belt. By the time they reached the end of the path, her nerves were frazzled. Lee, however, seemed calm and alert.
“We should head in the direction of Althetas,” said Lee. “If we are still followed by nightfall, we'll continue on to the city and try to throw them off. If not, we'll start west. There's a road about a day’s ride that will take us to Idelia. From there we can make our way to the southern coast.”
By the time the sun began to set, Lee no longer thought they were being followed. He and Dina found a small clearing and made camp.
“It seems we are not worthy of further attention.” Lee laid out his bedroll. “Which means Gewey and the elves are the likely targets.” His eyes scanned the nearby brush. “Still, I should scout the area. Wait here.”
Lee disappeared into the fading light, while Dina munched on a piece of bread and some dried fruit. About an hour later, he reappeared.
“Whoever or whatever it was is gone,” said Lee. “For now we aren't the objects of their interest.”
“I hope they feel the same way about Gewey and Kaylia,” said Dina.
Lee nodded slowly, laid down on his bedroll and stared at the night sky.
Chapter Eight
Gewey, Kaylia, Selena, and Linis joined Theopolou and his companions in the receiving chamber shortly after Lee and Dina's departure. Their gear lay next to Selena's chair at the far end of the hall.
“Follow me,” said Selena. She walked to the far left corner of the room where a tapestry depicting the symbols of the nine Gods hung. She reached behind it and a loud clack echoed throughout the chamber. A hidden door on the floor in front of her fell open, revealing a ladder leading down into a dark hallway.
“Follow the passage for about one-thousand feet. There you'll find a small iron door.” She handed Gewey a key. “This will unlock it. The passage will let you out along the western wall of the temple. From there, follow the trail west until you reach the Sintil Sans Road.”
Gewey nodded and put the key in his pocket. “Thank you, High Lady.”
They gathered their gear and readied themselves to climb down the narrow ladder. Selena had packed the Book of Souls in Gewey’s satchel.
Theopolou and the other elves thanked Selena for her hospitality. Linis bowed low, and held out a small silver dagger, sheathed in an ivory scabbard. The handle was wrapped in soft leather and it was crowned with a large blood ruby. “Take this as a reminder of our friendship,” he said.
Selena smiled and took the dagger. “Thank you, seeker. You and your kin are always welcome here.”
Kaylia took Selena's hand in hers. “I can never repay you for your kindness, High
Lady.”
“Nonsense,” she replied. “Your bravery has saved us all. Without you, the only hope we have for survival would still be laying helpless in the healing chamber.”
Kaylia lowered her eyes and smiled.
“As for you,” she said to Gewey. “I charge you with keeping yourself alive and well.”
“I'll do my best,” Gewey replied with a smile, then made his way to the ladder.
Gewey went first, followed closely by Kaylia, Linis, and the others. The narrow hallway was pitch black, and it took a few moments for Gewey's eyes to adjust. The air was stale, and the rough stone walls echoed the troop’s footsteps. Just as Selena had said, the hall sloped gently up for about one-thousand feet. There he could make out the outline of small door. After retrieving the key he had been given, Gewey felt around until he found the keyhole. The lock was old and rusted, and for a moment he feared the key would break, but to his relief he heard the sound of grating metal as the lock gave way. Gewey pushed hard with his shoulder and the door screeched open.
Gewey breathed deeply, allowing fresh air to fill his lungs. The sun was still high in the sky, and for a moment he was blinded.
“I should take the lead for now,” said Linis.
Theopolou nodded his approval.
They followed the trail west for a few miles, then Linis ordered a halt. “I assume you have no intention of traveling the main roads.”
“Correct,” said Theopolou. “Once this path ends I will lead us.”
They continued for several hours. The terrain became less and less rocky, replaced by thinly spaced oaks and pines. The long grass bent and shifted as a constant breeze blew in from the west. What struck Gewey as odd was