“The conditions in the mine provide the ideal nesting place for varakiana, but I’ve never seen any. That doesn’t mean they’re not there. As you remember, they have no discernable scent. They may be much cleverer than we give them credit for.”
I stood up and stretched. “I think we should pay this area a visit to see if it’s suitable for my purposes.”
Danny stood and held out his hands, recovered fully from the ordeal of showing me his true feelings.
I grinned at him. “I’ll give you a five second head start.”
He laughed. “Are you sure you know where to go?”
I pointed to the ground. “Map, remember. I can see perfectly well where I need to go.”
Without warning Danny started to move.
“No fair,” I called out. “I’m supposed to start counting before you leave.”
He laughed and was gone.
“D
