The wind falls to a thin whistle. In the hush, Harold leaves the wheel and pads toward River, stiff-backed and deliberate, as if the pass itself is waiting to hear him.
Harold
I am not backing down just because the trail goes quiet.
Harold
You steer like you mean it, River, but I need more than that. I need to know you see the whole team before you call the next move.
Mack watches without interrupting. TicTac holds still, ears angled forward. Ally and Pine keep their places, listening.
Harold
That drag in training, the missed command, the close calls, I have not forgotten them. I am trying to trust you, but you have to earn it every mile.
Banks
He is saying what the rest of you have been chewing on.
Harold stops just short of River, his jaw set but his stance no longer a challenge. The whole team waits on her answer, the pass cold and still around them.
✓ Quest Accepted
Earn Harold's trust
“"I expected as much. It's almost time for the next run, our musher will be calling us to our places anytime now. Let's be ready for him."”
SUCCESS (Good Inspiration, rolled -2)
River lets the quiet hold for a breath, then gives the team a steady look. Her words land simply, right where the doubt is strongest.
River
I expected as much. The musher will call us to our places soon. Let us be ready for him.
The tension in Harold’s shoulders shifts. He does not soften all at once, but he stops bristling at the line.
Harold
Then you are thinking ahead. Good. I can work with that.
Mack’s ears tip forward in approval. TicTac eases his stance, and Ally’s tail gives a small, hopeful wag.
Banks
He chose the pack before pride. That matters.
A gust shakes loose a ribbon of powder from the ledge above, dusting River’s collar white and making Harold blink.
Harold
You still owe the team clean calls, River. But I am listening.