"You go ahead," Cain said.
Ludwig had already taken one step after the fleeing figure when the words made him stop.
He turned around.
Cain stood exactly where he had been, still holding the crafted dart between two fingers. His expression carried mild interest, but not enough of it to move his feet with any urgency. The forest ahead had swallowed the runner completely, leaving only disturbed leaves, a faint human scent, and the fading trace of poison on the air.
Ludwig stared at him. "Really? You're not even interested?"
"I am," Cain said.
"Could have fooled me."
"I do not like exerting effort when none is needed. I will follow slowly after. Just go."
Ludwig looked at him for a moment longer, then shifted his gaze toward Kaiser.
The former lich had crouched near a patch of mud and was examining a broken twig as if it had volunteered state secrets.
"Same here," Kaiser said without looking up. "Not feeling like running. You can go."
Ludwig frowned.
