The next part of their journey would be the longest, riding through the Western Desert of Egypt and all the way across the country of Libya, to get to Tunisia. Moffitt hoped they had lost their pursuer and his Akhal-Teke for good, as days passed without any sign of him. Days passed with no sign of any other human beings, period. It was just him, Dietrich, and Anah, as well as the horses.
They often went several long hours without speaking to each other, taking in the eerie and almost oppressive solitude of the desert around them. Moffitt felt comfortable and uncomfortable at the same time. He knew much of that land by heart, but when they rode across places he had never been, a part of him felt lost and unsure. His compass, and Anah, assured him that they were still heading in the right direction—west. As long as they didn't stray too far south, they were certain to reach their destination.
Despite hoping they wouldn't run into any trouble, trouble seemed to find them. Dietrich nearly fell off Icepatch when he passed out from heat exhaustion. The mare managed to keep him on until Moffitt and Anah carefully took him, and set up their tent to start treating him. Anah wrapped herself around Dietrich's forehead and neck to heal him and bring his temperature down, while Moffitt gradually rehydrated the skinny German. It would delay them for sure, but Moffitt didn't care. Keeping his friend alive and healthy was more important.
"We caught it fairly early," Anah said. "I think he neglected his water intake a little too much."
"And we've been out in the sun for several days," Moffitt replied. "He'll be alright?"
Anah nodded. "He just needs to rest and drink water. It will be a few hours. You should rest as well, dear."
Moffitt didn't argue. He sat next to Dietrich, and took a drink from his canteen. "I know we're making progress, but it feels like we're… not."
"I wish there was something I could say that would help you feel better," Anah replied. "I apologize for having nothing."
"No, don't apologize. It's okay, Anah." Moffitt scratched the top of Anah's head, feeling the gentle, cooling energy that she was using to help Dietrich.
She looked tempted to go over to Moffitt, but kept herself firmly around Dietrich, tightening her coils a little.
"We'll be home soon," Moffitt said.
"We have a long way to go before then, dear. The further west we go, the closer we will get to the places where you and Dietrich will be revisiting many of your worst memories."
"I know, and I don't feel prepared for that."
"To be honest, neither am I. Beyond the temple, I do not wish to revisit certain places from the war."
Moffitt glanced at her. He had a feeling he knew which places.
Anah was silent for a moment. "The camp where you were being held, when you were going to be executed. I know it is gone now, but the fact that I could not help you haunts me to this day. I had to stay out, because of the prophecy. Were those photographs not taken of the pendant, things would not have been set in motion for our capture in Belgium over a year later."
"Troy mentioned that you were extremely aggressive toward the medics when I was brought back to base."
"Indeed I was, because I wanted to help somehow. Not being allowed to… I felt… so useless."
"You never told me that you felt useless afterward."
"No. I hid it, because I was trying to tell myself that had to happen. It most certainly had to happen, for the prophecy to play out as it needed to. My own… selfish desires… were not important."
"I wouldn't consider wanting to help and protect someone else to be selfish."
"It was, because I was so attached to you, emotionally, that for a second, I was willing to throw away the prophecy in order to keep you safe." Anah became quiet again. "Even though I know what the last chapter of the prophecy is, and that acting on such feelings would have devastating consequences. Having that knowledge prevented me from acting on those feelings."
"And, you still can't tell us what the last part of the prophecy is?"
"No." Anah looked down at Dietrich. "He must never know until the time comes. You will all know when the time comes, but that time will not come for a while."
Moffitt expected an answer like that, but he didn't argue with it.
"Do me a favor, Moffitt," Anah said, turning her attention back to him.
"Anything."
"I do not want Troy to know that I deliberately did not help you. After that incident, I… lied. I told him I could not do anything because of the risk that the Germans would kill you outright. Granted, that could have happened, but… in reality, I had the power to prevent that. I could have gotten you out before you were injured. If Troy were to find out, I am afraid it would destroy our relationship. He would go right back to assuming my purpose is about the prophecy and only the prophecy."
Moffitt touched Anah's head again. "I don't think you have to worry about that. Not anymore. Maybe a few years ago, but not now. He saw how you were acting in the infirmary—he was the one who had to pull you off of me while you were trying to bite the medics—and with everything that's changed between you two over the years, I highly doubt he'd just take all of it back. He's not like that."
"I still fear he will be angry."
"He might be a bit disappointed, but he has changed his mind on you. Better yet, he does genuinely care about you." Moffitt let out a sigh. "He has approached me in the past about… spending more time with you."
