He awoke to the uncomfortable feeling of being shaken.

Rose put a finger over his lips and pointed. Two shadowy figures picked through the farmlands in the distance. "They certainly took their time," Rose whispered. "I took the liberty of locating the princess's bow and arrows while you slept. I'm glad I did, or we'd have been discovered by now. As long as we lie low, we'll stay out of trouble. Their path takes them away from our location. If you want to fight them, though, I'll need some time to set a trap. The town ruins have some excellent splinter points I could use to make skewers with."

She exhaled slowly and risked a glance at Solomon. "I'm thinking we should avoid a fight, but I'll defer to your judgment."