Ethan's senses swept the northern horizon as he approached the barrier's boundary, wanting to go looking for Marcu's team.
Just as his foot crossed the protective threshold, some movement caught his eye.
Three figures crested a distant ridge, their familiar silhouettes bringing immediate relief. Marcus's team, alive and moving under their own power. No signs of injury or distress in their approach.
Thank god.
Ethan waited at the barrier's edge. Their faces showed exhaustion but not panic—whatever they'd encountered hadn't broken their morale.
"What happened?" he asked as they crossed into safety. "You took longer than the others."
Marcus wiped sweat from his brow, his breathing still elevated from their extended mission. The other archer behind him looked equally drained but alert.
"We encountered a large group of scorpions."
Ethan's eyebrow rose sharply. "You fought them and survived?"
A dry laugh escaped Marcus's lips.
