The aftermath of the ambush still lingered, the smell of blood, the weight of exhaustion. Kael and his group stood silent, eyes fixed on the rider and his men, who had saved them from being overrun moments before. There were five of them, clad in dark armor, their faces cold and unreadable.
Kael kept his hand on the hilt of his sword. Trust was something scarce in this world, and a group appearing from nowhere raised too many questions.
"You put up a good fight," the rider said, stepping forward with a casual air, though his gaze was sharp. "But you're being hunted. Sooner or later, you'll need more than just your swords."
Kael's jaw tightened. "We're managing."
"For now," the rider replied, his tone measured. He scanned the group, then fixed his eyes back on Kael. "You're heading north, I assume?"
Kael didn't respond. Information could be dangerous, especially in the wrong hands. But the rider's confidence told Kael enough, they had been watching for longer than this one fight.
"Who are they?" Harlan whispered, stepping closer to Kael. "We don't know them."
Kael's eyes flicked between the rider's group and his own. Veyron's hand hovered near his sword, while Harlan looked ready for a fight. Tensions ran high, too high.
"You followed us," Kael said, his voice low. "Why?"
The rider shrugged slightly, his gaze steady. "We've crossed paths with the Iron Circle before. We've seen what they do. And right now, you've caught their attention. That makes you valuable."
Kael studied the man carefully, sensing there was more he wasn't saying. But it was clear that, for now, the rider didn't see them as enemies.
"You could have attacked us instead of helping," Veyron cut in, his eyes narrow. "What do you want?"
The rider smiled faintly, though it didn't reach his eyes. "We don't want a fight. But the Iron Circle isn't the type to leave loose ends. You'll want someone who knows where they're laying their traps."
"And what do you get out of it?" Kael asked, his tone even but wary.
"I don't give anything for free," the rider replied, a hint of steel in his voice. "But for now, it suits me to see you stay alive."
Kael kept his stance firm, unwilling to give away more than necessary. The rider's words were measured, offering just enough to plant doubt but not enough to build trust.
The rider's expression flickered, just for a moment. "You're looking for Kerric, are you? If Kerric's north, you'll need more than brute force to get there. The Iron Circle is already moving."
"Why tell us this?" Harlan asked, his suspicion thick. "What's your angle?"
The rider glanced at him, his expression neutral. "Survival. That's all. You're walking into a trap. But with me, you might avoid it."
Kael's mind raced. Trusting a stranger in this world was dangerous, but their options were limited. The Iron Circle had been one step ahead of them since the ambush, and this rider clearly knew more about their enemies than he was revealing.
"You're not telling us everything," Kael said finally.
"I'm telling you enough," the rider replied coolly. "Enough to keep you alive, if you're smart."
Kael hesitated, weighing the risks. The Iron Circle was closing in, and they had few allies in this desolate land. For now, following this rider might be their only chance.
"We'll move north," Kael said, his voice firm. The rider's smile returned, though it was sharper now.
As they set off, Kael couldn't shake the feeling that this alliance was as dangerous as the enemies behind them. But for now, it was the only way forward.