The Weight of Suspicion (3)

A determined expression appeared on Vanessa's face as she gave a nod. She flashed a signal in the direction of two of the men, and they came forward with their spears prepared.

"You heard him," she said, her tone authoritative. "Let's go."

As Erik was being led out of the hall, he cast a final glance toward Amos. The elderly man sat there in complete silence, his eyes never moving from Erik's back.

Erik could not read his expression, but he could see that he had thoughts racing through his head.

He clung to the belief that the villagers would recognize the value of his suggestion and that they would provide him with the opportunity to demonstrate his worth to them. For the time being, all he could do was wait and wish for the best possible outcome.

Vanessa showed everyone the way out of the building and eventually led them to a rope staircase that would bring them several meters up into the trees.