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Maps lay open on the long table in the war alcove. Shadeclaw stood at the head, finger on a charcoal line that marked the eastern trees. Silvershadow traced circles where water broke the sand. Vexor, Shale, Flint, and Needle leaned in, gear strapped, eyes clear.
"Report," Kai said.
Shadeclaw lifted his chin. "The left flank was quiet," he said. "Tracks of some sand lizards and some dune hare. No heavy prints. No ash. No cut grass woven by hands."
Silvershadow tapped the right flank. "Here we found a wide bend where something large slid through the brush, maybe two or three nights ago," he said. "The path is old now. The trail goes north and fades on rock. Could be a great snake. Could be a log pulled by two beasts."
Vexor grinned. "Logs do not bite."
"Stay simple," Kai said. "We will not jump into the shadows. But we will prepare."
