55 A New Family

After running for a few minutes, covering the road he had done backward, Astaroth returned to camp. His eyes widened in fear at what he saw.

Around the fire, three men were standing with clear looks of displeasure. Soon enough, Aberon turned to look at him.

"You're finally back." Aberon said, angrily.

He then blew, between his fingers, a sharp and brief whistle.

Next to Aberon, were Aj'axx and I'dril, with Chris and Korin nowhere to be seen.

"I was doing a round of patrol." Astaroth lied.

"Where are the others?" He then asked.

When he asked that, Aj'axx smiled at him wryly and I'dril turned his head to the side, avoiding eye contact.

Astaroth then felt something grab his arms from behind, locking their movements.

"Huh?!" He said, surprised.

"I'm sorry. Just following orders." Astaroth heard Korin's voice next to his ear.

"What are you doing?! Rel… Oof!" He started saying before a punch in his abdomen blew the words out of his mouth.