Soul of a Dragon

26

It was with the coming of dawn's light that heralded their departure from the warm cave to the bleary cold of winter in the mountains.

Taehyung was not given lead for once, but rather Yoongi took point, with Taehyung, Jungkook, and Jimin in the center, and Namjoon and Hoseok now bringing up the rear guard. They no longer rode the mounts; fresh snow was piled too deeply for them to break through. They walked, each alongside their respective mount, snowshoes strapped to their feet. The things were awkward at best, and other than serving to save their legs by keeping them from plunging knee deep into the snow, were merely annoying. The only lucky one was Hoseok, elven lightness keeping him from the need to wear the cumbersome things.

However, they each did wear their pair, except for Hoseok that is, and their speed was kept at a decent pace they would all be able to stay at, even the still recovering Taehyung.

They stopped for a short rest a few candlemarks before midday. Jimin, surprisingly enough, was the one to call it, saying both Taehyung and Yoongi shouldn't push themselves too hard just yet. The others amiably agreed with him, with the exception of Taehyung and Yoongi. The both of them protested, but the mage stood firm in what he believed, and he was the closest thing to a healer they had next to Hoseok.

So a stop was called, and taken. It was short, consisting of half a candlemark where they removed the snowshoes, kicking out the snow which was stuck in the laces, and taking a bit of grain to the steeds so that their metabolism, and therefore body heat, would stay up.

It was after they began forward again that the hair at the back of Jungkook's neck began to stand on end, sending unpleasant chills racing down his spine that had nothing to do with the cold.

Someone, or something was watching them.

Pausing in his step for a moment, he then resumed forward level with Taehyung, who'd previously marched behind him.

"Taehyung..." He muttered, catching the older boy's attention. Taehyung turned an eye to him, dark brow raised in question.

"There's something watching us...I don't know what." Jungkook said, doe eyes glancing about with a somewhat nervous air.

"Did you just now notice this?" The soldier asked, all his attention on Jungkook now.

"Yes...right after we started moving again." The younger replied. "I don't think it's just one thing either. It feels like we're...surrounded." He added, another shiver brushing down his back.

Taehyung turned his gaze outwards, focusing his senses now. He'd always been alert; it was trained into him to be so; but he'd not felt what Jungkook now spoke of. That is, not until he was alerted to it. Now, he did feel it.

The gaze of something, of several somethings eyeing the small traveling party

He cursed silently.

Their short period of non-movement, the day and nights within the cave, had allowed something to lock onto the small group. There was no telling whether what watched was of an evil intent or not, but they had best assume the worst. Especially as they drew nearer to Zexus' stronghold. He was bound to be able to track Jungkook's collar; the closer they got, the more opposition they were likely to encounter.

"I'll inform Yoongi and Jimin. You tell Hoseok and Namjoon." Taehyung said quietly, his training taking over now. With a nod, Jungkook again paused, casually, and waited for Hoseok to come level with him so he could tell the elf of their situation, then Namjoon.

Taehyung moved forward, equally as casual, and bespoke Jimin, then forward again to where Yoongi led the group.

"Yoongi...we have a situati-" Taehyung began, but was cut short by the sudden explosion of sound directly behind him.