This scouting mission seemed to be complete. Dranosh had found no large Mag'har Orc tribes south of the outpost. He would report the situation to Regar when he returned, providing a reference for his decisions.
"Ah, hurry back. I miss my Lili." Goldmanpu Goldensong's voice carried through the entire party, occasionally startling birds feeding in the grass.
"Quiet, my friend. Your voice will draw unfamiliar visitors here." Dranosh could only persuade the veteran Goblin. "Once we're back, you can shout for an entire day if you want. But we're still on someone else's territory."
"Fine, fine!" The Goblin pursed his lips and finally fell silent. Everyone exchanged smiles. They did not let down their guard, but their pace noticeably quickened. At the thought of going home, everyone felt their spirits rise.
"Awwooo—" A wolf's howl drifted over from the distance, shattering the party's quiet.
Gale lowered her body tensely. Rather than answering the howl of her distant kin, she let out a low whine, warning Dranosh.
Dranosh gently stroked Gale's head, signaling for her to remain quiet. The others stopped as well, gripping their weapons nervously and preparing for whatever might come.
The group all crouched low, using the tall grass as cover in the hope of avoiding the Wolf Riders in the distance.
"Awwooo—" A second dire wolf's howl rang out, seemingly closer than before.
Dranosh checked the wind direction. Their group was upwind, so the other side's wolves had clearly caught the scent carried over by the breeze and were searching toward them.
Dranosh made a gesture, and everyone lowered their weapons. Goldmanpu's shrill voice immediately rang out. "Damn it, what good are these pelts? We still have to find someone to process them after we get back before we can sell them for a decent price. We're