I blinked into existence behind Narg, who was crouched behind a thick bush, nervously biting his nails.
"Narg!" I called out.
He yelped, jumping up in fright.
"It's me. Calm down," I said quickly.
Realizing it was me, he exhaled in relief and slumped slightly.
"I knew you'd find me," he muttered.
I placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Good thinking, Narg."
Then I asked, "Where are they?"
He pointed ahead, voice low. "They're just up that way. I heard fighting, but I couldn't get closer. I don't know if they've been caught… or worse."
He looked down, guilt on his face.
"You did well, Narg. Go back to the cave—I'll handle the rest."
He nodded quickly and slipped away into the trees.
I didn't waste a second. I blinked in the direction he'd pointed, covering ground faster than I could run. The terrain blurred past—roots, stones, tangled underbrush—but none of it touched me. I passed through the wild like a shadow skipping across water.
