"They're just over that hill, and maybe an eighth of a league from the Zekklesian," Wen whispered, as he slithered in next to the rest of them behind a large rock.
"I'd say there are twenty of them, all on foot, but heavily armed. I couldn't see the settlement. It looks like the woods are thick between the Zekklesian and the mountains, so it's probably hidden within them somewhere."
The gray chill of dawn seeped through Rein's cloak and clothing as he contemplated Wen's report. The detachment was too damned closed to the temple and, most likely, to the settlement for his comfort. They should have pushed harder, run faster. He'd hoped to cut them off before they got anywhere near the Zekklesian, before the settlement would be in harm's way.
"All right, let's move out. Sin, Wen, Eliess
