Sparring became a part of the morning routine that week. Whether with Zen or Natani, Barret slowly grew in skill. He rarely got a hit in, but became more adept at dodging blows, enough that it took a minute to take him down at least. The days grew ever colder still, and they knew winter would be there soon. They had come so far, and knew the end was in sight. The sky was clear and blue, the wind blew a chilly, though refreshing breeze. Their road was mostly downhill, making it easy and quick.

Flora became more and more giddy every day. She talked with Trace about what she wanted to do once they were finally married. The two of them often lagged behind, but never strayed too far, and no one else really seemed to mind. The six of them had been traveling together for a month at that point, and understood that they needed time alone. Natani and Keith kept exchanging glances too, and blushing when they caught each other's eye. Zen and Barret often talked about hunting, food, combat techniques, and kept everyone moving forward.

Lyn'Knoll was only a few days away now. They sat around the fire in the evening, happily talking, when Barret stood up. "I have something to say, if I can have you listen for just a minute." Quiet settled as eyes turned to him. "I wanted to thank you lot. You are the first people in years to show me kindness. I've not been this happy in over a decade, and I've been trying to work up the courage to tell you all. I have come to the conclusion that you are family to me. I can't imagine anyone else I would like to travel with. I'm not sure if we'll stay together once we reach Lyn'Knoll or leave and go our separate ways, but I want you all to know that this past month has been one of the happiest I've ever had. If we end up parting ways, then I hope we get to travel together again someday."

"I'm glad you see us as family." Trace said as Barret sat down. "I know it was hard for you to trust us, me especially. It's never easy to open up to someone. If you had said we were just friends, that would have made me happy, but that you see us as family, that's truly special."

"You'll always be welcome wherever we are." Natani said, putting her arms around Keith and Zen. "You're part of our 'tribe' now!"

"The day we part ways will be a sad day indeed." Flora said with a smile. "Before you leave for good, you had better at least say goodbye."

Barret smiled and chuckled. "I promise, if my path leads somewhere else, I will not leave without saying goodbye to every one of you. Your kindness, your presence, your fellowship has given me joy like I've never felt before. I'm glad our paths crossed. Fate may have a sense of humor, but I for one am glad." Dusk turned to night, and they dispersed to their tents. Barret propped his bag against a tree, and slept on the ground near the fire. He dreamed of a family, one of his own. Not of just Ishtaer, but one with his friends by his side, one where he was never going to be alone again.

SNAP

Suddenly wide awake, Barret's eyes flew open. Something was nearby. A deer? No, they wouldn't get this close to a camp. His eyes scanned the campsite, watching for movement. Nothing. Slowly, sleep crept back into his eyes, and he laid back down, still vigilant, but resting calmly.

SNAP

He hadn't even fallen asleep yet. This time, his left hand flew to his bag, pulling out a hunting knife as he sat up. He settled into a low crouch, and put his back to the fire, slowly circling it, watching the trees for movement. "I heard you." He growled in a carrying whisper. "I know you're there. Come closer, I'll show you how to skin something and leave the pelt intact!"

"You're a huntah?" A deep whisper to his left caused him to whirl around. A shadowy blob moved just beyond the edge of the camp. As it stepped forward, Barret saw a cloaked figure, with a brown snout poking out from under it, a slender tail swished behind. He raised his knife, and wished he had his bow. Barely at the edge of the light of the dying fire, the figure stopped. A longbow was in their hand, and a quiver slung over their back.

"I'd turn around now if I were you." Barret gripped the knife tighter.

"Sorry mate, didna mean to scare ya. Just out huntin meself, saw da light of a dyin fire, figured I oughta go 'n investigate. Makes trackin difficult, shadows move too much." The man spoke with a backwoods drawl.

"What sort of hunter tracks at night?" Barret moved around the fire, keeping his eyes locked on the man.

"I hunt at night. Makes it more o' a challenge, eh? Er'rything is on high alert at night, means ya need ta be extra careful. Truly, didn't mean ta scare ya. Then, didn't expect to find anyone else out here. Whereabouts you lot headed, if I might ask?"

"Mind your own business."

"Tha way I sees it, ya'lls is most likely headed for Lyn'Knoll. Well, still a few days out from the city, but ya should make it in time. The frost sets in early in the shadow of them mountains, gonna make my job much harder once it does. If you aint going to the city, I'd recommend stopping in anyways, could get some much needed supplies. Ah, listen to me ramblin' again. I'll leave ya to it. Get some rest. Oh, and chuck anotha log on that there fire. Gonna get colder tonight before it gets warmer." The man backed away from the light of the fire, and out of Barret's line of sight. For several long minutes, he watched the woods, listening for footsteps, waiting for him to come back. But nothing. The man was gone.

Slowly, his muscles relaxed, and Barret tossed another small log on the fire to keep it burning until morning. Pulling his bag closer to the fire, Barret sheathed his knife, and laid down, slowly falling into an uneasy, dreamless sleep.

...

The Hunter looked at the ground. The prints were fresh indeed. Pulling aside some underbrush, he looked closer. Six sets. They had come from the west, and had been for some time. One set looked strange though: small, yet deep. Surely this one was carrying the weight of two. And those two sets, they were nearly identical, save a slight limp in the left leg of one of them. One set he hadn't seen in a long time, surely there was a reason though. That set was wearing boots, and this one…

This one was the hunter.

He had found his prey.