Oskar scratched his head as Jane glowingly described her father’s characteristics.  Now he was really flummoxed as to why these strange, potentially hostile men were tailing her.  If she was telling the truth, and there was no real reason why he should doubt anything she said, her father sure didn’t strike him as the type to have or make many enemies.  But then, when it came to enemies, all it took was one to ruin your day.<br/><br/>Giving their current situation more thought before speaking, his theories about the men seemed to constantly shift.  True, they were armed according to the Elder, but that didn’t necessarily mean their weapons were meant for her.  Or, to be brandished with harmful intent.  The benefit of the doubt said that their armaments could be for self-defense.  Yet, the Elder admitted to fearing them and not wishing to deal with them, too.  If pressed, Oskar couldn’t put much weight behind the self-defense concept.  He without question trusted the instincts of the Elder Wolf, as he knew all too well an animal’s capability of seeing through facades.  A human’s scent also exposed any fears and affability.<br/><br/>Nagging questions refused to subside peacefully, such as the strangers’ plans for Jane.  Were they here to capture her?  Kill her?  Or interrogate her?  Did they originate from her lands?  Were they aware of her shifting ability, and his also, for that matter?  Did they have any inkling of her quest to find her father?<br/><br/>“Where would you go if you were to leave?  Denver?  You still want my help though,” Oskar wished to confirm.  While Jane considered her replies, he continued, “Perhaps there’s a way to find out if they are only after you.  Soon after daybreak, you leave the house alone as a human, sticking to the main drag of the town.  This will put you in plain sight of everyone.  As the Elder stated, they’re in the woods, so they pretty much have the back of the house covered.  Since it’s still dark, I’ll step out through the front door soon and shift somewhere safe and away from prying eyes.  I’ll take flight and cover you from the skies.  With my eagle vision, I’ll be able to see them from a great distance.”<br/><br/>Jane was hanging onto every word he said, which was good, as there was more to come.  “Through telepathy, you ask me,<i>Are <b><u>they</u></b> following me?</i>”  Oskar paused here to emphasize the word<b><i><u>they</u></i></b>to her.  “If the pair are trailing you, I’ll respond with one<i>skreee, </i>or whatever the noise that eagles make sounds like.  That will denote a yes.”  He attempted a smile in spite of the troubled atmosphere.  “If, however, only one of them is following you, two<i>skreees</i>will mean my answer is no.”<br/><br/>“So again, one<i>skreee</i>for yes, two for no.  Any questions or other ideas?”  Prior to leaving, Oskar made a mental note to show Jane how to work the keys to the front door, since that was where she’d be exiting and re-entering the house.