Ronan had been right that they’d see the camp without further instructions. When Ashyn spotted smoke, she picked up her speed, but as soon as they crested a small rise in the road, she could see it was simply a campfire. “Why is it smoking so much?” she said. “I suspect that’s what Ronan meant by something seeming wrong,” Tyrus said. “They might as well send smoke signals to bandits.” He spurred his horse, and they galloped the rest of the distance, with Tova and Daigo running alongside. Ronan waited ten paces from the camp. The tents were silent and still. There were three of them, just large enough to sleep in. No horses, carts, or other belongings in sight. “Hello?” Tyrus called as they dismounted. When no answer came, he waved Ronan in closer. Then he threw open one of the tent flaps. Moria was at his side, her daggers raised, Daigo alongside her. Ashyn stayed back with Tova. “Empty,” Tyrus said. He checked the other two with the same results. Ashyn moved in for a closer look.
