Page 38 of Salt Between the Wolves

"One day you'll all appreciate my contributions."

"Unlikely."

"Deeply unlikely."

The laughter followed them through breakfast.

By the time the first pale light appeared beyond the eastern peaks, the camp had already been dismantled.

The patrol resumed its journey shortly afterward.

For several hours, the road offered few complications. The weather held, the horses moved well, and conversation rose and faded naturally as the trail wound deeper into the western mountains.

It was nearly midday when one of the scouts returned from ahead. He reined his horse alongside Riven and lowered his voice, though not enough to prevent the nearest riders from overhearing.

"There's another route."

Riven glanced up.

"What kind of route?"

"A shorter one."

The scout pointed toward a line of darker hills visible beyond the trees.

"It cuts south through the ridge pass and rejoins the main trail near the river."

One of the older hunters frowned immediately.

"The narrow pass?"

The scout nodded.

"It's clear."

"The last time I saw it, half the path had collapsed."

"That was years ago."

The hunter remained unconvinced.

Riven considered the suggestion in silence.

"How much time?"

"Three hours. Maybe four."

That estimate immediately drew more attention. The weather had been kind so far, but everyone knew how quickly conditions could change in the mountains.

The scout shrugged.

"If the forecast is right, we'll hit snowfall tomorrow evening."

Several riders exchanged glances.

The hunter who had spoken earlier scratched at his beard.

"Soren wouldn't take it."