Firestone Hot Springs mystline

Ame curtly corrected her, explaining that she hadn't learned new skills, per se, but had left home with a full repertoire in simple need of sharpening. Koontz's ears flicked backward slightly, in a subtle gesture of apology, and nodded to acknowledge a better understanding.

"I've also been forced to sharpen my hunting skills," Koontz related. She didn't want to continue pitching to Ame, so she ignored the renewed opportunity and simply lightly pointed out, "If you were to join a pack, it would likely free up more of your time, as you wouldn't have to focus on mere survival as much." She paused, then added, "You're right that it's a peaceful place—now. It's good to be prepared in case that ever changes. In my experience, it can change literally overnight," Koontz mused.

"Well, I don't like to force my pack down anybody's throat but know that, with your skills, you'd be welcome in Dragonwatchers. You still have a few weeks before the weather starts taking a turn for the worse," the yearling said, pale, shrewd eyes narrowing to scan the horizon as if reading a weather forecast there. In fact, she was. She wasn't nearly as skilled as her father but she knew a thing or two. "I predict the first snow will fall no later than the first week of November."