said, getting back on his horse. He started off in that direction, the others following.
They continued on, the light getting lower as the day drew to a close. The terrain was rugged, but passable. They rode up a steep and rocky hill, suddenly stopping at the top. Below them, the sparse trees ended halfway down the slope. Beyond that, the trail cut its way through a tumbled mix of rocks and they could just make out a rocky cliff ahead.
However, it was not the rocks that stopped them. There was a feeling of coldness and evil that seemed to radiate from the area. The horses begin to whinny and shy away, nervous. Facing those sensations, Jake resisted the urge to call up his magic, not wanting to draw attention. Jonas motioned them to go back.
They rode down the trail a ways, then left it, concealing their passage as they went. They headed into a dense grouping of trees, going until they could not see the trail. Jonas had them dismount, then gather close.
"I believe that we have reached where the demons brought the princess." He whispered. "I think that we have two options. The first is that we ride back to find Alleon and bring back the army. Finding Alleon seems the most logical choice, despite the delay of many days. With the additional soldiers and clerics, we would stand a better chance in a fight."
He paused. "However, there are drawbacks to this. We do not know how many of our enemies we face or even if the princess is still here. It may be that we will have brought them here for nothing or to confront more enemies than even Alleon's force could overcome. A bitter fight also increases the chance that the princess will be harmed."
"The second is that we attempt to enter secretly and locate or recover the princess ourselves." He continued, face serious. "It will take stealth, strength and courage. It goes without saying that there is great danger to attempt this. We could easily be seen and killed, overcome or captured. But, to attempt such a feat is probably the last thing our enemies would expect us to do. That element of surprise may be the edge to allow us to succeed."
Marcus spoke up, his voice soft, but firm. "Feeling the evil of this area, I will say again that I am not leaving her in their hands a moment longer than necessary." His face was a mask, hard and resolute. "I will attempt this place alone, if need be."
"You will not go alone, young Marcus." Jonas said, smiling grimly, clasping his arm. "I will go with you."
He looked at Hailyn, warmth in his eyes. "Here, my dear girl, you must make the choice. This is not something I would ever demand of you. It is far beyond what would ever be required of an apprentice. You can remain here to wait for us or take a horse and attempt to return to Alleon."
"I trust in the mercy of the One and in you. I will follow you to whatever end, Master." Hailyn replied simply.
Jonas nodded, then faced Jake. "For you, to go along means that you will enter into the midst of those that want you desperately. You are probably at the greatest risk of us all, Jake, so you must decide. There is no shame to say no. You can also take your horse and return to Alleon, even though that way is dangerous too."
"If you are going, I will go, Jonas." Jake said, trying to push down his fear. "Dominic would have done the same if he were here." Jonas gave him a tight smile, then got down to business.
"We will leave the horses here and go on foot." Jonas said. "We'll make our way down to the rocks and find a place where we can observe the layout of this place while there is still light. If we see a path in, we will take it."
They took out some rope and tied it off loosely between two trees, wrapping the horses' reins over it. They left it loose so the horses could break free if threatened. Marcus grabbed a waterskin and, kneeling, poured water into the dirt, mixing it with his hands, making mud. Jake was not sure what he was doing when he motioned Jake over.
"Rub the mud on your armor." Marcus said quietly as he started to do the same on his. "It will reduce reflections off the metal,