The weather had chilled considerably since Raoul and his companions had climbed out of the wholesome protection of the great forest. Used to the climate, Raoul had packed most of his heavier clothes away – at least the clothes he had knowingly packed. A lot seemed to have been misplaced as they rushed to keep ahead of the army that they were sure was pursuing them from the tribe"s former encampment. Raoul kept what he had close to him in a leather satchel he had managed to purloin, never losing sight of it. His focus stone he never let out of its pouch in his pocket, and unconsciously checked almost constantly that the golden marble was resident in its proper place. The heavy leather cloak he wore dragged him down at first, but now, he was used to its weight, and thankful indeed.
As the w
