We relaxed by the fire while we waited out the storm. It was starting to ease up, but it was still dumping an ocean's worth of water across the forest. The wind shifted momentarily, sending a light spattering of raindrops on us.

The rain was cool against my face and neck, a stark contrast to the still-warm necklace. That reminded me of a question I'd thought of earlier, although I wasn't sure how to bring it up without irritating Shane. The necklace was probably the safer part of the touchy topic of curses and magic, but it was still like poking a bear with a stick, or in this case, a werewolf.

How could I word this...

"No one else can track this necklace, right?" I asked idly.

"They shouldn't be able to," he replied shortly, tension appearing in his formerly relaxed muscles. "At least not without a sorcerer or sorceress."

"From what I've heard, those types are very rare, so I don't think it's likely."

"You should be glad of that." His tone held a distinct note of bitterness.

I nodded slowly. "I am. I can't imagine what would happen if they or another werewolf numbered among the war parties chasing us."

The growl that rattled through his chest was ominous, the tone somehow conveying both his agreement and how dangerous such a scenario would be. The sound also signaled an end to this particular topic.

"How long will it likely take us to cross the mountains at this speed?"

He grumbled but replied, "Walking down deer paths is much slower than using the road. Probably three weeks, maybe more if we have to start detouring around all these groups."

I leaned over to snag one of my saddlebags and dragged it closer. Opening it up, I dug around inside.

"I've got enough flour for about a week. Some trail rations, but that's about it. As much as I'd love to stop in Crows Pass village for more supplies, it's a fool's errand while those war parties are searching for us."

He gave me a sharp look. "Don't even think of it. I plan on avoiding that entire area in case one of the locals spots us and gossips. I'm fully capable of hunting."

"As I said, it'd be a fool's errand. It's much better to remain hidden. If nothing else, I'm traveling light so Milly won't tire as easily. My backpack is pretty much empty."

"I'm surprised you haven't put it in your saddlebags so you don't have to wear it." His muscles were once more relaxed now that the previous conversation had passed.

I snorted slightly. "It has my essential supplies like flint and rain gear, and I wear it in case something happens to my saddlebags or Missy over there decides to prove that even old mules still have some youthful energy."

Shane cast a dark look at the oblivious mule. "She should save that 'go' for when I'm around. I still can't figure out how you two didn't run into any of those patrols."

"No idea. I was too busy hanging on to pay attention."

"Perhaps it's a good thing she managed to cover so much ground. I don't think this storm is going to pass by until daybreak."

"So we'll camp here?" I asked, trying to hide my disappointment.

"This is probably the best camping spot we'll find, so I don't see any point in traveling for three hours only to try and find another good one."

"I guess that makes sense. Perhaps the soldiers will think we haven't traveled as far as we have."

"We can hope, but don't hold your breath," he said as he got to all four feet and set the blanket to the side.

He shook out his fur, which was mostly dry after all this time, and sat on his haunches as he looked around the camp. I watched him patiently; it wasn't as if there was really anything else to do, and since we were camping here, I had many hours of boredom ahead of me.

I wasn't going to complain about boredom this time though, just in case another dire wolf heard my irritated thoughts and decided to solve that problem for me.

"The ridge should shelter you from the rain, so I won't bother with a lean-to. I'll go check the area for company and see if I can find another rabbit or something. Are you okay gathering wood close by, or should I bring some in?"

"I'm fine collecting wood. I won't wander out of sight of the fire."

There was no point in asking if he was sure he wanted to get wet again. The sky was getting lighter, so it wouldn't be long before he disappeared for the day. If there were unwelcome guests in the area, it'd be good to know about them. Some meat for lunch wouldn't go amiss either.

With an amiable nod, he left the shelter of the cliff and trotted into the forest. If he was out in the rain, it was only fair if I went out as well. Getting to my feet, I began collecting wood and piling it beside the fire to dry.

I created a teepee out of three long branches, lashed the tops together, and draped the blanket over it to dry. Thankfully, it did not smell like wet dog. There was a slight wet-fur smell to it and an underlying musk of a large animal, but it wasn't as bad as wet mule and not off-putting enough for me to bother washing it while on a cross-country trek.

I had time to brush Milly and set up everything for the day before Shane returned with some sort of chicken-sized bird. Water dripped from his soaked fur, and I wasn't sure if it was possible for the werewolf to get any wetter, even if he jumped in a lake.

As he set it by the fire, he said, "I chased a wildcat off, although I don't think it was big enough to bother you or Milly. I didn't find any patrols, so I'm assuming they're in a camp along the main road somewhere. Do you need anything else?"

"Not that I can think of."

"Then I'll see you at sunset."

As he turned to leave, I said, "You can take the blanket if you want."

He paused and gazed back at me for a moment before saying, "Thanks, but I wouldn't want to get it soaked."

He slipped into the trees and disappeared.