Re: A Fishy Matter
Artur nodded, a hint of respect seemingly in his eyes at Lyra's determination to continue.
"Let's proceed carefully past this point - at least one of those beasts got away, though I doubt there are any more."
He led the way forward, picking a careful path around the spires of rock, and pointing out to the others where to tread to avoid the sticky strands of the webs made by the spiders.
Once past, he resumed his position at the fore of the group.
After an hour or so the ridge came down to meet the surrounding terrain, and the going was easier. A couple more hours walk up a streambed and Artur paused, inspecting the ground. Slipping back to the others, he informed them:
"We're close now. Stay just behind me."
He led them on for another ten minutes or so, then softly called a halt.
"Listen: I hear voices. They must be just around this corner. You go on without me now - I've no call to get involved."