Chapter 48.

As the trio was about to leave the forested cave, another noise echoed behind them.

(Nick) Again ?

True enough, the idea of fighting yet another pack of Mutant Hounds was not very welcomed. These monsters were difficult to fight, exhausting, and, most importantly, quite dirty. This was not very pleasant. Yet, what came out of the trees was not a monstrous bunch of nightmarish creature, but people. Very known people at that.

- Arsenio ?!, exclaimed Enora out loud.

The surprise was such that even just thinking it did not seem to be enough. In front of the trio, a group of a dozen or so people appeared, tattered and pale. Half of them clearly looked malnourished, wearing little armour and highly damaged weapons, while the other half was barely better but well-equipped.

(Enora) Seems like the disparities did not stop after we left …

(Rose) It even looks worse, and that's forgetting their small number.

(Nick) How did they manage to reach us ? Have they been following us this whole time ?

This exchange lasted for a second, and at the same time, the three companions tightened their ranks, hands on their weapons. The other group did not look surprised to see humans, just them specifically, and even if they tried to act relatively relaxed, their stances were proof enough of bad intentions. Among them, Enora and Rose only recognized Arsenio and Theo. The haughty woman was nowhere to be seen, while Alex had probably died of blood loss after Enora's stabbing.

- Traitors., the less-fat-than-before man said in a low voice.

That simple word did not seem to be anything but a greeting.

- Have you been … following us ?, cautiously asked Rose.

Theo looked at the small woman, then angrily sneered :

- Don't overestimate yourselves, this cave is way bigger than you think, and, apparently, it's the only exit from the maze.

- You mean that all tunnels would lead here ?, blurted out Nick.

- Well, all the paths that are not dead ends or circles eventually lead here., specified another from the back.

That was quite the shock to the trio, but what was even more astonishing was how this bunch of people managed to get here so quickly. Enora took the chance to inquire about it.

- You got here fast considering how weak you all are., she said matter-of-factly. How'd you manage that ?

- We could be asking you the same thing …, said Arsenio with a dark gaze.

(Nick) Wonder why he looks so angry, right ?

(Enora) Oh shut up you !

(Rose) It truly is surprising for them to meet us, and I'm curious about all this too, but I have a better idea …

Before the others could react, the blond began talking in a disdainful tone :

- Well, no matter how either of our groups did it, now we're here so make yourselves scarce. We don't have time to waste on you lot.

Obviously, that comment did not gladden them, as ugly faces ensued, with whispered insults and white knuckles around weapon handles. Even their leader had a hard time controlling himself, trembling in rage from head to toe. And what was odd about that ? The women had parted from his people one night, taking two lives in the process, were currently ridiculing them all. Maybe their escape even sparked more trouble for them, explaining why so many did not make it that far. Yet, the semi-fat guy did not bite that bait, simply choosing to cautiously pass by them and go through the exit of this cave. After a few minutes, the trio relaxed a bit, knowing they were alone once again.

(Enora) It could have gone very bad, Rose, what if he had smelt your play and decided to stay or fight ?

(Rose) We would have wiped the floor with their asses and went on our way, easy. What can a bunch of mortals do to us ?

(Nick) Wow … you gotten much more daring, haven't you ? It was a ballsy move to get them to go first. Now we've got a group of scouts working for us !

Truthfully, Rose had bet on the hate these people had for her and Enora and angered them. She knew Arsenio was smart enough to realise the disparity between the two groups : theirs was desperate and famished, while the trio looked strong and relatively healthy. Not knowing how it was possible made him cautious, which resulted in him containing his hate. Yet, what Rose had counted on was the fact that this leader would focus on the mystery the trio represented, and try to avoid them. Going forward was clearly the 'best' option.

(Nick) Let's wait for a few hours before going after them. I don't want to take any risk and be seen like a bunch of morons.

The break was welcomed anyway, as they had just finished a fight. They sat near the exit, munching on some pieces of fish left from the previous meal. The ambience looked relaxed, with mental small talk and smiles, but they were still observing the surroundings carefully. It had become a reflex really, always making sure not the shadow of a threat was in sight, to the point where they could multitask while doing so.

After enough time, they began travelling, making sure to follow the traces left by the other group : what was the point of a scouting party if nobody followed ? And it was plenty easy, as the flock did not seem to even try to go unnoticed, leaving footprints all over the brown soil of the new tunnel. And, optionally, they left marks on the walls of every turn, just like Enora with her map. So the journey resumed, with a relatively relaxed atmosphere among the three mages, as they knew they had people to take the brunt of any threat that might be lurking around.

(Nick) Why didn't we try something like that earlier ?

(Enora) They were probably stuck somewhere in the first caves, and going in circles while attracting every danger they could. Would have been a waste of time.

(Rose) Arsenio isn't stupid, but the people under him are, and, as long as he wants to stay 'leader', he has to make sure the others are satisfied.

(Nick) Satisfied ?

(Enora) As satisfied as one can be in this labyrinth.