Earthblood: Crossroads 6 (Patreon)

Mukhet stares off into the woods, as if meeting eyes with something unseen. He waves his hand, and the three of you quickly rush to him. His footsteps seem to thunder across the ground as the world grows quiet. Even the wind dies down to a mere breath.

Your heart quickens. In the distance, you hear it. They are coming. 

"It seems as though they're following me..." 

"You led them right to us!" Seri whispers, eyes darting about the trees.

"Shh... not quite..." Mukhet pulls the three of you down into a grassy hollow, just as a giant metal foot crashes past you. The monster rears and squeals a blast of steam. Its dark frame creaks and whines as it turns, revealing a giant beam of light streaming through the forest, as if an eye scanning for prey. With one final scream, it stomps off to continue its hunt.

"What are they...?" Nelo shivers, peeking over the churned dirt and grass where the beast had stood.

"The Reapers...? Creations of Destruction. How ironic." Mukhet pulls you to your feet and starts off again into the forest, still holding your hand. "I know a place we can hide for a bit. This way."

"Wait... We can't just stay here. We've already wasted too much time. What if the Reapers are already at the Shore lands?" Seri nods to Nelo. He returns the gesture and gently grabs their hand, prepared to leave.

"Agreed. We can't let them get there first. Kalu, come on!" Nelo reaches out to you.

Mukhet sighs with frustration. "If they're already there, then hurrying yourselves into danger isn't going to help anyone. It's safer to wait until night, then we can make our way there. Kalu... please. Talk some sense into your friends..."

Nelo reaches out to you. "Kalu... what do we do...?"