Chapter 56

They joined back up with the hunting party shortly after nightfall. The group was still encamped in the same spot near the edge of the valley, but once the orange sparks of campfires began to glow in the distance Netya noticed there were far fewer of them than there had been before.

Caspian’s wolf came to a halt while they were still hidden by the darkness and allowed Netya to dismount. She made the final approach on foot while he ran off to hunt, giving her time to make the entrance she wanted.

It was already going to be difficult admitting she had gotten herself lost for a day by taking a foolish tumble, and she was determined to salvage as much of her pride as she could. Who knew, perhaps Vaya might even gain some measure of respect for her after all this. Netya wasn’t sure whether she particularly wanted the huntress’s respect after last night, but it was preferable to more punches and threats.

She walked back into the camp sore and weary, but with her spear cl