. Taught him the way of Warriors. Cheered him on as he tracked down the Hyane, one by one , skinning them alive as they had his daughter.<br/><br/>Shaking his head, Jax nudged Taryn with his foot.<br/><br/>"Wake up. We are going back now. Before any more patrols show up."