Arion returned to the observation station with an enormous brown bear following him.
That was not part of the original plan.
The animal had accompanied him as far as the marked perimeter before Arion stopped, turned, and pointed toward the trees.
"Stay here."
The bear sat.
Arion looked at it for several seconds, wondering whether the instruction would remain effective once he left the territory.
The animal watched him with its completely black eyes, then lowered its enormous head onto its forepaws.
Apparently, it intended to behave.
Arion continued toward the secured gate.
Behind him, the remaining animals had dispersed through the forest, although several continued watching his departure with an attention that was becoming disturbingly familiar.
The wolves stood together near the limestone overhang. The deer had moved toward the lower vegetation, while the lynx was currently occupying a tree branch that looked entirely too thin to support its weight.
