He did this partly by scent and partly by subtle signs on the ground—half a footprint here and a broken twig or bent leaf there. We made good time, despite our injuries and exhaustion. It helped that we were no longer burdened with equipment, armor, or weapons. Bloop had given me one of his swords, and I carried that, along with my dagger. He clutched the other in one hand, using it occasionally to hack at branches or vines or other impediments. I think he did this more out of frustration and restlessness than anything else. I felt the same way. I wished for my .45, but enraged as I was, I would have been just as willing to confront Kasheena’s captors unarmed and tear them apart with my bare hands. At that moment, I was certain of my ability to do it. We pressed on without stopping to rest, heedless of our physical condition. The forest was quiet. I took that to be a sign of the Anunnaki’s recent passage, but I suppose it could have been from our presence, as well. Occasionally, Bloop would pause and listen for a moment or sniff the air.
