381 A Storm Of Blood

"Three groups," Kaleesh said. "If we'd gone a quarter-mile further, they would have flanked us from both sides. It seems these Blightspawn aren't the mindless creatures I'd expected to face."

Arran cast a wary glance at the small group of Blightspawn on the hilltop. "If they aren't mindless monsters, there must be a reason they let themselves be spotted so easily."

"It seems your studies have paid off," Kaleesh said. "They made little effort to hide themselves. And worse, they haven't attacked us yet."

"Worse?" Sassun gave the captain a puzzled look. "How is that worse?"

"It means there's a fourth group," Arran said in a grim tone. "Behind us."

"Just so," Kaleesh confirmed, giving Arran an approving nod. "If the three groups ahead were the only ones, they could not afford to let us retreat. Even if they ran us down, one or two of us might escape and spread word of their presence."