CHAPTER 21Instead of approaching the acolyte from behind, Sam decided it would be better to cut through the trees and brush, back in the direction from which they had hiked, and arrive via the trail as if he’d just happened by. It took him several minutes to clear the swamp and step out onto the path several yards away. He made a point of being quiet, not wanting to make his presence known too soon and thereby giving the acolyte time to hide. That might cause an unfortunate run-in with the others hiding not too far away.
His concerns were unfounded. As he arrived at the logs alongside the trail, the acolyte continued to look downward, its hood blocking both its face and its ability to see anyone approaching. The tiny figure on the log lifted its arm and swiped its sleeve across its face w
