There, another surprise waited them.
The Hunters, mostly on foot, save for a dozen on half-tamed wollies, met them at the first clump of trees, where some of their dark tents were pitched.
"We were just about to follow your trail in," cried Kwint, riding up to Yorgh with a grin splitting his features. "Do I see our run-away wollies being herded along there?"
"You do," said Yorgh, conscious that Ueln had pulled up beside him, looking glum. "This is Ueln of the Raydowers. He ... caught them for us."
Kwint looked hard at both of them, but held his peace. Vaneen had ridden straight to her father.
"I gave the metal stick to Yorgh as you told me, Father," she said, staring him levelly between the eyes. "I hope you have no more such errands."
She slipped down from her mount, and headed for their tent.
"She's tired," said Yorgh to Puko, whom he found at his knee.
Tefior looked about weakly, and finally thought to close his mouth.
"The least you could do," Yorgh told him, "is to offer our friends here meat, to show there are no grudges."