"Shh," Ren whispered, partially emerging from the hole while holding Li. "You're standing right on our exit and not letting us open it."
Li's eyes widened like saucers upon recognizing his friend. Tao stood frozen, caught between fear and fascination, his mouth slightly agape.
"Ren!" Tao exclaimed in an excited whisper when Ren finally released Li and completely exited the hole. "You were hiding underground! Just like in the Wandering King stories!"
"What were you doing down there?" asked Li, recovering from his initial fright. He brushed dirt from his clothes with exaggerated motions, trying to appear unaffected by the surprise. "And why are the patrols looking for you? Are you a criminal now?"
The last question carried a hint of admiration rather than judgment.
Ren smiled while moving aside to allow Yang, Lin, Wei, and his parents to emerge from the narrow hiding place.