Anah frowned. "I told him not to."
"Oh, he knows, but he said he didn't like seeing you so upset over how I had been… ignoring you."
"I should not have been feeling that way. You should not have to sacrifice time with your wife for me."
"You realize we're doing that now, right?"
"I do, and I have been… torn about it since we left Britain."
Now it was Moffitt's turn to be quiet. "This was another thing that Troy and I talked about—your habit of assuming you're less important than anyone else, or that you don't deserve anything. We've been through similar motions with—" Moffitt looked at Dietrich. "You're not worthless, Anah. Nobody is." He gave her a sympathetic look. "Why do you feel like you have to put yourself down like that? Is it because your witch told you that you'd never amount to anything? Is there… more that we have yet to learn?"
Anah hesitated. "A familiar is supposed to be a piece of a witch or warlock's soul. They are not supposed to be capable of independent thought. I questioned my witch's actions, and I was met with… harsh responses. She told me never to speak again, for my 'flaw' could be seen as a flaw with her, her soul, and her capabilities with magic."
Moffitt wasn't sure he wanted to know what "harsh responses" meant. "I'm… so sorry."
"I spoke one last time, before being sealed in the temple. For that, I had my fangs pulled out."
Moffitt winced.
"It was more for defiance than for actually rendering me unable to bite. Snake fangs can grow back fairly quickly."
"Still… that must've been painful."
"It was, but I lived. I lived, and she did not. She could not have foreseen that everything she did to prevent the prophecy from taking place were futile, and despite what I was put through, her downfall was tragic. At times I wonder if I was merely the part of her soul that longed to do good. It makes no sense that I started thinking on my own, unless that was always going to happen. Perhaps I was never part of her soul. I know now that I have one of my own, but… is it truly mine, or just… the leftovers from my witch's innocence?"
"I don't think we'll ever know. I see you as your own… person, I guess. I mean, you aren't human, but you act like one. You're capable of creative thought, you feel love, fear, sadness, happiness. There's so much more to you than just what you used to be."
Anah smiled a little. "And this, right here, is why I chose you. The warmth of your heart, your depth, your compassion, love. It all added up to something beautiful that I knew would be better for me." Her smile faded. "That… sounded selfish. I did not want it to sound like I am using you—"
"You're not using me. Or anyone." Moffitt touched Anah's head again. "You've become a very good friend."
Anah nuzzled his hand, her smile finally returning. "Thank you, dear."
They remained in the tent for some time. Dietrich finally regained consciousness, and Moffitt helped him sit up slowly. Anah unwrapped herself from around his head, and slithered onto Moffitt, taking her usual place on his shoulders. Moffitt handed Dietrich his canteen. "You feeling any better?"
"A lot better," Dietrich replied. "Anah, I think I owe you one."
"You do not owe me a thing, dear," Anah said.
"If you say so." Dietrich looked at his watch. "Should we keep going, or set up camp here for the night? It is nearly three in the afternoon."
"We can keep going for a few hours, but we want to make sure you're alright to continue," Moffitt replied. "You can even have some of my water—"
"No. No, absolutely not. That is your water. I still have plenty."
"Alright."
The sun was still beating down on them as they left the tent. Dietrich walked around, testing his strength. Moffitt noticed Icepatch following him. She looked happy that he was okay, and trotted in front of him, giving Dietrich a somewhat rough nuzzle.
"They have been bonding quite well this trip," Anah said.
"They certainly have," Moffitt replied. "Icepatch is much friendlier than Snowstripe, I've noticed. She handles other riders better."
"Yes, but she has taken a rather special liking to Dietrich."
"You think so?"
"I do."
"Well, no one else has ridden her as much as he has. Even I haven't, which… I'm rather ashamed to admit."
"Snowstripe will always be your favorite horse, dear, there is no shame in admitting that."
"I know, but…" Moffitt sighed. "I do need to train with Icepatch more."
"Have you ever considered that maybe she was never meant to be your next horse? You care for her, obviously, however—" Anah looked over at where Dietrich was sitting next to Icepatch while she grazed, "I sense she is very happy with Dietrich."
"Is she unhappy with me? Have I done something wrong?"
"Oh, no, of course not, dear. That is just what makes her happy."
"Well, it takes more than happiness to care for a horse. Dietrich doesn't have the land or the money for even one."
"That is true. Maybe someday, though, and I think Icepatch is a good match for him."
