Owen still felt himself an object of study, but also realized his guides were giving him the opportunity to learn. They’d offered the direct warning about the necessity to keep his weapon loaded, then proceeded to give him practical lessons on moving through the woods. Owen studied Kamiskwa and did his best to ape him. The Altashee moved economically and carefully, preferring to slip beneath or around branches rather than push them aside or hack them off. Going up hills he tended to step on exposed roots, or rocks that were solidly buried. He took smaller steps rather than longer ones that might result in a slip or spill of stones. He moved quickly, but without haste; a distinction that manifested itself in a fluidity that gave him a ghostlike quality. Woods’ earlier comment had been correct. As the sun came up, Kamiskwa’s flesh and hair picked up a greenish tint. He remained mostly dark—very much the color of the pine needles. A few spring-green locks streaked his hair. Owen couldn’t figure out if this was because of his youth or his age, since the man had no wrinkles and if he bore scars, they did not show up in contrast to his flesh.
