"Even if it's just a bluff, we shouldn't take the risk. It's never wrong to be cautious. Our group is small, and we don't have many weapons. We can't afford any casualties, nor can we waste bullets. If we get into a nasty fight, forget about our supplies and livestock—we probably won't be able to escape unscathed ourselves."
Taylor Vance pointed to a spot on the map of Mount Caldera. "The mountain range here is complex. It's easy to defend but hard to attack. If someone were to ambush us in there, we'd have a hard time getting out."
"I agree with Mr. Vance," Evelyn Ford was the first to state her position. "A detour will cost us time, but we're not in that much of a rush. I don't want to take the risk."
"I'm with Evelyn," Wyatt Vaughn said, raising his hand.
Quincy, Officer Graham, and Wendy then raised their hands as well.
Peter Owens glanced at Miles Vaughn, then at Evelyn Ford, and finally raised his hand.
"I'll listen to Evelyn, too."
