Ruger recalled the two explanations Wizard Mona had offered earlier for why Zorn and the others had not appeared here. Now he very much hoped the second was true. That would at least give him some basis for gauging this group's strength.
These people had also landed rather unceremoniously in the water when they arrived. Did that mean this was not their territory, and that they were outsiders too, merely more familiar with the place than the three of them? It was a somewhat rash conclusion, but Ruger hoped it was the truth. Otherwise, their situation might be even worse.
Varin watched the two of them with wide eyes. She did not even dare poke her head out. That was the safest choice.
Only after those people had completely disappeared into the edge of the forest did Ruger draw his head back and sit down against the massive boulder lying on its side.
Ruger said nothing, and Varin, who still had no idea what was happening, was even less willing to speak carelessly. Silence settled over them. Varin looked questioningly at Ruger, then at Wizard Mona, who had been a little slower to move.
Ruger found her reaction rather amusing and gave her a reassuring look.
At least they could be certain that these people had not come to rescue them.
"Would you like me to risk a try? I know a spell called the Invisible Eye that would let me observe them from behind," Mona said softly, a faint smile on her lips. "In theory, it's a good approach, but nothing in this world is foolproof. Prophecy is no exception. So, as your companion in this predicament, I must ask for your consent."
Ruger shook his head.
Since they had already settled on a three-day limit, there was no