The tall Velhari finally stopped several meters away from the human side before planting the butt of his bone spear lightly against the ground.
Clink.
His narrow golden eyes slowly moved across Arnold, Cole, Helen, Jayden, and finally Zich before a faint smile appeared on his face.
"I am Varok," he said calmly. "Commander of the eastern Velhari patrol division and representative for this operation."
His voice carried confidence without needing to rise loudly.
Varok's gaze shifted toward Arnold afterward. "I must admit, I expected something different. When our side heard the human settlement agreed to a joint mission, I assumed experienced adults would be sent."
His eyes moved briefly toward Helen and Zich.
"Not children."
Several nearby guards stiffened immediately after hearing that.
Cole's expression darkened almost instantly. His jaw tightened hard enough for veins to appear near his neck while one hand moved toward the weapon at his waist.
"You red skinned..."
