Deep down, Aldric had expected the stranger's return, and he knew the dangers of remaining in the cave when that happened. But in comparison, leaving wasn't any safer. Even if he did leave, there was still a high chance of running into someone more keen on taking his life than this particular stranger.
If this person was an Other, there was no debating the fact it wanted to kill Aldric. However, it could be well prepared to follow him without acting until he was about to leave the expanse before killing him. If the person was human, they might simply be seeking shelter just like him. Not withstanding, it could still be an Other acting as if that was what they sought.
"Up ahead, sand sliders blocked the way."
