"How far does the ravine stretch?"
"Far enough to bypass two watch routes," Darin said. "But that isn't the worst part."
Elion's gaze narrowed.
Darin hesitated for a moment, then continued. "They found marks. Carved into three trees along the path. Not demonic footsteps but a human trail, and it was fresh."
Alexander went still.
Elion slowly stood up from the wall.
"Human?" Alexander asked, voice colder now.
Darin nodded. "That is what the scouts believe. We suspect one of two possibilities, perhaps it was just a victim who happened to be wandering by, and has already been slaughtered by the demons, or someone may have guided them through."
The silence that followed was colder than the night wind.
Alexander's face soured.
"Who knows?" he asked.
"Only the scouts, Commander Rallis, and myself for now."
"Good," Alexander said. "It stays that way. Bring Commander Rallis to my quarters quietly, and make no announcements on this."
"Yes, Your Highness."
