After moving through the forest for some time, Ivor caught a familiar scent beneath the damp rot of leaves and dried blood. It was faint, nearly lost beneath everything else, but unmistakable.
It belonged to Nara. He shifted direction at once and followed it.
The trees thinned gradually until a clearing opened ahead, opposite the side where the earlier fight had taken place. Ivor stepped out carefully, Luna still in his arms.
Nara was there.
He was tied near the base of a tree, thick rope wound tightly around his torso and the trunk to keep him upright. His hands were bound together in front of him, wrists knotted harshly. Bruises darkened one side of his face, and dried blood marked the corner of his mouth. His head had been lowered, but the moment Ivor entered the clearing, his eyes lifted.
He recognised Ivor instantly. Then he saw who Ivor was carrying.
