They traveled the whole day again without stopping. The weather was holding good for them. Being under the canopy of trees shielded them from the heat of the sun, yet they had just enough light to see around them. As they came upon water twice before dark, they stopped long enough to replenish their supply and let the horse drink his fill. Even Layford and Miakoda took the time to rest, though they were all on alert.
Brenna noticed the sun lowering. Being in the woods the darkness descended much quicker. As she looked out ahead of her for a sign of Slaton or Layford, a noise off to the side grabbed her attention. She stiffened and held her breath not knowing what would appear from the underbrush where the noise came from. She only released her breath when she saw a small mouse scurry acr
