More likely they saw tracks, Elias said. And they're deciding whether they're worth following. He adjusted his hat. The gesture calm but deliberate. Stay on the horse.
Let me handle it. At's instinct was to argue, but she swallowed it. She had seen what men like those drifters could do. She didn't want Elias facing trouble alone. Yet, she also knew she couldn't stand steady if things turn violent.
Elias walked out into the open before the drifters had a chance to approach. His posture was steady, every step controlled. Ata watched closely, holding her breath without realizing it. She had seen men bluff confidence before. This was different.
Elias wasn't bluffing. He was simply unafraid. When the drifters noticed him, they moved down the rise and stopped 10 paces away. Both wore patched coats, dust-covered hats, and the kind of expression men have when they think trouble might give them an advantage. One of them called out, "You tracking someone?
" Elias didn't answer at first. Instead, he planted his boots solidly in the dirt and let the silence work for him. When he finally spoke, his voice was low and firm, just passing through. Roads open. I'm not bothering anyone.
The drifters exchange a look. The taller one smirked. We saw tracks. Family maybe children too. Easy pickings.
Ata felt her stomach twist. She wanted to yell at them, threaten them, do something, but she stayed silent. She didn't want to break Elias's focus. Elias took a slow step forward. Those tracks aren't yours to follow, he said.
And if you're thinking about heading that way, think again. The shorter drifter eyed Elias's holster. You speaking for yourself or with the girl you got with you? Ata stiffened. Elias didn't turn around or show any sign her presence mattered strategically, but his voice sharpened just enough to make the threat clear.
She's not your concern, and neither of the people were looking for. The drifters hesitated long enough for Ata to see their confidence falter. Elias had a presence that made men rethink their options. Not because he was loud or aggressive, but because everything about him said he had nothing to lose and everything to protect.
After a few tense seconds, the shorter one spat in the dirt. Fine, we're heading south anyway. They turned and walked off without looking back. Ata let out a breath.
She didn't know she had been holding. When Elias returned to her, his steps were calm, the confrontation already behind him. "You handled that without a gun, " she said quietly. They were looking for easy trouble.