"Let's see how the rest of the trip goes. Who knows? She might get sick of him."
"I do not see how anyone could become tired of Dietrich's presence."
Moffitt shrugged. "I haven't gotten sick of him. He's good company. No arguments, no complaining. I think he and I should travel together more often."
He took Dietrich getting in Icepatch's saddle when she was finished grazing to mean that the German felt ready to continue on their journey. Moffitt made sure their tent was folded properly and secured on Snowstripe before mounting the horse and ordering him to go forward, breaking into a trot to get alongside Dietrich. Moffitt slowed Snowstripe to a walk, so the horses were almost in step with each other. He occasionally glanced over at Dietrich and Icepatch. They really did work well together. He didn't feel envy that Icepatch was more receptive to Dietrich. Instead, he was glad that Dietrich had a horse that bonded to him.
They traveled an extra hour into the night to make up for time lost during the day to Dietrich's heat exhaustion, then they stopped to set up their tent and have some of their rations for dinner.
"I am looking forward to home-cooked meals when we return to Britain," Dietrich said.
"So am I, but I could eat these dates all day," Moffitt replied. "Especially if they had mascarpone in them." He moaned at the delicious memory. "Do you remember me telling you about my trip to Tunisia with Ghislain Janvier? I spent all my money on snacks and a vase to bring home to Mother. Oh, those dates were the closest thing to divinity you've ever tasted."
"I would argue Irena Hitchcock's pumpkin pie is the closest thing to divinity that I have ever tasted," Dietrich replied with a grin.
"As evident in the fact that you had half of the whole bloody pie that Thanksgiving."
"Half of one of the pies. I left the second one alone."
"Correct me if I am wrong, but did Irena make you a birthday cake this year?" Anah asked.
"She did."
"I get two cakes every year," Moffitt said. "One from Anah and one from Vanora. Not this year, though. I only got Anah's. Vanora wasn't feeling up to it. I certainly wasn't going to throw a fuss over it."
"You got my cake, but that was it," Anah added. "You spent your own birthday curled up with Vanora in the sitting room."
"You make it sound like my birthday was ruined."
"I did not mean for it to sound that way, but… it is your birthday, dear. I even offered to take you out to dinner."
"And I declined because I was taking care of my wife. Besides, you taking me out to dinner wouldn't be much. I'd be the only one eating, and you'd just sit there watching me."
"I would talk to you. That would be the nice part, especially since we had not done that in quite some time."
"Well, you have that time now," Dietrich said. "Enjoy it." He took a drink of water. "Are we ready to turn in for the night?"
"I suppose so," Moffitt replied. "Anah?"
The cobra nodded before flicking her tail, putting out the fire with a swift gust of wind.
A lantern had already been set up in the middle of the tent so neither of them bumped into each other while setting up their blankets. Dietrich was already laying under his, but he was staring upward at the top of the tent. Moffitt got under his blanket, and reached over to turn the lantern out before resting his head on the flat pillow he had brought. Anah curled up on his chest, and sighed with contentment before nuzzling Moffitt's chin. She then placed her head near his shoulder, falling asleep almost instantly.
Moffitt looked over at Dietrich, who was still wide awake. "You alright?"
"Just trying to get to sleep," Dietrich replied.
"Having trouble?"
"A little."
"Is there… anything I could do to help?"
"One part of me wants to say, 'stop talking,' but I doubt that will actually help." Dietrich turned to face Moffitt. "Are we going to wake Anah?"
"I doubt it. She sleeps like the dead when she's this comfy."
"Alright." Dietrich shifted to get comfortable. "When you were talking about the dates, you mentioned Ghislain Janvier. Did you ever find out what happened to him after you told us the story of the fox's paw?"
"No," Moffitt said. "I know I've told you I got back in contact with Aumeier and McKerras, but I've heard nothing about Janvier. I highly doubt he was welcomed back to France after the liberation, not unless he turned things around. Even then… he was probably punished severely. Maybe even killed."
"He may have never gone back to France. From what you told me, he sounds like he was an intelligent man. I doubt he was stupid enough to go back to a country that would have been happy to see him hung for working with the SS."
"You're probably right. Even after everything he put me through, I still see the young man who accompanied me and my father on expeditions when he studied at Cambridge for a while. It's… probably not worth it, trying to pretend there was still good in him, but so much time has passed that I don't know. Maybe. I'd like to think so." Moffitt gave Dietrich a sad look. "Am I a fool for trying to be hopeful?"
