Chapter 3: Onward

The morning sun gently kissed the weary eyes of the travelers. Dirt roads led them down to the unknown. It's been a few hours of travel, and the mountain Luke used to see every day is now a distant haze. He never had a proper chance to say goodbye to everything there; it's not like anyone to say goodbye to. Augustus was leading the group in front, and like a scolded child Luke followed sheepishly behind him. At first, the rest had no idea why they left in such a hurry, but they all came to a single conclusion after seeing this display.

'He's acting like a kid that got yelled.'

None of them approached Luke for the few hours into the trip, fearing the general in front. They all wanted to approach the King, their first time seeing him. After surviving through countless missions and undercover operations, they finally saw a glimmer of hope. The fact that he was hidden from everyone made sense but, how could he save them? These thoughts slowly began to rise among the Huntsmen. This would be the first trial they will have to overcome. Trust. 

"Okay, switch roles. Call in the rear." Augustus yelled out as another scout ran behind us. Everyone switched roles rather quickly and organized. Then from the rear came Xander. He calmly trotted forward and didn't stop where he was supposed to be stationed. But instead, moved forward until he reached Luke. Everyone looking was holding their breath, waiting for Augustus to yell at him or do anything. But instead, they were able to witness something else. 

Xander got near Luke, and they began to talk; from behind them, they heard some laughter, Xander raising his voice and Luke timidly avoiding eye contact. Augustus was ahead, leading the pack, and everyone slowly realized what he was trying to do. Artium was the first among them to feel shame. They were put through a test, and all failed aside from Xander. Failing both Luke and Augustus' trials, the young Huntsmen immediately understood their failure. 

In seconds, Artium decided to ignore his fear and mistrust. He was slowly building a new pact within himself that would dictate the rest of his life. 

I am no longer just a soldier for the kingdom; I am his majesty's Huntsmen. How can I not trust a man I never bothered to put in my trust. He has not let me down and won't if I aid him whenever he needs me. Humbly asking for help, how can I betray a king like that? 

Once that pact was said in his heart, he rushed forward and soon was at his side of Luke. Soon enough, the rest formed a close circle around him and tried to talk and encourage him. Truly rare to see a king bond with his army. From ahead, Augustus smirked silently, relieved of how well everything played out. 

The day soon came to a halt; they were now a days travel away from the next city. Prepared the tents near the dirt road and conveniently stopped near a lake. It was small, but it was enough to have a shallow center. The landscape was regular plains, small hills surrounding the lake, and some forestry, but it all seemed the perfect place to build a home. They each took turns bathing in the lake, ensuring someone was constantly patrolling and others near the tents.

Before any of them could be dismissed, Augustus came up with forming squadrons. There were roughly twenty-five of them currently, divided into five of them. Lukes squadron was dubbed Daimyos, hinting at his status. The other squadrons took turns monitoring or taking baths. A few resistances were immediately shut down after noting they were now part of the King's special forces. They should also look at the part whenever. It turned to Lukes's squadron to take baths. As the others rushed in, Luke was distracted by a sudden feeling. He sauntered towards some trees near the lake. Thick bushes and weeds covered the base of the trees around the area. It was an inexplicable feeling, as if he was guided by something. He peered into the bushes but found nothing; he decided to head back to the lake with this. But then again, that same feeling dragged him towards the bushes. To satisfy his curiosity, he moved towards the base of the trees. 

Without a second thought, he jumped in and immediately brought whatever was inside the center. His squadron diligently fooled around in the lake until they heard Luke yell. They all ran out of the lake in a heartbeat, weapons ready. But instead of seeing what they expected, they were captivated by whatever Luke was carrying. 

"Idiots, bring some medicine and a doctor. NOW!" They all scrambled to run back to the tent as one stayed to help carry the person. The commotion caused everyone to run back to the tent, and everyone reacted similarly. Stunned and speechless, even flabbergasted. Augustus ran out and directed Luke to enter a tent; they called for the doctor, who ran inside without asking questions. 

"Luke, stay here and assist the doctor with anything; this is good training." He didn't even pay attention to Augustus since he was already helping the doctor. 

I forgot how humanitarian he was when it came to this. 

"You, where did he come from?" Artium stuttered a bit before answering. 

"He found it over there near that small patch of greenery." 

"Good, accompany me. And you too." 

