‘When this is over, perhaps we will return,’ Tarrian concluded.
The words struck Antyr like a spear thrust. He knew that Tarrian was, above all, a free spirit; he could, and would, do as he wished. Yet Antyr had never even contemplated being without his Companion. The joy faded and he went suddenly cold inside. But reassurance came, though unasked for.
‘Just a fancy,’ Tarrian said. ‘A human trait we’ve picked up. Don’t fret. It’s only humans who live in the past and the future. We live here, in the present. All futures are unknown.’
Antyr made no reply except to stroke the wolf’s upturned head.
‘How did you come here together?’ he asked, in spite of himself.
‘Who can say?’ Tarrian replied. ‘We parted in the wilds as we became wolves again and gathered and guided our own packs. But who
