Chapter 500

Lieutenant Kael approached the bisected remains of the creature. Its fur, a mottled grey and brown, was matted with blood, its throat ripped open, exposing a ragged cavity. Three deep gashes marred its flanks. The stench of blood and viscera hung heavy in the air.

"The Laughing Wolves… There could be more of them around," Kael stated, his voice low. He examined the wounds, noting the precise, almost surgical nature of the larger cuts.

"Well, there are plenty of them within the Tekarr Mountains," Lieutenant Gerber replied, his gaze sweeping the surrounding forest. "I thought the vanguards cleared enough of their numbers while they were creating the safe path."

"Who cares? At least it's not one of those King of the Mountains," Kael shrugged, turning away from the corpse. He wiped blood from his hands on his tunic.