It was Thantos's massive black cape she'd been wrapped in. It held his bitter aura, the scent of the predator. Cam knew she ought to have been flooded with relief, gratitude. Instead she wondered if his rage at Shane was fuled by the anger of not killing her himself.

"You cannot possibly believe that," the outraged tracker barked. Kneeling beside her now, he had easily read her mind.

"I don't know what to believe," she said out loud.

The hulking warlock stood abruptly and pulled her to her feet. From behind a grove of dark evergreens, Cam heard a horse whinny. Thantos snapped his fingers and Epona, or his twin, trotted out of the shadows. Before she could protest, Thantos had lifted Cam again - this time depositing her onto the enormous horse's broad back. "We'll get you back at Crailmore," he told her as she desperately seized the saddle horn. "Miranda will take care of you . . ."

He stared expectantly at Cam. With effort, she held his challenging gaze and nervously said, "Thank you."

Thantos laid a hand on the great horse's shiny neck, steadying the beast. "Then you can repay me - "

Cam stared at him. "What?"

Her uncle's bellowing laugh caused the high-strung animal to paw the ground. "I demand nothing but your attention. I have things to tell you. And you must listen without prejudice. Not too high a price to pay, in exchange for your life, wouldn't you agree?"

Before she could answer, he smacked the stallion's flanks and sent him galloping towards the cliffs of Crailmore.