The Treaty

RETH 

Gawhr's lip curled, and Reth struggled not to move into a defensive position. But the Bear didn't growl. Behryn tensed next to him, his hand slipping towards his spear when, instead, Gawhr leaned in, showing his teeth, his one eye bright and fierce, and fixed solely on Reth.  "Let me scent you for truth," he said finally. But before Reth could even agree, he launched into his questions. "Did you truly cross the traverse two times, back and forth, without giving over to the voices?"

"Truly," Reth snapped as Gawhr's nostrils flared. "Once as a cub, once right before I took the throne."

"And you believe you could do it again?" the bear growled.

Reth nodded, emphatic. "I know I could. I do not want to, but I will for the sake of my mate and cub."

"Will you vow not to enter the region during our sleep except to use the trail to the traverse for her, and you will send wise ones to assist our females if they require it?"