CHAPTER 31

Woodcarver’s forces set out in high summer after frantic preparations led by Vendacious: cannons cast and drilled by Scrupilo, wagons built, and spies suppressed. To avoid northern spotters, the army travels inland in dispersed segments. Along the way, Johanna observes Woodcarver’s land, the Queen’s newborn pups, and Peregrine’s explanations of Tinish child‑rearing and pack dynamics.

Persistent clear, windy weather raises fire and detection risks, frustrating open‑field gunnery practice. At a major valley, Woodcarver rejects Vendacious’s exposed shortcut, ordering a slower, overgrown inland route despite his protests. The detour proves arduous, with washouts bridged and narrow ledges navigated.

Near the valley floor, hidden “wolves” — hive creatures coordinating via intense ultrasonics — spring an ambush. Packs are scattered or stunned by sonic confusion. With Scrupilo’s pack blasted apart, Johanna teams with his remaining white‑headed member to load and fire a cannon at the nest’s core, shattering the hive’s control and halting the attack.

After days regrouping by the river, losses are tallied: several dead, many injured, carts destroyed, but the army intact. Woodcarver stages a mass assembly, awarding medals to bolster confidence and emphasize human‑Tine teamwork, culminating in Johanna and Scrupilo’s fragment accepting honors and restoring unit pride.

That night, Johanna confronts Woodcarver about risking Scrupilo in ceremony. Woodcarver explains the morale imperative, praises cross‑species synergy, yet confides deep misgivings about the route choice and security lapses, even considering ceding command to Peregrine or Vendacious as the army prepares to climb north toward Flenser’s Domain.