After lunch, Randy set out once more to search for a new settlement. This time, he left behind a stone axe and a pistol. Adela wasn't skilled with the pistol, and Melia had never even touched one, but just having the gun around was enough of a deterrent. It could solve many problems without ever needing to fire a shot—especially when it came to Andrew and Bonnie's group.
Before leaving, Randy gave Adela the task of butchering the remaining wolf meat. She'd grown much more proficient at it, and he felt confident leaving it in her hands.
Heading out again, Randy chose the direction opposite the footprints. The tracks led northwest, likely toward the savages' tribe, so Randy decided to go northeast instead.
As he stepped into the uncharted terrain, Randy moved with extreme caution. His pri
