The disordered tracks extended deeper into the forest. Following the marks left by the hunter, Winters spurred on his horse in pursuit.
The more he moved forward, the more unsettled and agitated his chestnut horse became. It bit fiercely on the bit, shaking its head from side to side to resist the rider's commands, forcing Winters to use even greater strength to control the reins.
Winters's attention was drawn to a fleeting depression in the muddy ground. He immediately yanked on the reins. His chestnut's forehooves rose high as it charged forward a short distance before stopping.
Winters dashed back to the muddy patch he had just passed. He confirmed that he wasn't mistaken, it wasn't an ordinary depression, but a paw print.
Since the beginning of the beast plague, Winters had followed Ralph time and again to search the mountains and forests. He had seen countless animal tracks, bears, wolves, deer, roe deer, foxes, rabbits... He had almost become a self-taught hunter.
