"They were discovered by the patrol."
"Tonight, after you activated the river-level alert, we began landing patrols in the uninhabited zone. That was when they were discovered."
"Our people saw a huge blaze. They chose a spot on the southern side of the volcano, with the mountain blocking the view from the north. They probably never expected anyone to come ashore from the sea to patrol."
"After discovering them, the patrol didn't raise the alarm. They called for reinforcements directly through the Mind Link. By the time those people realized what was happening, they had already been completely surrounded."
"Not a single one got away?"
"No. The patrol kept their eyes on them. They're all here."
"Did you see what they were doing?"
"Our people didn't dare get too close, so they couldn't hear what they were saying. But they seemed to be gathered around someone, though we don't know what they were discussing."
It was probably Worker Theus. When he had manifested earlier and spoken with that group from Moth Chasing Flame, the Banshees had already crept up and completed the encirclement. That was rather unexpected.
"How are they now?"
"They've been in a standoff for quite some time. They haven't panicked at all. Their formation is very orderly."
"Take me there."
Theus soon met the group from Moth Chasing Flame. Just as he had seen when he was inside Worker Theus's shell not long ago, they wore loose red hooded robes and stood quietly in place, watching the Banshees around them.
"Did you call out to them?"
"Yes, but they neither surrendered nor gave their names. They've only remained in a standoff with us."
A standoff?
Theus faintly sensed that something was wrong.
When he had still been inside that shell, Chloe had clearly been eager to drive