“I think we’re about to find out what happened to the people that lived here.”

Elein started at the hoarse whisper of Ristul’s voice. So did Sahlina and the twins. Normally a loud and vehement speaker, the Flesh-Warden had grown quiet over the last few days. His words were as troubling as mode of speech. Baruht shrugged and removed the last of his clothing, tossing it into a heap. He stood naked.

“What makes you say that?” Elein asked

“It stands to reason that no one is stupid enough to come here on their own power.” He looked around at his fellow travellers. “And there were no signs of villages or farms. It was like everything just disappeared. Now riders are coming to meet us? I don’t believe in coincidences.”

“That doesn’t make them friendly either.” Elein cautioned.

Neff spoke up. “Nor are they our enemies without cause. Right now they’re just strangers- open hands keep open cups.” With her tiny frame and large unblinking eyes it was easy to forget that she was older than all of them- much older.