A Cast of Shadows: An Araneae Nation Story Read Online Free PDF Page A

between them. “He was my blood brother.”
    Brynmor blinked. He hadn’t realized that. After living together for so long, the pack smelled much the same. The brothers hadn’t resembled one another. Each canis differed in coloring and temperament. Errol lacked Scipio’s white paw and Scipio had lacked Errol’s spirit and his vigor.
    “Then I’m doubly sorry for your loss.” There was nothing more he could say.
    Errol bobbed his head once before angling his snout upward to pinpoint the sun’s location.
    Precious few hours remained before nightfall. “What would you have us do?”
    He turned pensive. “You found no scent trail?”
    “No.” Brynmor tapped alongside his nose. “The hunters are covering their tracks well.”
    “Why would they bother?” a familiar voice had Errol’s lips curling away from his teeth.
    “Daraja,” Brynmor breathed. He fisted Errol’s scruff before twisting around.
    “That is my name.” She inclined her head. “I still don’t have yours.”
    She held a spear in one hand and a wiggling pup in the other. Jana .
    “She has Jana.” A growl choked Errol. “What has she done with Karenna?”
    “Why did you come back?” Did the female lack all sense of self-preservation?
    “I was on my way…” Her sentence drifted unfinished. “It doesn’t matter where, the point is, I was at the river when two males arrived and pitched something in the water.” Color rose in her cheeks. “I admit it, I was hiding. I didn’t see them or see what they did, but there was blood near their footprints in the sand and I saw a body in the river.” She hefted Jana. “And there was this.”
    His worst fears were realized. “Can you lead us to where you found the pup?”
    “It would put me headed back in the right direction.” Daraja shrugged. “I suppose I could.”
    Loosening his fingers a fraction, Brynmor tugged on Errol’s fur to get his attention. “I know you don’t trust Daraja, but she did return Jana. If we hurry, we might find Karenna in time to—”
    “It would be too late. If Karenna lived, she would be the one carrying her pup into our midst and not this female.” Errol vibrated under his hand. “Karenna may be past saving, but Jana…”
    “The pup is not in need of saving.” Brynmor leaned back so Errol got an eyeful of Jana nipping Daraja’s chin as Daraja laughed and spluttered. “It looks like Jana has made a friend.”
    “So it seems.” He relaxed a bit. “Karenna must have hidden Jana before the hunters came.”
    Brynmor agreed. “Jana wouldn’t be so playful if she knew about her mother or father.”
    “It seems I owe the female a debt of gratitude,” Errol groused. “I will not harm her.”
    “He looks less inclined to rip out my throat,” Daraja said. “Keep doing what you’re doing.”
    Amusement tugged at the corners of Brynmor’s mouth. “Despite the fact you returned to this land after I warned you not to trespass again, you did save Jana. For that I am thankful. So is he.”
    “I didn’t save her.” Daraja ruffled the fur on top of Jana’s head. “I just let her tag along.”
    Since she seemed uncomfortable with his praise, Brynmor didn’t push the matter.
    “I don’t suppose you overheard anything that might help us identify the hunters?” he asked.
    “They didn’t say much.” Her lips pursed. “They mentioned being home before dawn.”
    “Gods damn them.” Brynmor scowled. “I had wondered…”
    “Ah. I see.” Daraja’s gaze sharpened. “You think the hunters are Mimetidae.”
    He stared at her.
    “Cathis is the nearest city,” she explained. “If the hunters expected to be home before dawn, after a night of hunting, it’s the most logical choice.” While his frown deepened, she elaborated, “You mentioned the males covered their scent tracks. I assume that also includes the kill sites?”
    “Kill site .” He gestured she should continue.
    “If the canis are as precious to your paladin as you say,” she