Cimmerian Rage(101)

One end of the cord lashed the man across the face, and he dropped the ruined bow.

Kern stood there, panting, his mind trying to explain what he had seen. What he had experienced in those last few moments, and what he had done. He realized as well that he had given his back to the wolf, which still threatened him with a low, growling snarl. But still he did not move. He waited to see what this new warrior would do. How he would react. Ready to be attacked. Certainly denounced.

No thought in Kern’s head predicted that the other man would laugh. Rueful. Almost unbelieving. One large hand clasped over half his face, he shook his head.

“Wolf-Eye. It had to be you.”

Frostpaw jumped, landing beside Kern, then hitching forward in short, violent jumps until it crouched between them with Kern at its back. It snarled and snapped, and backed the other man up a good step.

Carefully, cautiously, the warrior held his hands out to his side. Nonthreatening.

And Kern froze in shock.

Finally recognizing Cul Chieftain of Gaud.