‘Very little save that the wolves are late because they were attacked by some winged creature called a rhenling that travels and hunts at night and eats flesh. It must have been very quick and ferocious for two of the pack died.’ A chill shivered through me at the realisation that there might be more of the creatures lurking about, but surely the wolf would not lead us onto the plain if that were a possibility. Especially when it was so dark a day. No doubt the rhenlings laired in the mountains and would not venture onto the poisoned plain beyond.

‘Maybe it was one of these rhenlings that took Moss’s body,’ Swallow said, lowering his voice and glancing around to make sure Analivia was not near. ‘More than one, if they travel in pairs or family groups. If they flew off with him it would explain the lack of tracks. Did he say anything of the journey ahead?’

‘He said that we have to reach the worst tainted ground before sunrise tomorrow,’ I said, turning to mount Gahltha.

‘Why sunrise? Is it because the wolves shun the day and need time to find shelter?’

‘I would reckon so but Rheagor didn’t say. What he did say is that we must make haste,’ I said, reaching down to haul Analivia up behind me.

Chapter 28

28

Thus began our ride across Blacklands that stretched bleakly, starkly east and north as far as my eye could see. The sky seemed to sag under the weight of heavy yellow-tinged clouds that roiled constantly without giving way to even a beam of sunlight. There was not a tree or plant or blade of grass growing anywhere, and barely a hill or hollow to break the endless scouring wind. All was grey and black under a dark sky reflected in water lying here and there, more like to puddles than pools.

Behind us, growing ever smaller, were the mountains, running north out of sight, black and jagged as rotten teeth. The wolf pack stretched out across the darkness like a long white and grey trail of smoke, and I followed behind on Gahltha with Analivia behind me, Darga loping at our heels. Sendari came behind the dog with Dragon on her now battered travois, still and lifeless as a wax doll. Maruman had chosen to ride with her, and he was curled up alongside her head in a bright nest of hair. Dameon rode behind them on Faraf, and Rasial and Gavyn came behind them, afoot, for the boy had refused to mount any of the horses. Swallow brought up the rear with Ahmedri on Falada. It was the tribesman who had suggested allowing the boy to run as he wanted, saying that when he was weary he would soon enough change his mind about riding.