Augustus quickly went to the area and retrieved anything that could be found. Artium was able to glance at a few objects he confiscated. The most interesting one was a golden scroll with a specific insignia; he was unsure what house it belonged to. But he was sure Augustus knew since he was clearly irritated by this. Took other objects, including weapons and a satchel.

A few hours passed, and the commotion calmed down. But everyone was eagerly waiting outside the tent. Augustus had to disperse the crowd over and over again. Until the doctor and Luke came out. 

"Dr. Jyorbin, what is the situation?" He let out a small sigh but was too calm for any bad news.

"Well, it seems our guest here was beaten awfully, to the brink of being unconscious. Ribs are broken, swelling in the face, broken nose, wrists, bruises so deep one could say the skin has rotten." Everyone had the same expression, a sour and defeated look. 

"But the patient will recover. Aside from all this, the body has already begun to heal itself. A true miracle, almost superhuman at the speed of the recovery." Simultaneously let out a breath of relief. Jyorbin excused himself to bring some herbs and medicine from his tent. Luke walked out with a half-smile.

"Cut that smile, Luke. You look like a pervert," Xander yelled at him, and soon everyone began to ask questions.

"So she's a woman?" "Is her hair white?" "Who does she belong to?" "Is she hot?" 

All of these were questions everyone asked immediately. And Luke, at first, seemed disgusted at this but quickly answered their questions. Until Augustus intervened and sent everyone back to their positions. 

"Luke, you're a king. Act like one. Stand guard here with your squadron; whatever happens, do not let anyone in unless it's Jyorbin or me. Got it? She is a priority." Luke was confused by this, but he had no complaints either. Saluted and stood guard near the tent alongside his squadron. 

 (A few hours pass)

"You know, that's the first girl I saw in two years." Everyone erupted with laughter. 

"So even a king deals with these emotions, huh." The laughing continued. They gathered around the small fire they made near the tent and passed around rations. 

"Well, I wouldn't say it's that, something like when I met all of you again. That excitement, almost pleasing to see another face. Kind of got worried it was only men out there." Xander gave him an apathetic look. "It's not the end of the days, just a warzone out there, Luke." 

"But she was beautiful, wasn't she?" everyone quietly gazed upwards, remembering her face. A warm feeling befell the squadron. 

(Augustus was disgusted by this squadron.) 

"Your majesty, can you accompany me? I will apply the herbs and clean the bandages." He nodded and left his squadron to keep watch outside. They cleaned the bandages and applied the herbs across her bruises and cuts. He did it with delicacy and care that even the doctor was surprised. Glancing to see if the doctor was preoccupied, then returned to stare at her. He gently caressed her hair and ran his finger down her face. 

I wonder who you are? 

"Awful." This made Luke jump upwards and acted concentrated with the medicine. 

"Who could have done this to her?" He tried to add-in.

"My best guess would be bandits, but these wounds are too accurate to be bandits." Luke was confused by this; he always thought wounds were wounds. 

"What do you mean by accurate, doctor?" 

"They broke key points in her body to cause maximum damage. She was tortured." Luckily, he could never experience that, but this made his blood boil. His anger and bloodlust leaked that even the doctor had to snap Luke out of it.

"I understand those emotions, your majesty, but be careful. You might summon or even let our position be known by others." He knew he was right, but these emotions came out of nowhere. He hasn't felt such anger since. Well, since that day. 

"But thanks to your haste and luck finding her, she can recover." He patted him and walked out of the tent.

"Try to apply some healing magic. If not, try to talk to her; maybe she'll wake up if you ask nicely." Left with a peal of slight laughter. 

All Luke could do was talk slightly, asking her to stay strong and return. A sincere plead, but he was tired from the journey and went to sleep next to her without knowing it. Xander walked in and noticed this; he let out a small sigh. Returned with some bags and set up a small bed next to Luke. Artium stood outside with the rest to quietly stay on patrol. 

Do not fail us.

You will be the spark to light the war.

Wake up, please.

Faye, I'm sorry. 

Don't give in. 

Your fate is sealed. Now go. 

Change your fate. 

WAKE UP!

