King stood motionless outside the shack, the Magic Staff gripped firmly in his right hand. Vi and Eli maintained their position. Maya remained inside the shack, watching through the window with all curiosity.
The two red cursors on King's map drew closer, their movements clearly indicated haste. Whoever was approaching wasn't sneaking. They were announcing their presence.
The figures crested a small rise in the terrain, silhouetted against the morning sun. King narrowed his eyes, focusing on their forms as they descended toward him at the fore front.
The first figure was unmistakably human. A tall, muscular man with slicked-back black hair and stitched scars across his eyes and torso. He exuded a calm but intimidating presence.
