"They are close now," Bradan warned. He did not turn his head. "There are three warriors in front, with five more four hundred paces behind."
"And the others?"
"They are too far behind to matter," Bradan said casually.
"How do you know that?" Melcorka did not doubt his words.
Bradan shrugged. "I can hear a bit, I can feel the vibrations of their feet on the ground, and when the wind blows from them, I can smell them." He glanced at her, with the first small smile she had seen on his face. "Everybody has their own distinctive scent."
Melcorka had to ask. "What do I smell of?"
"Sea salt," Bradan answered immediately, "and smoke from our fire, and just a hint of blood." He stopped for a second. "And woman."
"Woman?"
"Woman," Bradan repeated. "You had better get ready to start killing
