We listen as five pairs of boots begin to retreat, heading west through the forest.
Slowly, Fox releases his grip on my wrist. ‘That was close,’ he says.
‘Too close,’ I agree, privately wondering whether we’re referring to our run-in with the hunters or the proximity of our bodies.
Fox is looking at me expectantly. I blink, blushing harder, then scramble to my feet.
‘What do you think those men were looking for?’ I ask as he pulls himself up and follows me through the tangle of branches.
‘How should I know?’ His voice sounds a little rough. He clears his throat. ‘But I suggest we head back to the camp before whatever it is makes an appearance.’
I nod, ducking out of the thicket, then stop dead in my tracks.
‘I think you might’ve spoken too soon,’ I whisper.
For there, framed among the trees, its muzzle stained with old blood, is an enormous wolf. It’s a beautiful beast, as grey as a winter’s day. As it moves closer I notice a pattern of distinctive silver markings on its brow, as well as the row of razor-sharp claws protruding from each of its four paws. A pair of yellow eyes fixes on us, unblinking.
Fear lances through me, scattering my anchors. My breathing turns ragged as I fumble for my dagger.
‘No,’ Fox says.
I glance at him, stricken. ‘What’re you –’
He takes me by the shoulders and pushes me firmly behind him. ‘Stay here. No sudden movements.’
Then he turns back to the wolf. Its hackles are up, teeth bared in a snarl, incisors gleaming in the dappled sunlight.
It growls in warning as Fox begins to inch forward.
‘Stop,’ I hiss, but he holds up a hand to silence me.
What does he think he’s doing?
Suddenly the wolf tilts its head, its ears pricking, as though listening to something, then begins to prowl closer.
I gasp as Fox slowly drops to his knees.
For a long, breathless moment, they stare at one another. Then, quite inexplicably, the wolf turns and darts away through the trees.
‘How …howdid you do that?’ I stammer.
Fox gets to his feet, dusting himself off. ‘Call it a gift.’
My mouth opens and closes in bewilderment.
‘What?’ He shrugs. ‘I’m good with animals.’
My tone drips disbelief. ‘So you’re an animal tamer now, too?’
‘Oh, I wouldn’t say that. There’s nothing to stop it coming back here and tearing us to pieces. But don’t worry. That wolf is far from the most dangerous thing in the Wildlands.’
I narrow my eyes. ‘Then what is?’
Fox grins as he reaches out to pluck a stray thorn from my hair. ‘I’m looking at her.’
24
Flint
