I also knew that Handless was still out there. I suppose it was possible that she hobbled off into a hole and died, but… deep down, I knew better. She was out there, and she was something I’d have to deal with eventually. I entered everything I could remember about the Yeti’s minions into Grapevine, so that any other champion who might run into them would have a fighting chance. I told them about Handless. I wouldn’t be the only one looking for her now.
Ultimately, I could only take Axel’s advice, scary as that was. I went on. Esteban kept taking lessons with me, sparring in the rain and the early-autumn snow. Mira renewed the protective spells on the house, and on all of our friends whether they wanted it or not. When my neighbor’s mastiff had another litter, I took one of the puppies for Annabelle. Marty’s Duke had proven invaluable against the Yeti and his minions. I wanted that kind of protection for my daughter.
He was a cute little fawn-colored thing, all paws and floppy ears. Anna named him Chunk.