Jacob hunched down. There was an extra chill in the air, even as close to the fire as he was. It must be nearing dawn, the predawn chill. He was grateful for it. It kept him alert. Movement in the trees signaled the end of his vigil.
Once again he stood, his stance wide, ready to spring. Another of the beasts wanted to meet death at his hands and he was more than happy to grant that wish.
Longclaw strode out of the woods upright. He was a foot taller than Jacob, and broader at the shoulders. The long arms stretched out in claws that were a mockery of a human's, yet they were much deadlier. Longclaw snarled at him, saliva dripping to the ground as the lips pulled back from the gnashing teeth.
Jacob moved the long-bladed knife back and forth from one hand to the other, his tense nervousne
