Thorn swung down from the saddle. The woman behind him followed. For a moment, all four stood in silence, measuring one another. Then he saw them clearly. Each one carried her own kind of strength.
The tall one with turquoise beads. Her eyes were deep, unflinching, like they could read straight through a man. The second stood grounded and strong, her frame built for survival, hands shaped by work and hardship. The third, youngest, held a quiet, softness. Though the faint scar on her cheek spoke of trials she'd already faced.
Outside, the ashen howlers circled, searching for another way in. Thorn exhaled slowly. They'd find it. Sooner or later. But he knew something they didn't.
You're standing on Halona's circle land now, he said low, pointing toward the distant northern ridges. If you make it there, you live. The woman with the turquoise beads gave a sharp nod, speaking quickly in her tongue. The others straightened, ready. Then she turned back to him, her voice rough but clear in broken Spanish.
Thank you, cowboy, she said, her voice steady despite the danger closing in. I am Halona. They my sisters. She gestured first to the strong-built woman. Bidzial.
Then to the youngest. Ayana. Thorn Kessler, he answered, tipping his hat low. And don't thank me yet. We ain't out of this.
The shouts of the ashen howlers were getting louder. They were closing in, finding the path. Thorn's mind raced. His horse couldn't carry four people. Not with that kind of speed.
Not with death riding right behind them. They needed something else. His eyes lifted, scanning the towering stone around them. Ledges. Cracks.
Narrow holds carved by time itself. A risky thought sparked. You girls climb? He asked, nodding upward. They followed his gaze and didn't hesitate.
Of course they could. They were circle people. These cliffs were as familiar to them as breath. Then climb, Thorn said quickly. I'll draw them off.
I'll lead them away from here. Once it's quiet, you come down and head north. Don't stop. Not for anything. You keep moving till you hit Halona's circle land.
Halona didn't move right away. She studied him. Her dark eyes searching his face. Something flickered there. Something deeper than fear.
Something he couldn't quite name. Why? She asked softly. You not one of us? Thorn gave a small shrug.