"Your theory is the useless one!"
Ricky snapped back, glaring at Luke. The two stood chest-to-chest for a fleeting second, defying eyes locked in a silent contest of wills.
"Hey, stop bickering at each other and stay vigilant," John said calmly. He didn't even turn his head to look at them; his focus remained outward, scanning the eerily silent horizon. "We are in a hostile area, regardless of how clear the area looks. We don't know what is waiting for us deep in the southern bank."
"Then..." Cissel paused, her hand hovering near her waist as she looked around at the open terrain. "Why don't we start building outposts now? In case things go south, we can retreat to a fortified position and strategise there. We shouldn't cross the river without an anchor."
"Good point," John nodded in agreement. Cissel's caution aligned perfectly with his own growing unease.
