Strax slowly raised his head, his nostrils flaring as the scent of burning wood and thick smoke filled the clearing where they stood. His reptilian eyes glowed, reflecting a flame that hadn't yet appeared before them, but was growing on the horizon. The distant roar of panicked people pierced the trees, muffled by the rustling wind, but clear enough for none of them to ignore.
Samira stepped forward uneasily, her fingers drumming on the handle of the spear she never let go of. "This isn't a natural fire. Not with this smell." Her voice trembled between caution and a killer instinct.
Kali, who had been resting against a root, slowly rose, her golden eyes fixed on the gray sky. "I agree. Someone caused this. The smoke has traces of oil and tar." She narrowed her eyes, as if she could see across the distance. "It's a fire made to consume quickly."