"No. You still care about him, and there is nothing wrong with that."
"He let his ambition get to his head. When I last saw him, I had tried to talk him out of getting the fox's paw for himself, and I never found out if he actually took my words to heart. I hope he did, but I can't imagine his life has been easy since then."
"Would you ever try to find him?"
"I don't know. Like I said, I don't know if it would be worth it."
"It might be, if only to let him know someone still cares. Believe me, that can go a long way."
Moffitt nodded. "I'm not sure where to start, though."
"Your father might know. Did you… ever tell him about what happened?"
"No. I wasn't sure how he'd take learning what Janvier had become."
"You should. I could even go with you, if you wish."
"I'd appreciate that, Dietrich, thank you."
"Not a problem." Dietrich moved onto his back, then glanced over at Moffitt. "Do you suppose… no, this could not be possible."
"What?" Moffitt asked.
"Could Janvier be the person following us?"
Moffitt snorted. "I doubt it. I'm not sure he liked me all that much when we last saw each other, but I don't think he'd go so far as to stalk me and shoot at me."
"I certainly hope not." Dietrich put his hands behind his head. "Good night, Moffitt."
"Good night, Dietrich."
The smell of tea brewing and eggs cooking gently pulled Dietrich from his sleep. He peered out of the tent, seeing Moffitt keeping watch over several eggs frying in a pan over a fire. "Where the hell did you get eggs?" Dietrich asked.
"I found goose eggs!" Moffitt said, rather proudly. "Couldn't resist."
"To be fair, neither would I if I found eggs." Dietrich found himself unable to suppress a yawn, and tried shaking the sleep from his head before getting a change of clothes from one of his bags.
"The tea's nearly ready." Moffitt gestured to the two cups with his spatula.
"I wish we had brought coffee," Dietrich muttered.
"Tea can do the same job, mind you."
"Not for me. I prefer a cup of good, strong coffee." Dietrich sat near the fire. If he couldn't have his coffee, at least he had his cigarettes. He pulled a pack from his pocket, along with his lighter. The smoke from his cigarette mixed with the smoke from the fire as the light gusts of wind carried them both away.
"At least Dietrich can actually make a cup of tea," Anah said, "unlike someone we all know."
"Troy," Moffitt and Dietrich said at the same time.
"Exactly," Anah replied. She went through some of Moffitt's rations. "I see my granola is going quickly."
"Your granola is very good, Anah," Moffitt said.
"I know. Dietrich was practically shoveling it in his mouth a few mornings ago."
"That's because you baked it together using honey. Honey attracts Dietrich about as much as it does bears."
"I guess that settles what he is getting for Christmas." Anah grinned. "I will send you a big jar of this granola, dear."
"Or you could just send him a jar of honey," Moffitt muttered.
"That, too."
Moffitt checked the tea one last time before handing one of the cups to Dietrich. "The good thing about today is that we'll hit an oasis village. We can stock up on food and water while we're there."
"Is this somewhere you've been before?" Dietrich asked.
"No, but it is on our map. We should reach it by this afternoon, maybe sooner if we eat fast and get an early start."
"You should not be eating fast, dear," Anah said. "Take your time. We will reach the oasis before the day is out."
"Oh, alright." Moffitt sighed. He served the eggs, and dug into his ravenously, much to Anah's disappointment.
"Do not come crying to me when your stomach cramps," Anah said.
"You would help anyway."
"Maybe I would not this time, because this would be your own stupid error."
"I know you, Anah. You love helping people feel better. You wouldn't be able to say 'no,' especially since it's me."
Anah glared at him. "Try not to take advantage of my kindness, dear."
"I won't."
They finished breakfast and tea and were heading west within the hour. Dietrich was much more conscious of his water, not wanting a repeat of the day before. Conversation was scarce for several hours. Dietrich stayed focused on his own hydration, but was also trying not to drink too much and use up all of his water. The sun beat down on them unopposed. Not a single shred of cloud could be seen. Dietrich followed Moffitt's example and used another piece of clothing as a hood to shield his head from the sun.
"I see the oasis, Dietrich!" Moffitt called.
Relief crashed over Dietrich. He and Moffitt goaded their horses into a trot. The sound of camels, goats, and other livestock mingled with Arabic shouting. A bearded man led a pair of Arabian horses in front of Moffitt and Dietrich's path. Moffitt watched them pass, and Snowstripe made it clear that he disapproved of Moffitt looking at strange horses.
