The Bulltor responsible for the scouts looked between his peers, but they all shook their heads in unison. No one had received a single abnormal report. The southern border, by all accounts, was supposed to be quiet.
"Don't expect to get any distress signals today," John said, pausing to let out a heavy, weary sigh. He looked at the gathered giants and his two friends, his voice turning solemn as he added, "It's not the Hiveminds that are the problem. It's… The humans!"
"..."
His words landed like a lightning blow. Total silence washed over the area. Even Cissel and Elena exchanged a look of pure bewilderment. They knew their own race still had thousands left in the southwesternmost territory, yet they were scattered and struggling in this trial. They couldn't fathom how their kin could be a source of trouble significant enough to make John look this troubled.
