The descent is quicker than the climb, but Thæon isn’t sure if he is happy about that.
Every step feels like it adds a stone to his shoulders; the weight of trepidation as tall as the mountains by the time the four reach the border of Obí’s territory; the hunting fields that had become familiar enough with how often the pair had patrolled, years ago. Thæon knows now, as told by Gaman, that the stretch of deciduous and conifers was regarded by the village as “predator territory” and had lain as a defence between Obí and the village, keeping him safe. But now, they’re about to cross that chasm.
Thæon isn’t the only one nervous.