Arlen's attempt to rescue me turned into a battle almost immediately.
The moment he started walking away from the meeting hall, at least thirty people stood up and followed. The old man didn't even make it ten steps before stopping.
A collective groan spread through the crowd. Apparently everyone already knew what was coming.
Arlen slowly turned around and looked at the procession trailing behind us.
Nobody seemed particularly ashamed. Several people even smiled.
One man had the audacity to wave. For a few seconds, neither side spoke.
Then Arlen sighed.
"I am taking him home."
"We know."
"Good."
His expression remained perfectly calm.
"Then you should also know that following us defeats the purpose."
A woman folded her arms.
"We aren't following you."
"You are literally standing behind me."
"We're walking in the same direction."
"There are three hundred possible directions."
"We like this one."
Several people nodded in agreement.
