I ride at the side of the Cath Milidh, which is an honor befitting the clan bard. Torann and Vaugn act as outriders. We move at a slow and deliberate pace, which irritates some of the rasher minds in the band. Most of these were not at the ambush on the road back from Tara. Fenian does well to maintain a bit of caution, rather than riding full tilt down the path. Especially as it is nearing full dark and the moon is barely risen.

Howsoever, once our War Chief finds a scrap of the Rian's leine, he gives the dogs the scent and picks up the speed. Nevvyn is riding directly behind Fenian, and I glance back to ensure he is still with us. He is as unnaturally quiet as these woods, tonight. He seems to be half here and half in the dream world, where he is wont to roam when looking for someone or some thing.

All of a sudden, he sits bolt upright on his mount and calls "HALT!", then gives three sharp "yips". All four 'dogs' come scuttling back, tails and heads held high. Fenian says nothing, but looks at him under lowered brows. Nevvyn dismounts and sits cross-legged in the dust of the road. They gather close around him and listen as he alternates between whimpers, growls, barks and yowls. The four move off as one, spread across the path. They are nearly to the top of the next rise before the old wizard stands and brushes the dust from his seat. Fenian glares at the old man and asks what that was all about.

"Do you not have a nose?" Nevvyn asks in return. "Can you not smell? There is a hint of wood smoke in the air, as well as the burning burning of fat and the sweat of many men and horses! If you are determined to ride at speed into the midst of an armed camp, then be my guest! They are no further than the valley after this next one! If such is your course, then I will wait here to see that you get a proper burial!" And with that, he leads his horse to a bank at the edge of the road and remounts.

With a bit more caution, our troop rides up the long slope and crests the ridge. All is quiet in this valley, but there is the glow of fire reflecting on the tallest of the trees at the far side. As we approach the second ridge, the hounds and wolves are awaiting us in the shadows. Fenian details several of the stealthiest to go on foot with our scouts to check for lookouts. For the rest, we also dismount and creep forward to check out the situation.