The forest road lay quiet under the warm noon sun. Birds sang high in the trees, and the steady rhythm of hooves was the only sound beneath.
Lara rode beside Thornak and Dain, the wind teasing at her cloak as they made their way toward Ninzu's temple. Everything seemed peaceful, until the horses suddenly reared, snorting and pawing the ground.
Thornak pulled hard on the reins, his jaw tightening. Dain shifted his position, putting himself closer to Lara.
"What is it?" Lara asked, holding on to her saddle.
"Stay still," Thornak ordered, his voice low and cold.
Rogues, Nymeria's voice echoed in Lara's mind. Can't you smell them? They're everywhere… but something else is here too.
"Something else? What do you mean," Lara asked silently.
I don't know. But it's close.
Thornak's nostrils flared. "We're not alone," he said.
Lara's pulse quickened. "There are rogues," she said quickly. "We should get out of here."
