Lost Creek Hollow The persuaded we

Breccan's uncertainty was replaced by a fledgling confidence as Treason acknowledged his thoughts, and then instructed him to take the lead as they tracked the deer. He nodded solemnly, taking this new responsibility very seriously, then turned his back to her and began to move forward again. Despite his inexperience, he still had enough common sense to know not to go charging full-tilt through the woods and accidentally alert their quarry to their presence.

So he trotted for a short distance, trying to keep his paws as quiet as possible, until the scent suddenly grew stronger. He drew to a halt then, one forefoot suspended in midair as he peered ahead. "I think we're getting closer," he whispered to Treason, and then continued on at a slower pace. Ahead, the trees opened up into something of a clearing, and when he paused again, he could make out the shape of the animal through the snowy underbrush. Without speaking, he looked at his mentor again, his heart thrumming with amateur excitement.