Zanthee sighted his target. A squirrel was perched on a branch a stone throw's away. He slipped a smooth pebble into his sling pouch and slowly raised his hand to swing the sling. The sling made a soft whup whup sound as it circled over Zanthee's head, but just as he was about to let the stone flight his eyes glimpsed a company of shaggy animals approaching. He dropped the sling, not wanting to betray his position to these newcomers. Shifting to try and see them better Zanthee saw that atop of each of the three animals perched an elf! Except they were different from any other elves he had ever seen. Their skin was pale, and their clothing rough. Zanthee hid and watched as they passed him unawares, not in any kind of hurry. They were headed towards the village! He ran in the direction opposite to the passing elves, and hoped to make it to the village before they arrived.
Zanthee skidded to a stop in front of Rayek, and in between gasps for breath he recounted all he had seen. He was shocked when Rayek seemed unsurprised, but only narrowed his eyes and nodded.
"We have to hide, prepare to defend ourselves!" Zanthee couldn't believe his fellow villager's reaction. Rayek appeared to be considering something, but when he only seemed to be pondering some unspoken idea Zanthee impatiently turned to run and warn the Mother of Memory, or Suntoucher; whoever he found first. A second before he left Rayek grabbed his forearm, stopping him.
"How many elves did you say there were?"
"Three, and their beasts." Rayek nodded. "Alright. I'll warn Suntoucher, and you can warn Savah. We will gather all the lads of fighting age, and everyone else will hide beyond the hills."
"That is a decision for the Mother of memory or Suntoucher to make." Zanthee hated defying his friend, but his unswerving loyalty to the Sunfolk's leaders wouldn't let him do otherwise. Rayek countered him,
"We both know that I am the most qualified in defending our people. Once they hear my plan they will agree. We don't have time to bicker!" Zanthee nodded, satisfied, and ran off to find Suntoucher. Angrily Rayek cursed himself, for not better protecting the secret of the village's location. Somehow the two barbarians must have been able to track their route to the village despite the blindfolds.
Leetah gathered her things inconspicuously, and stayed with the group as they filed out of the village towards the hills. She was glad that Rayek was preoccupied with Savah, otherwise she knew his eyes would be trained on her, to assure himself that she was out of harm's way. Leetah meandered in the direction the others were going, letting most of them pass her until she was at the tail end of the group. Pretending to have forgotten something she turned to run back to her hut, and once she was sure she was out of sight of the others Leetah ducked into one of the huts at the back of the village. It was far enough to not be spotted, but if she pulled back the canvas door covering to peek through she would be able to hear and see everything that was going on. Leetah wasn't even completely sure why she was so desperate to see the barbarians. The part of her that wanted to reason it was the subconscious force of recognition was quickly pushed away. I just want to hear what the barbarians have to say Leetah lied to herself.
"You must hide yourself Savah!" Rayek was exasperated, and becoming more riled by the second. Savah sat calmly regarding him with quiet eyes that hid a spark of excitement.
"Rayek, I will speak with these strangers. They were not aggressive when you first brought them to us. I am the leader of the Sunfolk and will not shy away from my position." Savah's gaze softened when she saw Rayek's earnest concern. "But, if they are aggressive I will remove myself from the danger. And remember, I am not completely defenseless." Rayek looked away, unsatisfied, but knowing that Savah would not give. A shout from outside startled them, signaling that the barbarians had been spotted. Savah stood, and began to exit, but Rayek stepped in front of her, grabbing his spear. Savah acquiesced to having an escort and allowed him to lead her outside.