The journey back was fraught with tension and dread.
Every soldier's nerves were stretched to breaking point, their weapons drawn and ready at all times.
They knew they had provoked an unimaginably terrifying enemy.
They had destroyed the Altar and stolen the "sacred relic." Those dead creatures would never let the matter rest.
And the Dragon Egg was too important to lose.
That forced them to be doubly cautious.
Lynn rode with the Dragon Egg clutched tightly against his chest, wrapped in thick animal hides.
He could clearly feel a cold, malicious gaze following them like a shadow.
That gaze came from the north, from the endless darkness.
The Night's King was watching them.
He was waiting for an opportunity.
"My lord, the scouts found some tracks."
Jason rode up beside Lynn, his voice lowered.
"Something has been following us."
"What is it?"
"We don't know."
Jason shook his head, confusion and unease on his face.
"It's very cautious. It never comes close."
"When we work up the courage to approach, it immediately moves away."
"And the tracks it leaves in the snow are strange. Almost as if... it weighs nothing at all. They keep appearing and disappearing."
Lynn's heart sank, but he was not afraid.
"Pass on my orders."
Lynn's voice was frighteningly calm.
"Everyone, pick up the pace."
"We must find somewhere easy to defend before nightfall and make camp."
"And have everyone gather wood. The hotter the fires burn, the better!"
"Yes, my lord!"
The column abruptly quickened its pace.
Hooves sent sprays of snow flying.
The oppressive atmosphere left everyone struggling to breathe.
They were like sheep marked by a pack of wolves, desperately racing toward a pen that seemed impossibly far away.
Night fell at last.
The expedition made camp in a narrow mountain hollow