Chapter 2 -- Hunters and Hunted ; Part three

Kedemar startled awake as Dath's warning cry rang through the forest. In an instant he was on his feet, his naked sword in his hand. He held it ready as Natalya rushed into the camp, Dath not far behind her. "What happened?" Kedemar demanded. "Company." Dath replied, catching his breath. Natalya was still gulping air, hands on her knees. "Why didn't you wake me?" Kedemar asked. "Natalya spotted him. She woke me, AND," Dath forestalled Kedemar when the young captain shot a look at Natalya and opened his mouth to speak. "She made the right decision. Now be quick. That wound won't stop him for long. We have to move." The two men began breaking camp. Natalya still stood, shaken. "What was he?" She whispered. Dath turned to her, sympathetic. "A Kathiran assassin." He replied. Natalya spoke again, "He seemed so... detached. Like we weren't, like we meant nothing to him. We were just..." Dath laid his hand on her shoulder. "I know." He said. "I know. They are not men to be underestimated."