Jonas nods at that, although he watches the tribal brothers obliquely.

"If it comes to that, a lone wolf should be within our capabilities," he agrees, lowering his voice and aiming it at Hadrian alone. "But do not underestimate them. They are skilled hunters, physically powerful and keenly intelligent.

"And two more pertinent points. First, I sense a wolf has some significance for our friends' beliefs. Slaying the beast might not be their preference.

"Secondly, we have only the villagers' description to identify it as a wolf. It may yet be something more sinister."