‘It is here – straight ahead.’
The forest was silent now, save for the sound of their anxious breathing. He had never seen Rayna so on edge, though he too felt the same following the ominous howls that had drawn them deeper into the ancient woodland.
‘I will lead.’
‘No.’ he whispered, giving The Guardian a hard stare. ‘Stay behind me.’
‘You don’t need to mollycoddle me, Lothnar.’ replied Rayna, fervently.
‘I have no idea what that--.’ he replied, cutting himself short.
Rayna was not a scout, nor did she answer to him within the chain of command. He realised then his error in judgement, that his abrupt words might be misconstrued as either condescending or dismissive, especially given The Guardian’s headstrong disposition.
‘I mean no disrespect.’ he said, looking to diffuse any te