She woke up with tears and sharp pain from all around her body. Her breathing was deep and shaky. The heartbeat was rapid, and her eyes moved from side to side. Before panic kicked in, she saw Luke quietly resting next to her. Noticed her arms were wrapped with bandages and herbs. Slowly regaining conscious the pain subsided significantly. But then throbbing headaches slapped her as she tried to remember what had happened. Luke woke up, sensing the movements. As soon as they made eye contact, they both felt a sense of fear. Felt the same sensation; they both knew they were meant to meet. But what lay ahead made their hearts scream with fear. He nudged Xander, who woke up groggily only to see her and him. Had a very calm face, then said, "Look, she isn't a corpse." 

Xander went to call Augustus in with the other soldiers, but Luke slid in front of the entrance. 

"Luke, are you telling me to stop?" Luke avoided eye contact but then finally gave in and stared at him. 

"Yes, I want to talk. I mean, interrogate her before Augustus shows up." A few seconds pass, and Xander slowly moves his hand to his hilt. A bead of cold sweat was the only thing Luke could feel at that very moment. 

"Of course, your majesty, if it would be in your grace to allow me to accompany you." He forgot he was the king and that his word was absolute, even against Augustus. Luke cleared his throat and tried to act like that had never happened. Xander went back to his position behind the king. Luke wanted to extract as much information as possible and see if she felt the same sensation he had moments ago. Everything about this gave him an eerie feeling. What were those visions, who was she, and why was she abandoned. 

"To begin with, can you understand me?" At first, this question sounds rather simplistic, but Luke was a scholar; he studied and spent most of his teenage life preparing to be a king. Knowledge was a core aspect. And he remembered that some regions had different languages or dialects. He knew she was not from any of the center kingdoms. 

"Yes, I do understand." She bowed as forward as possible in her current state, "my king." Xander let out a whistle and patted his back. 

"As much of an honor that brings me, I am unsure where you are from, and therefore I cannot guarantee your protection." The tent suddenly became frigid and deathly. Luke let out his aurora again, and she immediately felt it and simply smiled. 

"I come from-" She froze in position, and did not utter another word, move, or even breathe for a few seconds. After a minute of silence, she glanced up, and Luke looked away slightly from discomfort. She had a distraught expression. 

"I have forgotten where I come from." Everyone was now silenced. The doctor did mention she was unconscious and probably suffered a concussion. 

"So then how did you recognize him as a king?" Xander cut through the silence, Luke wanted to scold him for being harsh, but she responded almost immediately. 

"It was a mere feeling, a connection I felt when I looked at him." Calling her bluff, he was about to retaliate when Luke eagerly interfered.

"So you also felt that odd feeling?"

"Yes, a sinister and poisonous feeling. Something lurking in the corner of the future." Luke took some time to process this. They both felt whatever that was, and they must have seen that. A war … a war on such a colossal scale that no army could amount to that. The only one he recognized during that entire vision was her. He was too caught up in the process. He didn't realize the sun was already up and that they had to begin marching again. 

"Xander, call Augustus and the doctor. And please do it discretely." He saluted and left the tent. 

"Do you at least remember your name?" 

"I do, only because I heard it in my sleep. Faye." Luke inclined back and scratched his chin, contemplating what her name could mean. 

"A family name? Anything?" She nodded silently and looked down, disappointed in herself. 

"At least you're still breathing; let's wait until the doctor gets here." 

A few minutes passed, and the doctor finally entered the tent. He told her to lie down, and he did some minor check-ups. Sitting next to her, he laid out the entire encounter from Luke finding her to the emergency care and where she is now. She had a calm expression and took everything well. 

"Just to clarify, you have none too little recollection of what happened?" 

"Yes, that is correct." 

"Well, this is a peculiar circumstance we find ourselves in." He turned to face Luke. "And I am unsure of what to suggest. Physically she is recovering extremely well." Augustus walked in right when the conversation died. 

"Doctor, how is she?" 

"Ripe as a fiddle, I presume you wish to interrogate her?" He answered with a sour expression, and the doctor left after saluting both of them. 

"Luke, do you mind stepping outside for a bit?" Eyed back and didn't answer immediately. He needed to start demonstrating his authority over Augustus.

"Actually, I do want to stay to hear this 'interrogation.'" Soon the air felt thick. Two auroras collided against each other. Neither was willing to back down. Luke held the highest authority, but he didn't wield Augustus' respect for now. Despite all this, the start of their rivalry began to show. 

"Boy, you aren't ready to command me as you please."

