Chapter 138: [138] The Flavor of Danger
Xavier studied the massive footprints again. The wind picked up, sending fresh snow swirling around their boots and making the distant smoke columns dance against the gray sky.
"There’s another possibility," he said slowly.
Both women turned to him, Ashley’s crossbow still held at the ready while Naomi shifted closer to his side.
"We don’t know what made these tracks. Could be hostile, could be..." Xavier paused, searching for the right words. "Look, we’ve been assuming the worst. But what if whatever this is isn’t necessarily our enemy?"
Ashley scoffed. "You want to bet our lives on maybe?"
"I want to make an informed decision instead of running blind." Xavier gestured toward the smoke. "That village might have survivors. People who need help."
Naomi’s purple hair caught snowflakes as she shook her head. "Or it might be a trap. Big scary monster leaves obvious tracks, drives prey toward a killing ground."
Xavier sighed. "Whatever’s in that village, it’s between us and Hearthome. Even if we take the long route, we might run into it again. Better to know what we’re dealing with."
Ashley lowered her crossbow slightly. "So what are you suggesting?"
"I’m suggesting this isn’t my decision alone. We go back and present the intel. We let everyone choose the flavor of danger they’re willing to swallow."
They made their way back through the snow, the argument continuing in hushed tones. By the time they reached the small caravan, Xavier had counted at least six different plans, none of them particularly appealing.
Dalen called the group together beside the lead wagon. The remaining survivors gathered in a loose circle—eleven people, including the three of them. Xavier recognized most of the faces by now: Gareth the scout, his weathered features creased with worry; Marta, who’d been flirting with him since the Thornbeast attack; old Henrik, who’d lost his wagon but kept his sense of humor; and the others who’d become familiar over their days of shared danger.