Page 57 of Feral Gods
"I brought fresh meat," Thane announces with evident pride, producing a brace of mountain hares from his hunting pouch. "These were running near the eastern slope."
"Perfect," I smile, accepting the offering. "They'll make an excellent stew with the burgona roots."
As I turn toward the cave interior where we've established a crude cooking area, movement at the forest edge below catches my eye—a flash of color against the deepening shadows, there and gone so quickly I might have imagined it.
"Did you see that?" I ask, pausing mid-step.
Both gargoyles are instantly alert, rising to flank me protectively. "Where?" Ravik demands, scanning the terrain with predatory focus.
"Just beyond the tallest tiphe tree," I point to the spot, doubt creeping in as I see nothing further. "A glimpse of purple or blue, moving unnaturally fast."
"Dark elf scout," Thane concludes grimly. "Their elite scouts wear cloaks in that shade."
"Or purna," Ravik counters, wings extending slightly in unconscious threat display. "The witch's cloak was similar."
Anxiety tightens my chest. If they've found us again so quickly, Zephyr's cloaking spell must have failed or been circumvented. "Should we prepare to move again?"
"Not yet," Ravik decides after a moment's consideration. "A single scout poses minimal immediate threat. Better to maintain position and gather information than flee blindly into potential ambush."
"I'll intercept them," Thane volunteers, already moving toward the narrow path that winds down from our elevated position.
"No," Ravik countermands, his tone brooking no argument. "If it's a scout, they've already reported our location. Better to strengthen defenses here and prepare for possible engagement."
Thane looks momentarily rebellious before nodding sharply. "I'll check the lower cavern access points. Set traps if necessary."
"Do so," Ravik agrees. "I'll signal Zephyr to return."
As Thane disappears into the tunnel leading to the lower chambers, Ravik moves to a small crystal set into the cave wall—a communication device salvaged from the temple that connects to a matching crystal Zephyr carries. He presses his palm against it, sending a pulse of amber energy through the neptherium matrix.
"He'll return immediately," Ravik informs me, turning back with renewed vigilance. "Until then, stay within the main chamber where we can protect you."
I want to argue that I'm not helpless—my growing magical abilities provide some measure of self-defense—but the practical truth remains that I'm still untrained and vulnerable compared to my gargoyle protectors. "I'll prepare the meal inside," I concede, gathering the hares Thane provided.
The main chamber of our cave sanctuary serves multiple functions—sleeping area, meeting space, and makeshift kitchen. A natural chimney in the rear wall carries smoke from our small cooking fire to the outside through some hidden exit in the mountainside, allowing us to prepare hot meals without betraying our position with visible smoke.
I focus on the familiar tasks of skinning and preparing the hares, finding comfort in the routine physical activity. By the time Zephyr returns, breathless from his hasty ascent, the stew bubbles promisingly over the fire.
"Detection perimeter breached," he announces without preamble, his silver-gray form moving directly to the small table where we've spread maps of the surrounding territory. "Single entity, moving with deliberate stealth. Not dark elf."
"Purna?" Ravik questions, joining him at the table.
"Almost certainly," Zephyr confirms, turquoise eyes troubled. "The magical signature is similar to the witch we encountered at the temple, but fainter, less powerful."
"An apprentice," Ravik concludes. "Sent to confirm our location before the full coven commits to attack."
Thane emerges from the lower tunnel, his massive form radiating battle-readiness. "Lower access secured. They'll find nasty surprises if they attempt entry from below."
The three gargoyles fall into tactical discussion, debating defensive positions and potential counterattacks with the practiced efficiency of warriors who have fought countless battles together. I listen while continuing my meal preparations, contributing when appropriate but mainly absorbing their strategic thinking.
"The central chamber provides best defensive position," Ravik decides finally. "Limited access points, solid overhead coverage, multiple retreat options if necessary."
"Agreed," Thane nods. "Though I still favor preemptive strike. Eliminate the scout before they can report back."
"Too risky," Zephyr counters. "We don't know if they're already in communication with others. Aggressive action could trigger immediate response rather than buying time."
Their discussion continues as daylight fades beyond the cave entrance. I serve the stew in crude wooden bowls salvaged fromthe hunting lodge, the simple meal surprisingly satisfying given our limited resources. Even as we eat, the gargoyles maintain vigilant watch, taking turns monitoring the cave entrance and checking Zephyr's detection wards.
Night settles fully over the mountains, bringing deep darkness broken only by our small fire and the faint blue glow of neptherium crystals Zephyr has placed at strategic points throughout the cavern. The gargoyles establish a watch rotation, with Thane taking first position near the entrance while Ravik and Zephyr rest.
