Then he saw something move in the trees.

Then he saw something move in the trees. He blinked and looked again. This time he didn't see any- thing. He slowed without realizing it, and Coil, who was trailing a step or so behind, asked what was wrong. Par shook his head and picked up the pace again. The wind whipped into his face, forcing him to lower his head against its sting. He glanced right, then left. There were flashes of movement to either side. Something was tracking them. Par felt the hair on the back of his neck prickle, but he forced himself to keep moving. Whatever was out there didn't have the look or the movement of either Walker Boh or the cat. Too quick, too agile. He tried to gather his thoughts. How far were they from the cottage-a mile, maybe less? He kept his head up as he walked, trying to follow the movement out of the comer of his eye. Movements, he corrected himself. There was clearly more than one of them. "Par!" Coil said as they brushed close passing through a narrow winding of trees. "There's something ..." "I know!" Par cut him short. "Keep moving!" They made their way through a broad stand of fir, and the rain began to fall in earnest. The sun, the walls of the valley, even the dark pinnacle of Hearthstone had disappeared. Par felt his breathing quicken. Their pursuers were all around them now, shadows that had taken on vaguely human form as they flitted through the trees.