Reaching out, Caleb brushed the damaged branch with his fingers. He kneeled and scrutinized the ground, finding more disturbed undergrowth. He pulled out his radio and switched channels. "Engrim, where are you?"

"About a click or two east of you. Have you found any signs of shapeshifters?"

Caleb moved a branch out of the way and studied the markings. "I may have, and I'd like a second opinion."

"Isn't Keldon leading a unit out here?" Engrim asked.

Caleb clicked his tongue, rising to examine the damaged branch. He turned to his squad, raising a finger to his lips. "He headed south the moment we departed the settlement. If we wait to get his thoughts, whatever left these marks will be long gone and out of reach."

"Fine, we're on our way."

Caleb tore his gaze from the tracks and scanned the foliage. "Something passed through here, and it's proving difficult to determine whether the trail was accidental or deliberate. Everyone, fall in on me. Keep your heads on a swivel and be alert. I don't want to frighten off whatever is watching us."

Mika tapped Caleb's shoulder as she cleared her throat. "Are we spreading out?"

"Yes, though stay in sight." Caleb leveled his rifle above the agitated foliage. "It shouldn't take Engrim's team long to get here."

Mika spun away from Caleb and stared into the forest's dense shadows. "And what information can you glean from the tracks?"

Caleb followed the markings...