His eyes scanned the group. Arthur sat beside two of the youngest knights — twins named Kaelen and Mirra — who still bore the dried blood from yesterday's final clash. Dorian leaned against a log, silent and alert.
"Scouts spotted movement to the north. Large groups of beasts are gathering — herds or packs, it doesn't matter, it's a big gathering and..." Eldric hesitated, "…we've found traces of beasts unlike any in the past year and a half, possibly an overlord."
A murmur ran through the circle, sparking concerns and whispers. Eldric, watching the women before him, nodded.
"We don't know what we're dealing with. This may not be chance — possibly a den or nesting ground." He paused, voice lower. "We don't know what lurks ahead or behind us, but we must go on if we wish to be strong enough to protect our loved ones from death."
Valera, one of the stronger Winter's Veil knights, leaned forward. "How far north?"
