Scouting out ahead of the Queen's Blades group was Dread Fang, moving quickly and quietly through the countryside. He remained close to but directly avoided the southern road itself, keeping just out of sight of anyone he might run into. Every so often, he turned his head this way and that, sending telepathic pulses into his surroundings to detect any minds, but all he sensed were the small, dim lights of smaller insects and other lesser creatures. He extended his telepathic reach behind him until he sensed the group of Queen's Blades again, briefly making contact with Zayn's mind to confirm everything was in order. Dwelling scarabs are pack creatures by nature. 

Suddenly, Dread Fang sensed the presence of several animals flying overhead. Turning his vision upwards, the scarab tried to make out what kind of bird exactly, but his eyesight wasn't good enough -- all he saw were black spots moving quickly. That is, until he heard one of them caw. [i]Ravens,[/i] Dread Fang thought, and quickly turned his attention back to the road. The birds didn't interest him. 

Before long, Dread Fang sensed a familiar presence approaching the group from the north. This was Mikan, the Renaltan spymaster, a woman Dread Fang had met on a few occasions. He could sense her urgency -- something was obviously up. Dashing out of the undergrowth and onto the road, Dread Fang skittered to a halt in front of Mikan and quickly curtsied, sinking through his hind limbs and extending his scything arms to either side of him, in a surprisingly accurate imitation of a noblewoman. 

[i][b]"Spymaster Mikan,"[/b][/i] Dread Fang spoke telepathically. [i][b]"This one greets you. What news is it that you bring?"[/i][/b] Mikan, unruffled by Dread Fang's sudden appearance, rested her hands on her knees and took a few seconds to catch her breath. [b]"Hello to you too, cutie,"[/b] she panted, grinning. [b]"The queens sent me -- some crazy weirdo illusionist by name of James is threatening the village with bombs. I wanted to stay and toy with him, but... anyway, where's the rest?"[/b] 

Dread Fang rose to his full height again (his head still only reaching Mikan's ribs) and motioned behind him with one of his front limbs. [i][b]"Not far behind. The one called Dean Hansen is with them. He will want to hear directly from you, spymaster."[/b][/i] Mikan nodded, and thinking quickly, gave Dread Fang a directive. [b]"You go ahead, cutie. There are bombs at the watch towers as well -- I want you to go to the eastern tower and see what's going on there, okay? Don't dally!"[/b] She winked and Dread Fang nodded.

Dread Fang fell silent, his mind searching behind him. [i]"Zayn, there is trouble in the village. The one known as Mikan will explain. Come find me at the eastern watch tower."[/i] And with that, Dread Fang disappeared off the road again and out of sight, heading for the village.