I came awake with a start. Cool air wafted over my face, and I wondered if I had fallen asleep outside, as I had planned. I had the strangest dream…
Warmth seeped into me—thick fur under my cheek. I wanted to lie there and let the heat carry me back to sleep.
The pillow rose and fell. It was breathing.
I sat up and stared into the eyes of a wolf.
I jerked back, a scream clogging my throat.
“No, lass,” said a gruff voice. “It’s all right.” The bearded warrior crouched close, hand outstretched as if to calm me.
The wolf came to its feet and I froze.
“Where am I?” I croaked. “What has happened?”
The bearded warrior bent back over the pile of sticks, flint stone in his hand. “We’re in the bowels of a hill. A cave we found by following the river. The Grey Men do not like water.” He lit
