Chapter 39

The next morning, Raymond reached the other side of the valley. Behind him, below him, and ahead of him, it was all the same. Then he examined a bald eagle on the tree; it looked into the distance like it was contemplating something philosophical. If it wasn't just a bird in the early fall sunshine and feathers were as shiny, then he might believe that it was giving him a warning enough to give him goosebumps.

Minutes passed, and he was almost to the mountain range when he heard a long whistle, signalling for something. He halted, breathless, as he scanned his surroundings, and his head snapped up. His brown, liquid eyes swirled in a stormy vigilance.

What was that? He asked himself and tried to calm down. Raymond heeded the sound, and his eyes darted everywhere.

Another whistle.

He smiled. It was a whistle that he recognized. His fears vanished immediately, and he turned towards where the sound came from. A little smile graced his lips as the familiarity of it gave