“We’ve got some new sham-lights” the bear looking man spoke. “They don’t cause fire like the last ones. But still it’s best if you use it with caution.”

They went forward in a straight direction. It was clear that either all of them, except for Mntui, knew where they were going or they trusted the muscular man enough with such thing.

“And what about the older types? Any left of them?” Saleh asked in his usual tone.

“Yes, as many didn’t had the courage to apply them, not even to blades or so… At least not very often. I stored them specially just in case. Why? You don’t want to use them, do you?”

The snakeman fell silent for a few moments, as if he was really considering the possibilities.

“No… not yet. They are dangerous to just carry around, but I still think they might come in handy in the future.”

“Yes, I had no plan on just disposing them. Still, should they cause a forest fire everyone would be in a tight spot.”

It was clear while Saleh was considering the usefulness in comparison the risks, Ramu was more worried about the dangers of fiery disaster.

“It’s amazing how the snake tribes know their way around these kind things” the robust warrior continued. “They are swift too, well as one can expect. So I have still limited batches to give out to each squad.”

“Understandable…” noted Saleh.

At this point all of them stopped suddenly. Only Mntui couldn’t foresee it, so she almost bumped into Saleh. She looked around trying to figure out the reason. There was an ordinary looking grey stone house to their left and one carved into the wall on the right. A strict looking Shadow was guarding the entrance of the carved out shelter. He was tall, with long limbs, and was wearing the Shadows’ common black armour which covered him almost on every inch. He was already a threatening sight with his spear in hand. Only his eyes could be seen through his helmet, which shone up menacing red in response to Mntui’s curiosity.

“This is where we part for now I’m afraid” Saleh turned back halfway to Mntui.

“What?” she burst out in surprise.

“Yes, this door leads to the newborns’ quarters” Ramu commented.

Mntui narrowed her eyes. Confusion was one thing, and parting from Saleh didn’t seemed to be a bad thing at first thought. Yet she was somehow disappointed and infuriated at the same time.

“You want to say something” Saleh started apathetically. “One just have to look at you, but there is no need. Usually things don’t play out this way. In normal circumstances you would be my second shadow until you are able to stand your ground on your own. It would be a waste to get you killed on the battle field just yet.”

Mntui looked away thinking, still she got her courage together to answer.

“Yes, well in usual circumstances you would’ve just let me die in the middle of nowhere in the first place.”

“Hmm… most likely” Saleh raised an eyebrow at the given speculation. “But this debate is pointless.”

“Of course it is” she frowned. Pointing towards the door Mntui looked at Ramu with an unspoken question written all over her face. As the sturdy looking man nodded she just walked inside willingly.