“Aye, you'll know us next time,” Melcorka said. “And I'll know you!”
“Enough of this!” Striding forward, Bradan swung his staff. It hissed through open air as the grey men replaced their hoods. Every time Bradan took a step, they withdrew the same distance, until Bradan swore and returned to Melcorka.
“They're too elusive even to follow. Shall we get started?”
Melcorka nodded. “If we start now we might get to the head of the pass before dark.” She returned Defender to her scabbard. “Keep alert for these cat creatures or the grey men.”
The trail led into the pass, where bare granite slopes rose on either side of a narrow, steep path. Wisps of mist slithered along the upper slopes, now revealing, now concealing a ragged ridge of uneven rock.
“Not much cover here,” Melcorka said. “Nowher
