“It is her!” shouted Mistake as HawkShadow and StarWind turned and stared at the carozit.

“She must be my sister,” Mistake continued excitedly. “I want to meet her now. Take me to her.”

HawkShadow nodded in amazement. He immediately turned to the west and headed for the forest. StarWind and Mistake followed him. HawkShadow led them into the forest until he found a suitable clearing. He dismounted and immediately moved towards Mistake to help her off the choka.

“I don’t need help getting down,” Mistake scowled as she slid to the ground.

“Do not let your emotions cloud your judgment,” warned HawkShadow. “The choka is not yet used to you. He can shred your skin swifter than an army of knives. Those talons are sharper than any blade.”

Mistake ignored HawkShadow and peered into the woods. She turned in a complete circle. Her face clouded over with concern when she did not see anyone.

“Why have we stopped here?” questioned Mistake. “MistyTrail is not here. Please take me to her.”

“Patience, little one,” smiled HawkShadow. “She will be here shortly. She must make sure that this is not a trap.”

“But surely she knows you and StarWind?” frowned Mistake. “Why would she think that you would trap her?”

“She does not know you,” StarWind pointed out. “MistyTrail knows what the procedures are for incursions into the Sakova. She takes her obligations seriously. Have patience, Mistake.”

Mistake pouted as she fiddled with her short brown hair. She straightened her clothes and brushed off the trail dust as her eyes continually scanned the forest around them.

Several minutes later, Mistake saw a brown blur dash from one tree to another not far outside the clearing. A knife reflexively slid into her hand from its arm sheath. She concentrated on the tree where she had last seen the movement, but she could see nothing.