Leading the group, Lucius guided them past the second village without stopping to investigate. It was a scene of destruction, mirroring the previous village. Lucius was certain that their destination lay ahead.
As they entered the small forest in the evening, many hours had passed since they left the bear cave. Along the way, they encountered wild boars that fled in panic, but Lucius paid them no mind. They were now incredibly close to their target.
"There," he said softly, causing them to halt as they spotted smoke rising on the horizon, illuminated by the setting sun.
"Human activity, out here in the middle of nowhere?" Kevin asked, his tone serious, and the group grew tense.
In front of the shattered stone tower, tents were arranged just as Martha had described, with smoke billowing from their campfires.
Patrols and groups of young males and females moved about, their expressions reflecting boredom and a lack of enthusiasm for their tasks.
