The elk came back by a route none of them could have followed.
It emerged from a screen of young trunks, bent its head to Suth, and breathed along her cheek. She lifted two fingers. The animal knelt.
They tried to help her onto its back.
At the first movement Suth’s face emptied. Not a grimace. The expression disappeared entirely, and her weight went loose between them.
“Down,” Ysabet said.
Chaska lowered her first. Ashaun rolled the blanket beneath her head. The elk remained on its knees, antlers angled away so they could work.
Suth opened her eyes.
“No more,” she said.
