Redsand Canyon the day pressed on like crushing weights

Huh. Who could have guessed that the haughty, holier-than-thou Donovan would no longer be running the show as ringleader of the Saints? No matter. Nyra was a bigger target even than Donovan in Aventus' eyes. If she also happened to be the head of the operation, that only meant he could kill two birds with one stone.

The boy didn't notice the pleasure that his ignorance brought to Tuur. In fact, he didn't much notice Tuur at all. The other was still beneath him, an annoying scrap of fur with no merit of its own. That he provided information Aventus might otherwise not have about how small the Saints were brought him up only a smidge in the bear wolf's estimation. Likely, nothing Tuur ever did would earn Aventus' regard, not that he wanted it.

A quick glance was all Aves gave, and a promise: I did not see you here. You have my word. Then with smooth strides he retraced his steps back the way he came, hoping to rendezvous with Arielle before encountering any stray Saints.