Conspicuous exit

Once everyone wakes up and has a meal, you head out. You split into the same two groups, and agree to meet up outside of town. As you work your way through the streets, however, you wonder if you should have taken more precautions. Unlike on the way into town, the Order troops seem to be much more watchful, and watching you, specifically. You would expect Sarah to get some attention, as hellhounds are rather rare, but it’s not her that gets watched.

Nevertheless, no one stops you as you head to the gate. The gate guards wave you through, though once again there’s an officer watching you closely. As you pass outside the gate, you glance back to see him walking back into the city. Still, you’ve clearly been recognized, which can’t be a good thing. You and the girls hurry to the meeting point, and you’re relieved to find the others there waiting. However, one look at Victor tells you that all is not well.

The panther man nods as you approach. “I know that look. So, you were being watched too?”

You nod. “Me specifically. They paid no attention to Ferra, Alex, or Sarah.”

Melora shakes her head. “It was a bit different for us. They were definitely watching me as well as Victor.”

Alex sighs dramatically. “They didn’t stop us, and they aren’t following us. So who cares!”

You nod. “While I wouldn’t put it like that, it doesn’t seem like they’re acting against us yet. I do wonder if we should take a different route though.”

Victor shakes his head. “Absolutely not. We have to go this way.”

Everyone stops and stares at Victor, except Melora, who laughs. “Ohh, I see…”

Victor looks embarrassed, and if it wasn’t for his dark skin, you’re sure he would be blushing fiercely. Cassie is the first to pick up on it. “Ooh! Is there something special along our route? Or someONE?”

Victor sighs. “I…yes. On our first time through here, we camped in the forest up the road a ways. While we were there, a spirit approached us.”

Alex interjects. “A spirit like I am?”

Victor nods. “Yes and no. No offense, Alex, but you’re not exactly my type.”

Alex huffs, crossing her arms. “Fine. Nicholas is my bondmate anyway!”

Victor rolls his eyes and smiles. “Anyway…she and I…got along very well…”

Melora laughs. “You could say that! I may have been blind then, but I know what I heard!”

The girls all giggle, and Victor rubs his chin, still embarrassed. “Right…well, as much as we wanted to be together immediately, I had a responsibility to Melora. At the time, we were fugitives, with no home. I couldn’t give her what she needed.”

You nod. “And so you left. But you never came back?”

Victor shrugs. “I did, when I could. But when I offered to bring her back to the village, she refused. She said that until Melora no longer needed my protection, she would wait for me.”

You share a look with Melora. “And now?”

Victor looks at Melora as well. “Now…now Melora has you. All of you. And I’ve made Amara wait long enough.”

Sarah claps her hands. “Well, what are we waiting for, let’s go!”

Everyone is in agreement, and Victor has a grateful smile as your group sets out. You make it about half an hour, before what you should have expected to happen, does happen. A challenge rings out from the brush beside the road, and several armed men step out to block your way. One, obviously the leader, points a sword at you.