There was a faint noise, as if people were talking in the distance.
Damien moved slowly, gesturing with his hand to tell the soldiers behind him to make no noise. They walked carefully, barely making a sound as they avoided the twigs and leaves on the ground.
In the distance, Damien could see smoke rising.
It seemed there were people in the forest. He raised his fist, signalling the soldiers behind him to stop.
"I will go and check. You guys should stay here and remain quiet."
They nodded without making a sound.
Damien moved forward. After taking a few steps away from the soldiers, he saw them.
There were a few people.
But they weren't dressed in black. They were dressed like natives of different villages. Their clothes looked rough and tattered, as if they had been on the road for a long time.
For some reason, Damien felt disappointed, yet happy at the same time.
Maybe these were some of the people the injured man had mentioned.
Damien moved closer to them.
