They continued past, voices fading into the forest. Satou waited, counting his heartbeats. One minute. Two. Five.
"Bandits," she whispered, so quiet he almost couldn't hear even with enhanced hearing. "Deserters from some military force, probably. Not enough discipline for real soldiers."
"They're patrolling," Satou whispered back. "Looking for something."
"Us, maybe. Or other monsters. Either way, their presence complicates things." Sylvara's eyes were calculating. "If they're patrolling in groups of six, there's probably a camp nearby. Maybe two dozen total fighters."
"Should we avoid them?"
"If possible, yes. But..." She trailed off, listening intently.
The voices were returning. Growing louder again. Coming back toward them.
"—swear I saw something. Right over here."
"You're seeing things."
"No, seriously. Disturbed ground. Fresh tracks. Someone camped here recently."
