“Masterful,” said Pug. “If this is one of your grandfather’s designs, it surpasses anything I’ve been able to construct. If it’s someone else’s…”

“Who?” said Magnus quietly.

Amirantha said, “Wind is rising!”

Pug looked around. It was impossible to tell what time of day it was, as ash and smoke formed a canopy in the sky. The air was acrid with stench from the distant volcanoes, and a faint fall of ash covered everything in sight. It could be sunrise, sunset, or noon, and they wouldn’t know. “Yes,” he said, “I think you’re right; there’s been an eruption recently.”

“None of this ash was here when we left,” Gulamendis said. Glancing around, he continued, “At least the darkness will help mask our approach.”

As if to accent his observation, a deep rumbling came through the ground as a hot tower of flame appeared above one of the distant cones. “I wonder how long this has been going on,” said Amirantha.

“Ages, no doubt,” said Pug. “These sorts of regions can go through very calm periods then suddenly become active again.” He pointed to the sloping ground. “The lava flow fans out at the bottom of the cone and forms these relatively flat surfaces.” He then pointed to the erupting volcano in the distance. “But a big explosion and this can all be lifted, dropped, broken…” He shrugged. “If we can, I want to take that gate back with us.” He turned to Gulamendis. “But first, which way to the fortress?”

Pointing north, he said, “That way. About a half-day’s walk.”

“We’ll get there a little faster than that.” He motioned for them to stand close and join hands. Sandreena and Brandos stood beside Magnus, while Amirantha and Gulamendis stood beside Pug. They all joined hands and suddenly they were standing on a ridge that had been easily a mile north of their previous position. “Don’t let go,” Pug said, and another jump put them on a plateau. They could see the fortress rise up in the distance. “What’s the best way in?” asked Pug.

“We came out the main gate,” said Gulamendis. “It has a small door to admit people in and out without opening the big gates fully; there was no one in the yard; we just opened it, walked through, and closed it behind us. If no one’s noticed, it still may be unlatched.”