It seemed like only minutes before it was time to go. They all quietly picked up their gear. Nikka and Esta changed to cat while Desi and Corla handled the two extra bags. Sheeba placed her hand on Talya's shoulder and their small group was ready. Nicolas and Zenya took the lead, wielding machetes with Vorlyk taking their flank. Nikka and Esta spread out and worked the perimeter.

They didn't take the same trail as when Nicolas arrived, and Zenya explained that if the cats came ...