Eventually, they reached a long, straight tunnel that dead-ended in a kind of gate, a metal grating set into the rock that blocked the way completely. Beyond it, the corridor was in shadow and strewn with more debris and fallen stones. An iron-banded door stood in the center of the grate, secured with a heavy iron padlock.

“The tunnelborn try to block off the deep tunnels,” Gyre said. “Past here is scavenger territory.”

“Why bother locking the door?” Kit said. “Plaguespawn don’t exactly know how to work a latch.”

“Because it’s not only plaguespawn they’re trying to keep out,” Ibb said, emerging from the shadows beside the grate. “Hello, Halfmask. Kit.” He touched his broad hat, a bit of mocking courtesy.

“There are people who live in the deep tunnels,” Gyre said. “Bandits, mostly. Dhakim. Some just plain desperate.” He shrugged. “Personally, I always figured the locks were to keep idiots from leaving the gate open.”

“If that’s the case, they should use better locks.” Ibb produced an iron key from a pouch with a flourish. “Or take better care of these.”

“You’ve been out this way before?” Kit said.

The mercenary nodded. “A few times. This is an old gate, and everything close by was stripped clean long ago, so it doesn’t get a lot of use. Which is perfect, for our purposes. At some of the busier crossings we’d be mobbed by beggars and thieves as soon as we went through.” He cocked his head. “You’re certain your information about the location of the destabilizer is accurate?”

“It’s not precise, but it’s accurate,” Kit said. “If we move in the right direction, I’ll be able to tell you when we get close.”

Ibb made a face that meant, We’ll see, but said nothing. Gyre turned at the sound of boots on stone and saw Yora approaching, Harrow’s hulking form looming just behind her. The big warrior’s face contorted into a scowl on seeing Gyre, as usual. I’m getting a little sick of his attitude.

Yora carried her unmetal spear and wore the same light armor, her golden hair bound back in a tight braid. She had no pack, but Harrow carried enough for both of them, along with his big battle-axe.

“Halfmask,” she said. “It’s good to see you made it.”

Gyre raised his lone visible eyebrow. “Why, were you worried?”

Yora shook her head. “There’ve been some ugly rumors. Auxie activity is up.”

“They won’t bother us down here,” Ibb said. “Are we all ready, then? It’s a couple of hours’ walk to Beggar’s Rest, and then at least another hour to the edge of the map. We’d better move.”

“Suits me,” Kit said, and clapped her hands together excitedly. Everyone else jumped. “Let’s get on with it.”

*