They followed the prints. Ahe hurried ahead, but Tao stopped at a fork. One path was dry and stony; paired marks continued in the mud of the other. She showed Ahe, and together they turned toward the meadow.

Something blue stirred beneath the leaves. “There!” Tao said softly. The lamb was eating under a tree, its scarf still around its neck. It was safe and unhurt.

Ahe let out a long breath. He did not rush to grab it. He crouched where it could see him. “We've found you.” This time he was willing to go slowly, so the lamb would feel safe.