The snake moved fast, rushing ahead like a runaway train, and Aren was forced to give chase, running at top speed, yet barely catching up.
Then the snake burst out of the tunnel into a massive underground cavern, and so did Aren. Both landed on the floor below, the snake with a deafening bang, Aren with a heavy thud.
He rolled and got back on his feet.
Aren was so focused on the snake that he failed to notice they were no longer alone. Somehow, his chase had led them straight into a section of the underground caves where the False Shadow and his party were hunting horned snakes.
The party consisted of five people. Shadow stood at the center, looking calm and high-and-mighty as always. Beside him was a tall, bulky man clad in full heavy armor, gripping a massive battle axe. Another man stood slightly behind, dressed in mage robes with purple fabric and golden trims.
