They traveled for half a day, crossing several hills before returning to the barren thorny bush where they had met Tania earlier. They carefully hid their belongings in a discreet rock crevice, then found a hiding spot to lie in wait and see if Tania would appear.
But they waited for a very long time; even after finishing a dry, unappetizing lunch, there was still no sign of Tania. The harsh midday sun beat straight down onto the withered thorny bush; the air seemed warped by the heat, and the ground radiated a stifling warmth.
By the quiet riverbank of the Nomadic Wolf Tribe, there was not a soul in sight, only the monotonous sound of trickling water and a few fish occasionally leaping up to snatch bait, creating rippling circles on the surface.
