Voices drifted through the trees as he neared the west group. The forest had already counted eleven irritants. Eleven living things that didn’t belong in its borders. Kerrick used his magic to determine the intruders were a mix of men and women soldiers. Getting close was ridiculously easy for him. They’d posted a couple guards, but he was just about invisible. Still, there was no need to be in the center of activity. Kerrick leaned against a nearby tree and listened to the various conversations.

“Did you see Ron’s gash? Nasty with green oozing out.”

“Quit your jawing and fetch me more firewood.”

“You two have the third watch. Don’t fall asleep again or I’ll wake you with the pointy end of my sword.”

“If it doesn’t rain, we’ll be home in eighteen days. I haven’t been home in two years. I hope my girl hasn’t found someone else.”

Kerrick focused on the men talking about home.

“Two years? She’s probably married with a babe or two by now. I made sure and married my Sarah before leaving.”

“I didn’t think it would take this long or I would have,” the first man said.

“It sounds like we’ll be home for good. No more of this sneaking through the woods, poking at the enemy. It’ll be nice and simple just protecting our borders.”

Kerrick watched as the squad set up their camp with practiced ease, joking with each other as they completed their tasks. Kerrick had heard and seen enough. This squad wasn’t a threat.

He headed south toward the second group. Smaller, with seven male intruders, the squad hiked through the woods at a cautious pace. Quiet, too. Kerrick wondered if Avry had trained these men.

Memories of teaching her how to move with the sounds of the forest came unbidden. He’d enjoyed those lessons. Probably more than her, as she’d hated him then. And then the game of hide-and-seek... Kerrick grinned at how she had sniffed him out. Avry might have learned a lifesaving skill, but he’d learned again not to underestimate her. She was one smart cookie.

Kerrick followed the squad until they stopped for the night. Using his magic, he concentrated on the men and cursed under his breath. He recognized one of them. Kerrick eased closer. They kept their conversation to a minimum, lit a small fire, and posted more guards than the other.

The weak firelight reflected off their strained faces and they froze at any animal rustle or natural forest noise. Kerrick put the few clues together. They weren’t supposed to be here, and he suspected the leader had given his men a choice and four members had decided to remain behind. Kerrick stretched his senses along the roots of the forest, seeking another squad that might have been sent after them. Nothing.