"That's an idea but no. I have enough magic left for another attack but not near enough to set the whole forest on fire." Marcurio said looking up. "The feeling of being watched is not a pleasant one though perhaps we should just try and get from here as fast as we can, save chatting for later? Splitting up is good as well."

"But what if we run into another dragon? We can't be all scattered about when a dragon comes!" Ase said slightly shouting. She was starting to get defensive, the gave of the follower getting to her.

"Hey, Ase, we'll be fine," Anton said, stepping a bit closer to her. "Could either of you use a seeing spell or something?"

Layla sighed. If they knew of her presence, they would never mention their quest in front of her. She swung easily down out of the trees. Time for a more direct approach. "There's no need for a spell," she said to the boy who had just spoken.

Anton whirled, his rapier in his hand by the time he had turned to face the intruder. He stepped towards her, eyeing the bow on her back.

Layla held up her hands in surrender. "Whoa, whoa. No need for swords either," she said.

Ase jump away from the voice at first, but quickly turned to face their attacker. "Who are you?" she asked seeing the girl hold her hands up. Was she a spy? An assassin even? They had not even started their quest and already people were all ready after them!

"Seeing that you were just spying on us, I believe that there may be a need for a spell, unless you prove yourself a friend and not a foe." Marcurio said holding his right hand up. He winced as he tried to move the left, the wound protesting as he tried to will magic to his fingertips.

Anton did not lower his sword as he stepped closer to the stranger. He made sure Marcurio and Ase were behind him.

Layla sighed, racking her mind for an excuse to be following the complete strangers. "I have right to be suspicious of you as well. I was just making sure you weren't going to stab me the second I walked up to you," she said, sending a glare in Anton's direction.