The Firekeepers reared and plunged, swinging their brands down on raider backs and thrusting them into faces. However badly singed or blistered, the enemy held their ground, commanded by the intense power of the song coming from their leader. Ratha knew that the effort was costing the Named too much and that even the powerful males would soon become exhausted. “We can’t defend the nursery,” she yowled to Bira and Fessran. “Take the cubs to the fire-den!” Thakur, who was leading Ashon, Bundi, and other young males at the edge of the fight, arrowed in with his group to Fessran and Bira. The two females loaded the young males with all the litterlings they could carry, cubs dangling from their mouths, clinging to their backs, their flanks, and even hanging from their necks. Ratha saw Thistle pick up a cub, start to pass it to Quiet Hunter, then hesitate, and finally give it to him. Ashon was so covered with his younger siblings that he could barely stagger, but he started out bravely.
