Garris nodded at Kaylia’s explanation as he scooped another spoonful of the tasty soup into his mouth. [b]”You sure you don’t want any?”[/b] the ranger said turning to Cainmere, [b]”It’s been… a while since we’ve had anything half as good.”[/b]

The wolf sniffed at towards the bowl and slowly got to her feet. She took a few steps towards him. Suddenly her ears pricked and her head turned away from them as if she’d detected some sound. Without warning the Cainmere turned and bounded off into the darkness. She’d offered no word of explanation but Garris felt a sudden sense of unease across the back of his neck and he was suddenly reminded of the black blood pouring from the deer’s throat earlier.

[b]”I’m sure it’s nothing,”[/b] Garris said to Kaylia, trying to explain away the canine’s odd behavior. [b]”She does that sometimes. Maybe she heard a squirrel or something.”[/b] Nevertheless, it was a few more moments before he looked away from the area Cainmere had disappeared to and even longer before he released his grip on the knife at his belt and started eating the soup again. 

[b]“We’re headed west”[/b]Garris announced after swallowing a few more spoonful’s, [b]”So if your ranch is in that general direction we could travel together for a bit.”[/b] The ranger considered for a moment. [b]”It isn’t that I don’t think you can’t handle yourself out here. It’s just that the woods… they don’t seem…”[/b] Garris stumbled as he fought to come up with a good explanation that wouldn’t frighten the woman. [b]”The woods are too quiet, if you know what I mean.”[/b] He finally continued [b]”And only a few hours ago we stumbled upon a deer that had been taken in by the sickness.”[/b]