In the few moments before they were spotted by the group of people approaching them, Arran waited calmly. Although he was prepared for battle, he didn't feel the nervousness that would have filled him in the past — between his Tempering and his experience, his nerves had strengthened a great deal.
Moreover, the size of the group brought him some comfort.
Powerful mages would not bring such numbers just to hunt a novice and a recruit, and if they were hunting for Snowcloud, they would not want to bring along a group of weaker mages. That meant that even if these people were enemies, they likely wouldn't be particularly strong.
The first people among the group quickly came into view, and when he saw them, Arran found his expectations confirmed. The men and women approaching them were young, and they were wearing the dark robes of Shadowflame novices and recruits.
