The forest floor was painted in a rainbow of green and gold as the early sun broke through the thick canopy overhead. Elara was the first to awaken, her senses keenly aware of the silence surrounding their secret camp. A tangible reminder of the perils they had just barely avoided, the anxiety from the night before persisted in the air.
Kael awoke close by, opening his eyes and reflexively clutching the hilt of his sword. "Is there anything out of the ordinary?" he said softly.
Elara said, "No," but her voice was a little uncomfortable. However, something seems... strange. We ought to relocate shortly.
The others started to wake up. Zara came out of her temporary shelter, her face as stern as usual. Lyra joined the group around the remains of their fire last, staring blearily. With a worried expression on his face and his eyes focused on the far horizon, Doran sat apart.
Zara said, "We have to make a decision," speaking to everyone. Should we take the longer path around the marshes or
