Alliance for Antrim

  Chapter 14

  Zael

  Three days of travel passed. They met a few people on the woodland paths, but all kept their distance and there were no incidents. Each night, however, Anson thought he detected a presence that kept a safe distance from their camp. It might be a rustle of leaves when the wind was calm, or the faint snap of a twig that gave away a solitary presence. Occasionally there was a faint musky odor, now familiar, that did not betray fear or aggression. Similar to the creature he encountered the first night, it deliberately tried to remain unseen and posed no threat—so far. A few times Anson left the camp to seek out this observer, but without success.

  On the morning of the fourth day, Anson was the first to awaken. The others were soundly sleeping off the rigors of upland travel, including Faldon, who had predictably nodded off soon after taking his turn at guard duty. After rebuilding the campfire and brewing some tea, Anson stirred his companions and gathered them together. He had decided to tell them about the night visitor.