"Actually, they're probably more to the east of us by now. We went a pretty far distance and I doubt they could have kept up with us." Ryson nodded down the clearing that curved around the hills. "If they're following us, they're back there on the pass between us and the inferns."
"With the heavy scent of goblin upon them, I am sure you can pinpoint their location once we get closer, but we will not use the pass."
"What do you suggest?"
"Let us take to the trees, but move in a northeasterly direction." Holli pointed to the closest hilltop. "We angle up around that peak. Once we get to the other side, we move parallel to the pass but remain in the trees and on higher ground. When you sense them, let me know, and we will choose the best route to gain a better perspective."
"Fair enough," Ryson agreed as he sheathed his sword.
Holli took the lead knowing Ryson would follow. The elf took several strides along the open pass before approaching the tree line, placing some distance between them and the passage used by the last cahltof. She then turned north and moved into the woods. Quickly scampering up a large ash tree, she climbed two thirds of the way up the trunk before stepping out upon a branch strong enough to hold her weight.
The limb bent low as Holli moved further out to its edge, but it would not break. The leaves rustled with agitation as the branch bounced with each step of the elf. When Holli leapt over to a neighboring tree, the limb snapped back upward, bobbed up and down several times, and ultimately settled back in its previous spot, reaching for the bright sunshine.
Ryson moved with even greater ease through the trees. Though he was not as accustomed to that form of travel, as a delver he could quickly adjust to his surroundings. His instincts and his agility served him well as he danced through the trees at a much faster pace than his companion.
The delver still allowed Holli to set the direction of their travel, but he circled about her position, never getting too far ahead or lagging way behind. He barely had to watch his footfalls as the tree branches simply became an intertwined system of bridges and paths.
Utilizing all his senses, he sniffed the wind for foreign scents, listened for hints of travelers, and scanned the lands around them. Through the varied trees of oak, ash, hickory and basswood, he noted the natural trails of the regional wildlife as well as the recent signs of humans and dark creatures alike. He caught several traces of goblin scent as he traveled, but he believed they were nothing more than the residue from old trails. After passing the third hilltop, however, he caught a fresher scent that definitely matched what he had noticed before the incident with the cahltofs.
"We're getting closer," he whispered over to Holli as he leapt back to her side. He pointed to the southeast. "It's coming from over there. I haven't heard them yet, which is kind of strange."
Holli examined the location of the pass from where she stood in the trees and then matched it to the area pointed out by the delver. She surveyed the hills in the distance and quickly fixed upon the hilltop where the inferns were spotted.
"If they are near, they have not moved far from where we first encountered them."
"If they're not moving, that would explain why I haven't heard them."
The elf guard weighed the additional information and made a quick decision.
"Let us remain on this course and see what else we can discover."
Holli moved slower, even allowed Ryson to take the lead. She continuously scanned the surrounding lands and reached out to touch the magic that flowed freely in every direction. She utilized her inherent ability to take hold of the energy, and she examined it closely to sense any danger in the vicinity. The magic, however, remained pure and untouched. She sensed no magic caster attempting to exploit the energy.
Ryson silently glided through the trees, making no sounds and focusing all of his senses on the signs he could find. After passing another hilltop, he announced his new discovery.
"They're dwarves," Ryson offered.
"You are certain?"
"Look at the tracks," he stated with confidence as he pointed to the forest floor. "Those are dwarf footprints. There's eight of them… and they're very close by." He paused to listen and sniffed the wind once more. "They're not moving, I think they're just waiting in the pass. I can't see them, but it's around this hill."
Holli looked across the horizon, noted the position of the pass in the distance and its relation to their current position.
"Right where we were when you spotted the inferns," Holli declared. "They didn't follow us at all."
"What should we do?"
"Can you see if the inferns are still watching the pass?"
Ryson quickly retrieved his spyscope. He had to climb higher up the tree, but he found a position with a clear view. After a brief moment of peering into the east, he leapt silently back down to the elf.
"Still there. They're not moving, either, and they don't seem to be concerned with what's going on over here. They're just focused on the pass as it drops down into the valleys."
Holli nodded.
"Let us get a better look at the dwarves," she advised.
With fluent grace, the elf and the delver slipped through the trees like silent shadows. Holli led once more and chose a path that remained elevated above the clearing of the pass. Ryson stalked through the trees very near the elf as opposed to circling her. He knew exactly where the dwarves were, even as they remained out of sight around one last hilltop.
Once the two circled the last peak, they found a spot deep within thick leaves that covered their positions, but allowed them to review the dwarves from a safe distance. Holli brought them to a halt and took great care to pinpoint the location of all eight dwarves. She could not understand why they carried such a strong scent of goblin among them, but she was relieved to see their relaxed state. All eight stood within the clearing of the pass, and though they kept watch in all directions, they showed no sign of aggression.
"They are armed, but probably not a war patrol," Holli whispered as she continued to evaluate the situation.
The elf guard immediately spotted a female dwarf who turned her head in their direction. The dwarf made no other move, but stared directly at Ryson and Holli's position. By her armor, Holli judged her to be an officer. The dwarf would not release her gaze. It was clear they had been discovered.
"One heard me," Holli revealed in a slightly lower voice. "Might as well not pretend. Let us greet them in the open."
"You're sure?"
Holli nodded. "Best way to handle the situation. We are going to ground level and we will move into the pass. Stay on guard and do not stray too far from the trees. Leave your sword sheathed, but remain prepared to retreat back into the woods."
Ryson agreed and again let Holli take the lead. He followed her to the ground and they broke through the thick brush at the edge of the clearing together. When she stopped after but two steps into the open pass, Ryson took a position by her left side. He took one quick scan of the horizon and then noted the movements of the dwarves. They did not appear at all surprised to see them.
The female dwarf who had turned her head stepped up deliberately to meet the two new arrivals while the other dwarves remained several steps behind and showed little distress. The dwarf officer had a wide chin and large eyes, and she looked upon Holli with what appeared to be simple curiosity. When she turned her attention to the delver, she smiled broadly and her large chin seemed to expand even wider.
"Ryson Acumen, it is an honor to welcome you to the Oachets."