"I don't need to be ready. I am your king." Once again, they collided, and Faye was in the middle of this. She knew strong people carried strong wills, enough to sometimes be projected into real life. But these two had a chasm of difference. The older man had a more refined and circular aurora, yet Luke had an intense and bright-colored aurora. Erratic, uncontrollable, yet enticing to watch, almost like a flame. Faye caught herself remembering all this; she was unsure how but, watching him made it easier to concentrate and remember. 

"Fine, my loyalty exceeds my other ambitions." Before she knew it, all the attention was directed at her. 

"Faye, was your name correct?" Seems that the older man will be the one to conduct this interrogation. 

"Correct." 

"I have a few questions to ask you, even though you don't remember." Augustus reached over to bring out a small bag. Then pulled out the scroll and the blade. 

"Why did they leave these two behind?" 

 -()-

She was unsure what he was trying to get at. But he was perceptive and cunning, to say the least. Naturally, anyone would steal those two belongings, whoever they were. But the fact that they left it behind was even more puzzling to her. Luke calmly analyzed her reactions; he needed to understand what she could be hiding. As much as he wished to trust her, she was someone with too many secrets. 

"I'm guessing since you didn't answer, you are as puzzled as I was." Faye only nodded, confirming Augustus' suspicions. He tossed the scroll to Luke and asked him to open it. Luke struggled for a bit and began to get flustered. 

"A reason why they left the scroll behind was that it was locked." He then passed the sword to Luke and asked him to wield it and get a feel for it. Unfazed by the sword, he began to complement it. Balancing the weapon and the feeling of power coursing through it was addicting. 

"Luke, hand me the sword." he obliged and passed it to Augustus, but as soon as he made contact with it, his hands became to burn. Augustus forced it into its sheath again, and the room fell silent. 

"Both the scroll and the sword are being protected by enchantment. No one can touch it without experiencing severe frostbite. A soldier almost lost a finger from the intense cold." Luke could do nothing but stare at his hands; he felt nothing of Augustus's just mentioned. 

"I am deeply sorry for what happened to the soldier, but I had no idea it had that capability." 

"I am just as puzzled as you are; why is Luke the only one unaffected by this?" Faye caught on to what he was trying to do. He knew more than he let on, but why was he holding back information? 

"Well, Faye, I believe you will have to be taken as a prisoner." Luke immediately shot up and stared Augustus down.

"Under what reason is she being imprisoned? And to begin with, we have no prisons, and we don't even have a city." He paused and thought about his situation, and an idea flashed through his brain. 

"Augustus, I believe there is a better alternative."

"Oh really, your majesty, and what would that alternative be?" Luke looked back at her and showed a hearty grin. 

"I shall make her part of my personal guards." Augustus was beyond baffled to respond. Faye simply let out a quick laugh, and Xander sat, enjoying this commotion. 

"Luke, she can't-" He was cut before he could even retort. 

"Artium, come forth." the scribe walked in with pride in his eyes. 

"Yes, my liege!" He kneeled and brought out the book. 

Augustus wanted to respond back or retort but was cut short every time.

"Everyone outside." No one budged, "Now!" Luke raised his voice. 

As they walked outside, the other huntsmen gathered around them. Soon everyone was surrounding the king. Murmur and chatter engulfed the area; all eyes were on her. He knew how risky the situation was. At first, it was curiosity, but it soon turned to animosity towards her, the lack of answers and the sudden favor Luke showed her was enough to put everyone on edge. Augustus showing clear reservations made it even more difficult. The incident he mentioned prior most definitely has made it more difficult for the men to accept her without question. The more problematic issue was their sense of pride; how can he change that mindset.

"Before you, I stand as a fellow warrior." He walked around them, making sure to make eye contact with everyone. "It is true, many of you here have fought countless battles, survived odds, and without remorse. Moved on towards your goal." He stood on top of a rock. 

"But I never asked for your rank when I met you, nor did I bother to see if you had a noble tie. All I saw before me was brave men, selfless warriors who love their kingdom." 

"Another natural talent, huh" Augustus quietly thought to himself. 

"In this time, I accept anybody's offer to shed blood for our kingdom. Whether it be a man or a woman. And here I humbly ask all of you to think the same way." The camp was silent, and everyone listened to the king's words.

"I ask that you all accept her as one of our own." This broke the silence rather quickly. 

