An hour of twisting his body in directions Elan never intended left his muscles sore and aching. He tapped his healing magic and channeled relief though his worn muscles. A high-pitched growl came from the dark cleft Ronan had crawled from. A shaggy white mop-top popped free before turning its head upward and staring at Ronan. “Relax. I didn’t forget about you.” He reached down and scooped up the bear cub lifting her free of the cave. The bear cub nestled in Ronan’s arms and pitched her head upward sniffing the air. Steam billowed from her tiny nostrils, and a wet pink tongue slid from the mass of white curly hair. The baby ice bear licked Ronan across his cheek. She strained her neck forward sniffing at the leather pouch strapped to his belt. She bit at the leather binding holding the pouch closed and yanked, but the straps held firm. “You’re welcome, and I know you’re hungry. I am too. But we have to find Moira first. Then we’ll eat.” Ronan settled the bear atop the ice-packed snow near his feet.
