Ekdos walked forward, content to walk among the trees. He’d need to make camp soon—but he still had plenty of time to see what there was to see here.

The path was well worn, but Ekdos had seen few other travelers beyond a handful of traders the previous day. Now, at night, he was unlikely to see anyone else.

Suddenly, he froze.

In the trees, off the path, Ekdos would have sworn he heard a voice. He froze, listening, placing a a hand on his sword.