PROLOGUE

Masha,

Sorry, I'm dead

Less than two kilometers from gate. Compound fracture left tibia and fibula. Like extra knee. Damn old brittle bones. Bleeding stopped but smell attracting company.

Tried to straighten break—passed out. Woken by wild dog sniffing leg. Ran when I shouted. Don't want to pass out again.

Have .45 and extra clip. Killed one dog. Others on it before it finished dying.

Will save last bullet.

Built tiny fire with deadwood and grass in reach. Out of water. Will put note in canteen. Should protect.

Great pain. Pitiful fire but makes me feel better.

Dogs left when sabertooth came—back after I killed it. Small smilodon, immature, I guess. Canines less than four inches. Seen bigger stalking bison. Dogs like it. Dogs may get to like me if I keep killing things.

Time to put note in canteen. Dogs left again. Dire wolves.