Lion Head Mesa infidel

unaware of the mobilization of so many, and likely uncaring even if he had noticed, drusk would carry on his exploration.

the large initial archway fell away behind him. he prowled until he found himself at one dead end or another, and would double back, or scramble up from the shadows and seek another route.

little by little he made his way through the outer limits, until a new choice was set before him: to follow the path that led to obvious shadows, which smelled of meat and water—or stay above where there was too much sun, and seek the farther shelter (the overground hemet quarters and farther, the barracks).

he moved to skirt the shadows until he came to an opening, and ducked inside while leaving an obvious trail in the dirt; something he had not accounted for.

the space was large, and dark. it took time for his eye to adjust. he saw furs lining along one wall, shelves of components, red reeds in a dry pile, and otherwise nothing of note. as the boy moved to leave again, he stopped short and watched some figures crossing the courtyard beyond, and realized he was being followed.