Tolya studied the Wolf. <Are you alone?> Some Wolf packs had been wiped out completely, but in other places, a few of the Wolves survived.

The Wolf slanted a glance at Stewart Dixon. <The ranchers who live around us don’t like those HFL humans, so my pack wasn’t attacked. Besides, the Wolves sometimes hunt elk with Stewart Dixon to bring down enough meat to feed both our packs. He is not an enemy.>

So there were some alliances between Others and humans. Perhaps those alliances could be expanded. After all, the ranches between Bennett and Prairie Gold still had animals but no humans, and Tobias Walker and the hands at the Prairie Gold ranch couldn’t deal with so much on their own. But if the work—and the profits—could be split with ranchers who were already trusted by terra indigene, they might be able to tend all the herds and keep the cattle alive until they were needed for meat.

Tolya looked at Stewart Dixon. “You have come to town for supplies?”

“I was hoping to get some of what’s available.”

“Jesse Walker is handling the stores today.” Tolya offered a smile. “Some of us are wearing many hats right now. That is the phrase?” He knew quite well it was the proper phrase, but the question put the man at ease.

“That’s the phrase.” Stewart rubbed the back of his neck. “Well, I’m looking for gas and grub. Those are the immediate needs.” A blush stained his checks. “And some female things for the wife and daughters.”

Tolya wondered if the man was usually uncomfortable speaking of such things or if it was something that wasn’t talked about with strangers. Interesting. He would ask Jesse Walker. “I think we can accommodate all of those needs. Follow me.”

As he led Stewart Dixon and the Wolf into the store, a howl rose from the train station—and was answered by Stewart’s companion.

We are here, keeping watch. We are here.

As the Wolves’ reassurance filled the air, the earthy tang and odd silence that had filled the town square faded away and headed for the untouched land beyond the town.

To: Vladimir Sanguinati

Barb Debany arrived in Bennett and is settling in. Her brother supplied labels and stamps. We supplied postcards and stationary as a welcome gift. She was more excited about being given the use of a horse than she was about the postcards.

—Tolya

Dear Michael,

I’ve been working all the daylight hours since I arrived because so many small animals need care until I find new homes for them. I’m living at a boardinghouse, see address below. Will write more later. Love to Mom and Dad. Barb.

P.S. They gave me a horse!

CHAPTER 55

CHAPTER 55

Sunsday, Sumor 17

Meg smiled at Simon and Vlad.

“There is something behind that smile,” Vlad said.