Hearing Nate's howl, a sudden lightness filled Samo's chest. The chief had returned!

Samo trotted forward, lagging a little behind. The swelling and pain on his face had ebbed away in the past while. He had fought as a Gaul, as a man, and not as a slave; he had succeeded and returned. He had worried for their chief when he did not reappear; but he lived!

Chief! Samo howled back. As he neared, he came to join the other wolves in the clearing. Most faces, he did not know well; only Cecil he truly knew. But with his new scars, he suddenly felt that he should not need to be afraid. He walked with greater confidence, meeting the others' eyes with a smile, tail wagging slowly and head held high. His expression grew muted, however, when he saw that somehow, Nate looked older. Cecil seemed to notice this, too. He came to stand near Cecil, glancing between them and the others.

You look wiser, Samo said to Nate. The feather tucked behind his ear now shone with a strange light, and Samo thought of the strange power of those doors. Had something of himself been changed, too? And was Nate well?

The thought filled him with worry, briefly, but he set it aside for now.

Elk Charm, yes, he agreed with a smile. Her knowledge of herbs was extensive. I can help a little.