The inside of the tent was still dark when Sukamek awoke, with the only light being a dim blue slit between the opening flaps. It was nonetheless enough to show Isceradin and Phameas curled up on their bedrolls in deep sleep, with the latter’s growling snore putting any bear to shame. At least it was loud enough to suppress any sound Sukamek might have made as he got up.

If the army’s rations had dwindled as much as Isceradin had reported the other night, the Inu’naabe figured he ...