Ko'tanza's account was vague in all the worst ways as they approached the tent. Fendros pursed his lips, and it was all he could do not to stop Janius going in. But Janius still had a searching look in his eyes. He knew Kaleeth was alive, he just needed to see her.

What they saw struck them all with a wordless shock. All except Janius, who sighed into a open-mouthed smile as if Kaleeth's missing lower leg meant nothing. He strode with broad steps around the cot and knelt down to take Kaleeth's hand in both of his. He kissed her hand and pressed it against his forehead.

"Good day, Kaleeth-rei," Janius said, raising his head to look at her. "You...I worried I would lose you..."

Fendros was not nearly as joyous. He was relieved to see their friend and packmate Kaleeth alive and stable, but the reality of her loss was impossible to ignore. He kept his words to himself for now. In his fatigue he might otherwise say something rash.