Page 91 of Blood & Claw

22: PREDATORS

“YOU TWO ALWAYS stare this much, or is it just me?” Fern’s voice, edged with faint amusement, shattered the silence.

Darkness had settled fully now, bringing mist and the restless sounds of night. An owl hooted somewhere beyond the trees. Something moved in the undergrowth. Far off, a wolf howled.

Ailsa barely noticed.

Her dagger lay within reach should Fern try anything.

Dale muttered something under his breath and tore his gaze from their companion, scanning the trees beyond the firelight while one hand rested lightly on the dagger at his thigh.

“We don’t see many Shee in Braewall,” Ailsa replied after a lengthy pause.

Fern arched a brow, stripping the last meat from a pheasant bone. “Aye, well, there are plenty of us roaming the North these days.”

Ailsa shifted, discomforted by this admission.

Catching her reaction, Fern snorted softly and tossed the bone into the fire. It hissed as fat caught flame. Her gaze then flicked between them, measuring, before she glanced over at Rùn. The stallion whickered, swinging his head around to look at her.

Ailsa frowned. Had the pair of them just communicated?

Fern turned her attention back to the fire, her expression veiling.

“Who stuck you with an iron blade then?” Dale asked finally.

Fern glanced up, grimacing. “The bastards came out of nowhere at first light this morning.” She paused then. “I’d been following them the day before and thought I’d stayed hidden. I was wrong. They shouldn’t have been able to sneak up on me though … I must be losing my edge.”

Pulse quickening, Ailsa leaned forward. “Did you get a good look at them?”

“Aye. Warriors. Wearing black. Heavily armed and fast.” Fern paused then, her jaw tightening. “Too fast.”

Ailsa stilled. That sounded like them.

“What do you mean?” Dale asked with a frown.

“They don’t move like common men,” she replied. “They don’t hesitate. And they don’t tire easily. They nearly had me.”

Silence settled, pressing in before Dale shattered it. “Why were you following them?”

Fern shrugged. “A hunter’s instinct, I suppose. I spied them on the road ahead, and something didn’t feel right.” Her gaze flicked from his face to Ailsa’s. “You’re tracking them too, aren’t you?”

“They’ve taken someone,” Ailsa admitted, unable to hold it in any longer. “A woman with red hair. Did you see her?”

“I did.” Fern gave Ailsa a long, penetrating look. “What do they want with her?”

“We don’t know.”

Another silence followed before Fern pulled a face. “You’re both game, I’ll give you that … but you’re outmatched.”

Dale gave a rude snort.

“You underestimate us,” Ailsa replied stiffly. “We’ve tracked them this far, haven’t we?”

“Aye … but you haven’t faced them yet.”

“We’ll manage,” Dale answered.

Fern’s gaze flicked to him. She didn’t look impressed. “You’re tired. You’re already behind.” The challenge in her voice sharpened the air. “And I’d wager you have no plan beyond running at them in the dark and hoping for the best.”