---
They spent the morning cleaning up the wreckage. Fenna salvaged her satchel, patched up what she could, and stored the remains of their food in a fresh wax leaf pouch. Zephyr used Star's help to lift the scattered equipment back into place, all while keeping a wary eye on the nearby underbrush.
By midday, the sunlight was clear and bright enough for training. But Fenna was already drawing out chalk symbols on flattened stones and muttering about bait traps and rope snares.
Zephyr knelt beside her. "Let's plan it properly."
Fenna nodded, eyes serious now. "It didn't leave any scent or traces behind. Only some footprints that vanished outside my tent. Star didn't hear it. Whatever it is, it's clever, small, and fast."
"Could be some forest sprite," Zephyr suggested. "Or a spirit furred creature. Emberwood forest has a few species that mimic drake prints. I read it in the book which your uncle Alren gave me."
Fenna looked up. "Then it is a beast. Which means I can tame it."
