"The man who hired us expects to see proof that we carried out our assignment." "I will kill the wolf," the druid repeated. "Not because you say it is necessary, but because the wolf may teach the rest of his pack to start hunting humans." "You'll protect people?" Forras asked, gazing at the elf druid in open distrust. "Not people," the druid admitted. "The wolves. If the wolf that has done this teaches his pack to yearn for human blood, they won't live long. Warriors will hunt them out of fear, or if the gold is right. There could be good traits-size, strength-that the wolf leader and his pack could pass on to the next generation if they're allowed to live. I won't have that chance lost if I can prevent it." Tethys and Forras cursed belligerently. "Don't act like you're doing us a damn favor," Tethys snarled. "It would be easier for me," the druid stated, "to kill all of you than to kill the wolf." The lantern light flickered in the silence that followed the elf's words. Druz knew the warriors among the group would have a hard time accepting the challenge that the druid's mere presence offered, much less the sting left by the elf's words. "What will it be?" the druid asked. The warriors shifted. Arvis spoke next, his voice hollow and filled with fear. "Kord, I am tiring." His blood seeped slowly down the druid's scimitar. The druid held his position. "Let him go after the wolf," Kord said. "You don't speak for all of us," Forras said. Kord turned to the smaller man, who wasn't small at all. "I will in this matter, or I will stand with the druid." "Against your own?" Tethys asked. "I've fought with you, Kord-you and your brother. I can't believe that you would-" "If we live," Kord interrupted, "we'll have the chance to fight together again." "He won't kill Arvis," Tethys replied, glaring at the druid. "He won't dare. He knows we'll track him down." "Track a druid?" Druz said. The tone of her voice mocked them. "I've been told that even rangers can't track druids through their homelands." She took a step toward Tethys.