Moonspear Take me home

Elwood's anxiety increased the further they traveled without a sign of Finley. He started to wonder if Roz had misled them, though he couldn't think of any reason why she would do that. Perhaps Finley had gathered some strength and managed to move a bit. That unleashed a whole new series of worries in his mind -- what if she had a head injury and couldn't remember how to get home? She could have gone in a different direction, which would explain why they hadn't yet come across her scent.

He swallowed hard, forcing himself to focus on the task at hand. It wouldn't do to dwell on the negative possibilities. He called out every few seconds, snapping his mouth shut each time and forcing his ears forward in hopes of hearing a response. Wildfire suddenly gestured for him to be quiet, and he obliged, his heart hammering in his chest. There it was -- they could barely hear the strained notes of Finley's weak voice.

The young outrider sprang forward and her uncle followed, racing with reckless abandon up a rocky trail. He kept pace with her, remaining a stride behind as they turned sharply. The path led them directly to Finley and Elwood gasped, his breath lodging in his throat. She was slumped on the ground and Wildfire rushed to her. Elwood hung back for a moment, taking in her worn, damaged figure. She looked thin and her coat had lost its luster, but more than that, there were lacerations on her face, neck, and shoulder. His stomach heaved as guilt consumed him -- why had he let her leave in the first place? -- and then, as if on autopilot, his paws carried him to her. He lowered himself to the ground next to her with a whine. "We're going to take you home, Fin," he said quietly, knowing that it would be a monumental undertaking.