Satou's own senses had already confirmed what Cassius detected — the musky, predatory, distinctly canine scent reaching him through Enhanced Smell Advanced, the weight of something large moving through undergrowth just at the edge of Tremor Sense range.
"Dire Wolf," Satou said. "Just one. Probably a scout from the pack."
"Should we engage it?" Kelvin asked, his spear already coming up.
"No," Cassius said. "If we kill a scout, the pack will know we're coming. Better to let it report back. The wolves will be expecting prey, not organized fighters. That works to our advantage."
"And if they consolidate near the cave entrance when they hear about us," Satou added, "that makes them easier to find and engage on our terms rather than hunting them through the forest."
The wolf continued to shadow them for another hour before disappearing — presumably returning to the pack. By then, they were close.
