On the rustic porch, three pairs of anxious eyes scanned the surroundings.

Behind tiny, squinting eyes Thayen whispered, “It-t-t isn’t much to l-look at. We’re s-sure the Gnud would be here?” Kennet nodded.

Groder bellowed, “What did you say about tits?” Kennet hissed and drew his hand back as if to strike, his eyes red.

“W-w-won’t work if’n we says too m-much,” Thayen mouthed quietly as Kennet rapped on the door. No answer came. With a motion he sent the other two scurrying around to the back of the house.

They returned, both offering shrugs, with Thayen adding quietly, “N-no signs of l-life. N-n-no Gnud.” Kennet stared ahead off of the porch, across the gravel road and into the trees. He nodded gravely and gently patted the bag that Thayen wore over his shoulder.

Thayen shuddred nervously and asked, “Y-you m-mean, r-release the h-hounths?” Kennet nodded again, and Thayen knew what to do.

Groder looked back from his scanning of the woods, “Did you say something about being nude?”