Compass, Part 2

"Are you sure we're going the right way?" Essenla asked. "Not to question your compass-reading skills, but we've been walking for hours."

"We are," Morne said simply, glancing at the book.

"Does it say how much farther we have, by any chance?"

"No."

"Wonderful," Essenla sighed. "My company's just as quiet as this forest. Those things don't have ears, you know? You're free to talk."

"…"'

"Haaa…" she sighed again, this time in a more exaggerated manner, but didn't press it.

They spent the next hour in total silence, walking in a straight line with no end in sight. It was only when Essenla was about to try to start up another conversation, anything to get away from this blasted quiet, that a sound stopped them in their tracks.

Thud.

Thud.

Thud.

"Another one?" she asked, legs tensing as she prepared to drop.

Morne put away his book with a serious expression, ready to toss the torch away at the first sign of trouble.

Thud!

THUD!

Thud…

Thud… Thud… Thud…