"Who even is she?" 

"We don't need her. We should recruit other men from our country."

"Perhaps she put a spell on you, my liege," Some chimed in.

"Can she even fend for herself?" Faye calmly walked forward and began to speak.

"I'll accept anyone's challenge." This was no bluff. As the men began to observe her, they noticed her eyes were similar to theirs. Some would argue she had eyes that had seen atrocities. No one said anything for a few seconds until one raised his hand. 

"I challenge you to a duel." He stepped forward. At first glance, he seemed like an average man, but he had scars all over his hands. His eyes darted and scanned the area constantly, and he had a calm, relaxed aurora around him. But to Faye, she instantly knew he was strong. They stood before each other for a while and then broke apart. She turned to face Luke and kneeled towards him. 

"Can I humbly request for my sword? I promise I shall use it to prove my worth." He nodded and went inside the tent to grab it. She unsheathed it and a cracked ice blade was shining right in front of her. Upon feeling the hilt with her own hands again, a faint memory befell her. 

Faye, remember to take care of this sword. It is remarkable, a weapon forged with the heat of ice and a cold ore so hot it melts anything. This blade shall be named Nix. Let it hone your skills, and let it become your guide. Go forth, young one. 

Snapping back to reality, she grasped it and readied herself. She had a pained expression. Without a doubt, she remembered something. The warrior walked forward and presented himself. 

"Rino is the name, and I shall be the one to test your might." Everyone shouted and yelled words of encouragement. Whoever he is, it seems that he's a favorite among everyone. Luke slightly remembered that name, something about him being one of the strongest huntsmen. Xander stood near him. 

"You sure this is a wise decision?" Luke let out a short sigh.

"Not really, everything is progressing rather fast, but I feel she is pivotal to our success." Xander simply scratched his chin and focused back on the fight. 

"A duel will commence; this will be a fight to test one's might. We would rather not see any death, but as the law states, this is a duel." Artium backed away after saying that and announced the commencement of the duel. 

The air around then immediately dropped to a freezing temperature. It wasn't any form of illusion; the air turned into specs of snow. She softly said, "Articum" after saying this, the clouds began to snow. The entire area was soon filled with snow.

Rino smiled and spoke a single word. "Ignis," and his sword danced with bright red flames. The snow that landed soon burned away, leaving only a sizzling noise. His bright red eyes gleamed as the heat from his blade reached even those around him. 

"You never told me we had another elementorum user." Augustus trotted behind both of them. 

"Luke, observe this fight. Maybe watching them will awaken your hidden prowess." Xander eyed him when he heard what Augustus said. 

"Wait, you can't wield elements?" Luke was too ashamed to look at him; he shook his head. This was shocking news. How was it that the son of a king couldn't wield any form of elements? Before Xander could press the topic, a sudden explosion of light forced his attention back to the duel. 

For a second, it was a dazzling display of swordsmanship. In just that time, she made everyone believe in her abilities. They blocked, parried, countered, and moved at such speed some barely kept up. Soon enough, it literally turned into a dance. The flames bounced off every time he struck her blade. The chunks fell to the floor, cleansing it of snow, but soon enough, the snow swallowed the burning pieces in time. Slowly but surely, his movements became stiff due to the snow. He was making minuscule errors with his movements, but all she could see were openings. Rino swung his sword wildly, forcing her to step back. Suddenly she felt a burning hot sensation in her stomach. As she looked down, a wave of fire brushed her. It was enough to burn the clothes and leave an awful mark. Gasping for air, she backed away even further. Rino sent the flames around his sword to focus on the edge. Extending the reach of the blade even further. Unlike Faye, who focused on altering the terrain, he focused on wielding it all on the weapon. Faye was still reeling from the attack, and naturally, Rino took advantage of this. But he was unaware of her actions. She applied freezing ice to the injury and sealed it enough to not hinder her. As he lunged forward, a single thought raced past him, I have bested you. 

"Solidus glacius." 