Dietrich stopped Icepatch next to Moffitt. He looked over the oasis village, and despite the presence of water, the lush green of date palms and other tropical plants, and the abundance of food that could be seen in the market square, Dietrich felt as though there was something off. He leaned over to whisper, "I do not think we should stay here too long."
"I wasn't intending to," Moffitt replied. "Is something wrong?"
"I cannot say for sure, but I think we should be quick."
Moffitt nodded. "You know haggling with Arabs can be an all-day affair."
"I do," Dietrich sighed. "I will leave buying things to you. You are the expert, after all."
"Alright. You can keep a lookout while I get us some food and water."
Dietrich watched Moffitt's back and the horses while the desert-educated Englishman negotiated for food from the village's merchants. His blood suddenly chilled when he saw the rear of a white horse disappearing behind a building, but he quickly reminded himself that white horses weren't exactly an unusual sight. He tried to relax, especially when the horse, another Arabian, was led out to the square by an elderly man.
Eventually, Moffitt turned to Dietrich. "I've got enough to last us another few days. We'll save the rations we brought for when we run out of fruit."
"Sounds good," Dietrich replied.
"I'm going to try and get us some smoked meat."
"That would certainly be appreciated if you can get it."
"Then I will make my best effort," Moffitt said with a grin. He headed to another section of the market, and Dietrich was again on lookout. The strange feeling he had when they entered the village was still present. He kept glancing around, unsure of what he was looking for, but he had a feeling it was related to the mysterious stranger and his Akhal-Teke. Dietrich did his best to not look suspicious. He occasionally looked over at Moffitt, who was trying to lower the price of a side of smoked mutton that could last them a few days if cut small enough. Best not to interrupt.
Fortunately, Moffitt was able to get the meat, and wrapped it before putting it among his things on Snowstripe's saddle. "Alright, what's next on our—mascarpone-stuffed dates! Wait here!" Moffitt took off to another stand, leaving Dietrich with the horses.
Dietrich gave a look to both Snowstripe and Icepatch, and sighed. "Well, if it makes him happy, I do not see why not." He waited patiently for Moffitt, who returned with both a bag of stuffed dates and a few carrots for Snowstripe and Icepatch.
"Okay. I'll get more water for us, and then we'll be on our way," Moffitt said.
Once they had everything they needed, the two continued on their journey west. Moffitt didn't hesitate to snack on the dates when they made a stop to rest in the evening. "Not quite the same as I remember in Tunisia," he said. "Still very good. Here, try one."
Dietrich shrugged, and took one of the dates. He could see why Moffitt enjoyed them so much, but his preference would always be with more traditional treats. He still had three more, but as he got started on a fourth, his head started feeling light. I am probably dehydrated. Dietrich opened his canteen and took a long drink of water. When he lowered it, the lightheaded feeling persisted. His entire body began to feel heavy.
Moffitt was swaying as he walked, as if drunk. He struggled to stay upright, and then collapsed in the sand.
Dietrich tried going over to him, but he, too, was having trouble walking. There was something wrong with those dates. Damn it, were we poisoned?
"Moffitt!" Anah cried. "Dear, wake up!" She slithered over to Moffitt. "What is happening? Dietrich? No, not you, too!"
Inky blackness blotted Dietrich's vision. The heaviness continued pressing on him, as though someone was putting weight after weight on his shoulders. He collapsed as well, and the darkness shrouded him completely. The last sound he heard was Anah crying and begging Moffitt to wake up.
Moffitt struggled to wake up. The sand was warm against his face. He felt like his body had been filled with lead weights. He tried pushing himself up, only to fall back down into the sand. His recollection of what happened was blurry as his brain was waking up several paces behind his body. The sun was well above the eastern horizon behind him, which told him he must have been unconscious for the whole night.
His body continued to fight as Moffitt attempted to get up onto his knees. He considered it an achievement to finally sit up, and looked around as a headache viciously pierced his skull. Dietrich was also trying to get up, though he had a slightly easier time. They both said nothing as they allowed their bodies to wake up at their own pace, then Dietrich finally said, "The dates were drugged."
"You're positive it was the dates?" Moffitt asked.
"What else could it have been? You were stumbling around like a drunk after eating several of them."
"Fair point. We didn't have anything else, did we?"
"No."
"Do you think the vender was the one who drugged them?"
"How am I supposed to know?"
