Chapter 88

The village nestled within a small natural dip in the land, a high bank on the western side separating it from the stretch of forest that eventually gave way to the plains. It was to this western bank that Netya guided Vaya.

The narrow river that provided the village’s water bordered the southern side, and to the north and east the ground was open, the trees much thinner, providing little cover for anyone who wished to approach unseen.

“Wait for me here,” Netya said as she slipped from Vaya’s back, putting a hand against the wolf’s flank for a moment as she swayed with dizziness. The night was still dark, but dawn had been tugging at the horizon when they left the plains. The hard ride and lack of sleep had taken more of a toll on Netya than she’d thought.

Vaya growled and lay down in the grass, catching her own breath while she had the opportunity. Even with the incredible stamina of her wolf, it seemed miraculous that she had been able to maintain her pace the en