As the wagon draws nearer, I see it’s not a wagon at all, but a large cage on wheels. Inside – hackles raised, teeth bared, grey fur matted with blood – is a wolf. I notice with a pang of recognition the distinctive silver markings round its eyes.
‘Is that …’
Fox nods grimly.
Before the cage walk the hunters, each armed with a spear. I recall their words that day in the forest:Remember, the Baron wants it alive.
There were five of them before, yet now I count only three. The wolf must have put up a good fight – just not good enough.
I turn back to the old woman. ‘What do you mean,new toy?’
‘Every month the Baron selects a new contender for his fighting pit. Sometimes man, sometimes beast.’ She sprinkles a handful of herbs into the bubbling broth. ‘There’s a fight tonight, I hear. Perhaps you should stay and watch. It’s quite the show.’
My insides curl in disgust. ‘Come on,’ I say, nudging Fox. ‘Let’s get out of here.’
He blinks dazedly, unable to tear his gaze from the wolf as the cage rolls past. ‘Where are they taking it now?’
‘To the Baron’s estate, I should think,’ replies the old woman.
I look at Fox. He looks back at me. I shake my head. ‘No. Whatever you’re planning, you can forget it.’
‘How d’you know I’m planning anything?’
I raise an eyebrow.
He takes my arm and pulls me into a nearby alleyway. ‘Listen –’
‘No,youlisten,’ I say, shaking him off. ‘That wolf is not our responsibility.’
Fox’s expression is inexplicably pained. ‘I can’t just leave it.’
‘Why?’ I splutter. ‘Because it decided not toeatus that one time?’
He shrugs. ‘Something like that.’
I lean against the wall. ‘You can’t be serious.’
‘’Fraid so.’
‘No.’
‘Yes.’
‘You’re impossible,’ I growl.
‘I preferdaring.’
I fix him with a glare. ‘This is a stupid idea.’
‘I never said it wasn’t,’ says Fox. ‘Go with Cedar and wait for me in the treeline.’
I snort, folding my arms across my chest. ‘Like that’s happening.’
He mirrors my stance. ‘Meaning?’
I sigh, half exasperated, half resigned. ‘We’re allies, remember? And if you’re really insisting on this ludicrous rescue mission, then I’m coming with you.’
For a moment I think he might be about to kiss me.
