Afena was able to follow the trail left behind by her son and the other two to make it to their settlement. The one to receive her was, of course, Mercyhowl, who came out of the trees when she was about a hundred paces from one of the cottages.
"You smell of blood, mother. God blood, and something else. A kind of magic."
"Believe it or not, a lot happened, my dear. Let's talk about it later. Is everything all right here?"
"They have a dog. It is terrified of me and I've had to stay away for its sake."
"Other than that?" Afena giggled.
"There are nine people here. Three women, four men, and two babies. They all smell healthy."
"Good to know. And you?"
"I wish to go to my cubs and mate."
"Then go, Mercy. Take care of them, and expect me to visit."
"What of you, and that goddess Treni?"