Amon moved quietly through the area surrounding the temple.
The ancient structure loomed behind him, half-swallowed by vines and shadow, its broken stone walls standing like silent witnesses to countless forgotten ages.
The forest around it was dense, the trees tall and dark, their canopies blocking most of the already-dim light filtering from the sky.
He wasn't wandering aimlessly.
This was scouting.
After discovering the name of the place, Amon knew one thing clearly. Staying ignorant here would get him killed. If he was going to rest near this temple for a few days, then he needed to understand what kinds of monsters roamed nearby.
His sword hung loosely in his right hand. The hatchet was strapped at his waist, ready to be drawn at a moment's notice.
Crunch.
Amon froze.
His boots pressed lightly against the forest floor as he halted mid-step. His eyes narrowed, senses sharpening instantly.
That sound hadn't been wind.
It was too heavy.
Too deliberate
.
