Would it better if I just killed them all?

"People ahead!" 

This simple shout served as an energizing factor for the entire group. For the last several hours, all they did was run and rest, but now, the boring part of their expedition was finally about to end. 

"Seventeen strong, all on horseback!" A more detailed report quickly reached Layn's ears.

"We should still be outside of their patrol range," the archmage muttered, confused about the unexpected situation. 

"What does it matter?" Markus asked, shaking his head to show how little he cared for Layn's worries right now. "Increase the speed and move to intercept!" Instead of wasting time on worries like Layn did, Markus shouted his order before increasing the pace of his run. 

'What are they doing so deep in the steppe?' Layn thought as several possibilities ran through his mind. 'Deep scouting? Deep sentries? Or maybe just a baiting force?' he thought about several possibilities.