Walter and D"huile walked though thick vines in the eastern west-side forest, under the confused gaze of Commander Gallion and his troupe of forty men. The two remained silent as Walter led the way. He occasionally looked at a map in his hands, while D"huile" s hand sometimes flashed forward and cleared a path for Walter. Though confused, Commander Gallion and his men dared not ask Walter where they were going.Growling could be heard from a far, making the men more cautious. They felt the hairs on the back of their necks stand, causing a chill down their spines.
"Where are we?" Commander Gallion asked at last.
"I was wondering how long you would last, trying to be an obedient soldier." Walter chuckled causing the commander to frown. He had not questioned Walter, since it was decided he should stay. Not asking and just following orders, was his plan. It seemed Walter had seen through it.
"Am I not allowed to ask?"
"On the contrary. Ask if you wish. All I can tell you is that most of you will die where we are going." Walter said and the men started to get fl.u.s.tered.
"What does he mean?" one of the soldiers asked their commander, but was ignored as Commander Gallion remained looking at Walter"s back.
"I only need those who scorn death by my side today." Walter said.
"Those are not men you speak of, my lord, but fools." commander Gallion said.
"Fools are more useful to me right now." Walter said.
The roaring started to get louder, making the men unsettled. Walter said no more, this was discreetly asking to choose. They looked at each other and took deep breaths before flanking Walter from behind, shielding his back. They had made their choice.
"Halt!" a voice said above them. They paused and looked towards the voice to meet a man dressed in leaves. Only his male parts were covered and he was tattooed from head to toe. A tiger stood by his side and let out a roar the moment they looked up. Leaves around them rustled, making them look around in caution.
They were surrounded.
More men stood above them, making them realise; they were not just walking on a footpath lined by thick trees on both sides, they were walking on a path caved between a hill.
This was an bad situation, as these unknown people had the higher ground and could kill them with those arrows they had pointed at them. The soldiers paled.