It began to rain lightly. The sound of rustling leaves mingled with the sound of damp soil being trodden on.
Their pace slowed as the ground became slippery. Sam was still in the lead, wooden spear in hand, Eric behind keeping formation. Adora gripped the strap of her bag with trembling hands, her eyes vigilantly looking around.
Suddenly, from the bushes ahead, came the sound of a gasp. A figure emerged - a woman with matted hair, torn clothes and a lot of mud. She fell to the ground, her knees cut and bleeding.
"Sam," the voice was hoarse, almost inaudible, but filled with hope mixed with desperation.
Sam widened his eyes. "Aurel?"
The woman looked up at Sam with tired yet shining eyes. "You, you're alive."
Sam ran to her, helping her up. "You, God. Are you really Aurel?"
Aurel nod
