Redsand Canyon forbicina

"They did not harm me," she reassures, noticing the creases that morph Ajaw's face, "in fact, they did not speak." Not even the common tongue. But their body language had been voice enough.

"I suppose they are warriors, like Tikal," she adds in response. The mother-to-be certainly, and the large male perhaps was even bigger than Ajaw. "But I am unsure of their numbers, three at least threatened me - one with child." It pains her slightly to potentially endanger the unborn, but she knows it is important Ajaw is informed.

The realisation that Tikal could very well be surrounded concerns her more than the encounter with the lake wolves - she wonders if he too is beginning to see the bigger picture.

Gold eyes meet his winterbourne ones. "What will Ajaw do about Tikal's neighbours?"