On the other side of the forest, a small clearing had been set up with three temporary tents. Inside one of the tents, Rendall gnawed on a large, unidentified beast bone while listening to his subordinates' reports.
"Elder, we've marked this area extensively. If any of our people pass through, they'll definitely see the signs and follow them here."
"Elder, we haven't found any signs left by Elder Orion along the way. Should we send some men to check the succubus territory?"
"Is it possible that Elder Orion has already been killed?"
Rendall looked up, his eyes blazing with anger, and spoke in a raspy voice.
"Remember this: even if the chieftain and I were killed, Orion would still be alive and well!"
"And don't even think about going to the succubus territory. Doing so now would show distrust toward them—and toward Orion."
"Stay put and wait! If they haven't returned by the end of summer, then we'll make our move!"
...
