Deciding it was best to follow the main, messy tracks for now, they continued into the night. A trail of bloodstains and other marks showed the hurried retreat of the enemies, and, as Lucius had guessed, they were indeed heading toward the river.
After another hour, Lucius raised his hand, gesturing for them all to stop. The sound of water could be heard, and they realized the river was right in front of them, a few meters away, hidden behind the trees.
Looking around at the eerie forest, they noticed that it was strangely quiet, but then other sounds began to blend in with the water. Roars and shrieks echoed through the area.
"They are close," he said in a low voice as they peered ahead, crouching down and trying to conceal their bodies behind the trees. They slowed their pace, and soon the river was right in front of them.
