He maintained a course parallel to the trail.
The old man considered himself now as being in the country of the enemy and on hostile ground.

For whereas he was in reality not far from the Rito, still, possibly, he had an enemy in his rear.

It is the custom of a warrior of high rank in the esoteric cluster of the war magicians, ere the trailing of an enemy begins, to pronounce a short prayer, and Topanashka had neglected it.

His indignation at the discovery of Shotaye's misdeed was the cause of this neglect.

Now it came to his mind.
"Kuawk, kuawk, kuawk!" A crow flew overhead.