The other three shy back from the light, but keep snarling, teeth snapping a foot away from the traveler's clothing like hurled insults and bravado. They keep pace to accompany him deeper into the territory, an escort ready to turn deadly at any further provocation.

Much further away, another cluster of shadows rise -- but these have a more human form, and flicker with firelight that twists them into frightening and unnatural shapes. The sudden moaning wind sounds like sobs of pain.