"Well, we can always ask—Anah?" Moffitt looked around. "Anah? Anah!" He forced himself to stand. "Anah!" He couldn't see any sign of the cobra.
"Maybe she went to get help," Dietrich said.
"The nearest settlement is the village. She would've been back by now if we were unconscious through the night." Moffitt resumed calling for Anah. He reached into his shirt to use his pendant, and cold horror overtook him when he found his neck was bare apart from his scarf. "The pendant is missing! Someone stole my pendant!"
Dietrich stood and started looking through both of their belongings. "Nothing else was stolen."
Moffitt went over to Snowstripe, noticing the horse's heavy eyelids as he stood up shakily from his own sleep. Icepatch was acting in a similar manner.
"Did you give them the carrots?" Dietrich asked.
"I did," Moffitt said.
"Those were probably drugged, too. There is no way the horses would have let someone get away with stealing Anah or your pendant."
"How could anyone steal Anah?!" Moffitt couldn't believe that just came out of his mouth.
"Only one person in the past was even remotely successful at subduing Anah, even if it was temporary—Augenstein."
"Yes, but Augenstein's dead."
"The Sorcery Division had hundreds, if not thousands of members. It is possible someone learned from Augenstein."
"Do you think a former Sorcery Division member is who's been following us?"
"I would not rule it out."
Moffitt struggled fighting the panic rapidly building in his chest. He stroked the drowsy Snowstripe's mane. "When we find whoever did this to you and Icepatch, I'll punch them in the nose."
"Save some punching for me," Dietrich said. "I did not appreciate having my food drugged."
"You'll have your chance. If Anah hasn't already bitten them."
"I imagine someone who would go to the trouble of taking Anah would have taken precautions to prevent being bitten."
"True, but Anah's smart. She won't stay captive for long." Moffitt sat in the sand. "I just hope she's alright."
Dietrich nodded in agreement. "We will find her." He held out his hand when Moffitt tried standing up. "Take it easy. Make tea if you want."
"I can't have breakfast when I know Anah's in trouble."
"We will find her. Besides, I doubt she will be happy if she finds out you skipped a meal to rescue her."
"You do know her." Moffitt sighed. "Alright. Keep an eye on the horses."
It was still difficult for Moffitt to eat and have his tea. He was in shock that someone managed to take Anah and the pendant, and desperately wanted to know why. Probably someone like Augenstein—they want Anah's power. Was that the whole reason we were being stalked on the ship? Someone was after Anah? Why would they send the snake head? A threat? Moffitt absentmindedly stirred his tea. This trip is quickly turning into a disaster. We never should have done this.
"Are you alright?" Dietrich asked.
"We never should've done this," Moffitt said.
"Done what?"
"Taken this trip. Anah wouldn't have been kidnapped. We wouldn't be running for our lives from this mysterious lunatic."
"I still believe undertaking this journey will be important for us. Besides, now we cannot turn back, as we have to find and rescue Anah."
Moffitt nodded. A choking feeling rose in his throat. "Hopefully, it won't take us long. I don't want to miss the birth of my child."
Dietrich sat next to him. "We will find her long before we need to worry about getting you home in time for your child's arrival."
"How can you be certain?"
"I am not, but I will remain hopeful." Dietrich picked up his own tea. "It never ends well when you lose hope."
"No." Moffitt rubbed his face. "We have to find Anah. I'm not leaving her. That would be her worst nightmare come true."
"I doubt Vanora would appreciate you abandoning Anah, either."
"She wouldn't."
"So, we are going to find Anah."
"Yes, we are." Moffitt drew in a breath. "We'll find Anah, no matter what it takes."
Moffitt and Dietrich went easy on the horses as they walked the sleeping drug out. They were both glad that was all that had been done, and further relief came over Moffitt when Snowstripe acted eager to keep going.
"Do you smell Anah?" Moffitt asked. "Can you lead us to her?"
Snowstripe nudged Moffitt toward his saddle.
"You're going to lead us to Anah?"
Snowstripe nudged him again.
"Okay. Lead us to Anah." Moffitt climbed into the saddle. He looked over his shoulder, seeing Dietrich giving Icepatch one last check before climbing into her saddle. Once they were ready, Snowstripe took off without Moffitt's prompting. Moffitt really hoped that Snowstripe knew what he was doing, but he had learned in the past never to doubt his horse. More often than not, the horse was right, so Moffitt put his full trust in Snowstripe, hoping and praying that they would find Anah alright.
