Hunting Rogues

River's heart rate was probably loud enough for anyone who cared to listen as she finally choked out, "Alright, what next?"

A hand clamped over her mouth, stifling her question. "Shh!" Annemarie’s voice hissed from behind, startling River.

Relief would have washed over her as she recognized the familiar voice but that relief was quickly curdled into confusion. Where had they come from? Where were they?

She could hear the voice but not see the owner.

"Annemarie? Tara?" she stammered, eyes darting around.

And then, two figures emerged from the shadows of the towering trees. It was Annemarie and Tara. River yelped in surprise, but Annemarie quickly shushed her again.

"Silence, child," Annemarie whispered with a low and urgent voice. "I sense at least six rogues ahead. Any noise and they'll be upon us faster than you can blink."

River's apprehension spiked. "Wait," she whispered back, "if you were scared of

drawing attention, why are we here at all then?”

Finn stepped forward an