FIFTY SEVEN: Old Acquaintances

The rustling sound that Kel and Teagus had been dreading so much still managed to take them completely by surprise.

It happened so quickly that their hearts hardly had the time to sink as crimson flashed between the leafy branches.

"Here they are!" 

One of the rogues smirked, using his thumb to wipe some blood from his cheek as he stepped out of the bushes.

Kel immediately cupped her hands around her mouth.

They were still a ways from the original patrol route and, therefore, the Dragon Heart's earshot, but perhaps somebody would hear her--someone hunting, someone wandering into the woods to relieve themselves, anybody.

The rogue moved as quickly as she did, however, and no sound had a chance to escape her throat before she found herself dodging a hostile slash.

A loud clang behind her told her that Taegus had also been forced to rapidly defend himself.

The silver-haired boy at least had a sword, though.