To the side, Katch leaped from his crate, landed on his huge paws, then stretched his back into a spine-breaking arch, extending his forelegs—along with those huge claws.
Sharyn kept well back.
Russo scratched the lynx’s ruff, digging deep, which earned a contented rumble from the beast, followed by a head butt that was both affectionate and dismissive.
Despite his massive size, Katch was still all feline.
With the crate now empty, they collected their packs from the truck bed. Russo sized their group up, her face unreadable. Once they were ready, she simply turned and headed off into the woods, following a snow-dusted trail only she seemed to be able to pick out.
Archie kept close to their guide, eyeing the shotgun slung across her back. “You mentioned bears. Are there any near here?”
“Certo. They’re definitely around. The cold snap and snow will likely have them foraging hard and seeking caves to hibernate out the winter.”
Sharyn stared over at the boulder-strewn cliffs that paralleled their path. “Those caves? Are there a lot of them in this area?” She gave Duncan a meaningful glance. “Do any of them go very deep?”
“Sì. Of course. Some burrow far into the mountains. These peaks are mostly formed of limestone, specifically a variant called dolomite, which is why there are so many caves out here.” She glanced to Laurent. “Is that what you came here to find?”
Laurent must have decided it was safe enough to let his guard down somewhat. “Yes. We’ve heard rumors of a cavern system that might yet be undiscovered.”
Russo made a scoffing noise. “I would not place much faith inrumorswhen it comes to the Dolomites. There are hundreds of tales and legends about these mountains. Of the discovery of elephant bones from Hannibal’s crossing. Of lost Roman outposts. Of strange energies. Even of nymph-like witches—theanguana—who guard the mouths of highland caves.”
Archie sighed. “Well, we shouldn’t have too much worry about them as we’re practically study partners.”
Russo frowned at this. “I wouldn’t suggest venturing into their caves.”
“Why’s that?”
“They are known to cast spells that cause trespassers to fall into a deep sleep.”
Archie shrugged. “That doesn’t sound so bad.”
“Then the witches drain your blood or drown you in a mountain spring.”
Archie lifted a palm. “Okay, I retract my statement.”
Laurent sighed and waved her onward. “What other stories have you heard?”
“Plenty. About all manner of creatures. Like Mazaròl, a mischievous red-capped gnome who lures people astray. Or the wild men of the mountains, calledsalvanel, immortal beings who roam its remotest regions.”
Sharyn’s ears perked at the mention of such men.
But Russo quickly cast cold water on all of this. “I’ve been throughout the Dolomites. For more than fifteen years. I’ve never encountered anything beyond its natural beauty. These mountains and valleys need no tall tales to embellish their true wonders. As you will see.”
They continued onward, heading ever higher. The quiet murmuring among them died as the cold, thin air and exertion took their toll. After three hours, they eventually left the main forest below and crossed into a terrain of bare stone, treacherous loose shale, and rock-hugging scrub that scribed frosty emerald lines across the slopes.
As their guide predicted, the snows proved scant on this side of the mountain, but the slopes remained icy. Katch continued to roam around them, his wide pads finding secure footing on rock, snow, or ice. He certainly belonged in these mountains.
Upon reaching a flat expanse, Russo called for a stop. “We’ll take a short break. No more than twenty minutes. We’ve made good time, but the next half will tax us harder.”
“Wait. We’re only halfway?” Archie blew out a tired exhalation and dropped his butt to the stone.
Duncan looked no happier as he joined his friend. “Wish I’d had more time to break in these new boots.”
Russo turned to Laurent. “I hope the cavern system you’re looking for is out there.”
“Why is that?”
Russo pointed to a dark line across the southeastern sky, which rose behind Antelao’s craggy summit. “The stormfront looks worse than predicted. We’ll eventually need to find shelter to weather it out.”