All the snow suddenly turned into ice. He immediately lost his footing and slid straight to her. Within a second, she managed to slash him with ease. What many didn't realize was how masterful she was with this. Wavering absolute control with the element and used it perfectly to her advantage. Rino fell to a knee and started coughing uncontrollably. His right abdomen was cut entirely, but it was a bit shallow. Instead of calling a truce, he does something unthinkable. Raising his burning blade, he dimmed the flames and pressed it alongside his cut. Shouting loud enough to shake the ice beneath him. After his quick operation, he could stand up and face her again. Both of them took enough damage, and the ending clash is approaching. Rino slowly walked towards her, and Faye moved some ice to form spikes under her boots. They began to circle each other. Suddenly the flames on his sword amassed and moved wildly. He raised it and brought it down, enveloping anything near him. A bright flame pierced straight and true. Aimed straight at her, it burned anything along the way, from the ice to the trees behind them. She tried to counter, but his flaming sword proved more of a foe than she expected. Every time the blades clashed, it cracked more and more. Not only was the sword an issue so was the user. It showed he had enough talent and experience to outclass many. As she tried to close in more, she lost her footing. 

"Movere terram." 

Faye glanced downwards and saw a small chunk of rock that rose to pierce her ice. Before she could look upwards, she was slashed. But in a reflex fashion raised her guard. It cut through her forearm, and she immediately felt the pain from the flames and the blade. Everyone was ready to call it. Rino turned to finish her off, but she was standing still. Blood silently dripped onto the ice, her expression calm. The snow stopped falling, but the clouds thickened. An ominous feeling befell everyone. 

"Rino, you truly are a warrior. And I thank you." She raised her sword with all the remaining strength she had left. But everyone noticed a change. The blade was shorter, thinner, and glowed in a milky white color. Reflecting the moon's pure state. She raised her leg to make a step, but she was behind him when it touched the ice. Rino had a millisecond to see the approach but was not fast enough to react. Everyone stood frozen in place, even Rino. In that second, his legs were frozen to the ice. She laid a trap before he knew it. But she immediately collapsed after pulling that attack. And so did Rino. Artium snapped back to reality and called the end to the duel. Everyone rushed towards them. The doctor was already present analyzing them. 

"Both of them are still breathing. Take them to the tent immediately." Luke walked over and picked up her sword, but this time it stung him, and he managed to sheathe the weapon, and the pain faded away. They rushed them to the tents and everyone crowded the area to see how they could help. Everyone was worried about them but no one could deny that the duel lit a spark in their hearts. An hour passed and Luke knew he had to speak before anything happened. This was the momentum he needed to push it even further. It was time to organize his own army. Luke stood on the same rock near the tents and called all of them. 

"Well, is she worthy of joining us?" Everyone nodded silently; she most definitely left a mark on them. Fought fair against one of the strongest warriors in their ranks. And managed to push him to the brink. Although many say Rino won, a few began to favor her. Luke stood up firmly and inhaled. 

"Then let the history of our Kingdom know that during our darkest time, Faye, a fierce warrior pledged service to the king." Before Luke could continue, he saw some commotion in the tent in front of him. It was Faye, being held up by the doctor. She simply raised her thumb and shot him a smile. And immediately fell again, and the doctor dragged her back with muffled curses. He could do nothing but smile and be grateful for her. It's only been a few hours, but he knows she's somehow needed. This intensified the men's fervor and they all chanted her name. Hopefully, they forget she's a stranger and slowly start accepting her. He continued with his speech. 

"As King of the kingdom of Aimar, I accept the warrior Faye and her services. Henceforth she will be part of my personal guard."Everyone kneeled after hearing this, a clear sign of approval. He eyed Xander and Artium and told them both to approach him. 

"Following Faye, the knight Xander, and the huntsmen Artium will form part of my personal guard." They both kneeled before him, and he pulled out his sword. This was his first decree as a King, and he needed not his bloodline or father's sword. 

"Henceforth, Rino shall be promoted to captain of the Huntsmen." This had more reactions, and everyone accepted this decision. Luke made a mental note to find out who he was after this fight. 

But with this, the day came to a conclusion. They still needed a ways to go before reaching the capital. But all this made Luke wonder how big the world is and what he could find ahead. Excitement overwhelmed his fears, and for once, he began to notice his hidden strength. Lying dormant, waiting for a chance to scare the world. 

Soon.

Luke froze after hearing this. It wasn't a whisper; it was from inside his subconscious. But it sounded like him. Impossible, he reassured himself, but the sensation followed. A soldier tapped on his shoulder and told him he was being summoned. Slowly walking towards the tent, an ominous feeling trickled behind him.