Maev shuddered. She didn't fear men or demons; those were things she could fight. But what was a blue, icy, frozen fear? How could she fight something she didn't understand? She was about to ask more questions when Dorvin shouted from the forest ahead.

"Bloody stars! Are you two following?" He peered from around a tree. "Come on! By the gods of hairy feet."

After sharing a glance, Maev and Alina followed. The forest rustled around them, and for once, Dorvin was silent. As they walked, Maev reached into her boot, drew her hidden copper dagger, and handed it to Alina. "Keep this."

The druid shook her head. "My faith in the stars protects me, as does my staff. They are all the weapons I need. And I have a feeling weapons will be of no use here." She shook her head, auburn hair swaying. "We will need more than metal in Bar Luan."

Maev didn't know what that meant, but she kept her sword drawn. This blade—she had forged it herself in Grizzly's old smithy—had served her for years. Whatever enemy waited here, she swore that she could slay it—with metal if not dragonfire.

They walked through the forest. The trees were different here than back home; she did not recognize them. Their trunks were pale and coiling, soaring far taller than any trees Maev had ever seen. Their roots twisted like serpents, wrapping around boulders and smaller trees. Mist floated and dark birds flitted between the branches. The air was thick and soupy, rich with the smell of age. Everything seemed old here, ancient beyond knowing, and the trees seemed to stare into Maev, disapproving of strangers disturbing their old guard upon the land.

After a mark or so, the trees finally parted, letting in cool air. The city of Bar Luan lay before the three Vir Requis.

A cobbled road stretched ahead, lined with brick buildings that stood several stories tall, each level smaller than the one beneath it. Stone reliefs of animals, druids, and warriors rose upon the walls, gazing upon the sunlit boulevard. Two great statues, each larger than three dragons, flanked the road, shaped as robed men with the heads of apes. When the companions stepped down the road, entering the city, Maev gaped. The pyramids rose ahead, even taller than the great King's Column back in Requiem. Staircases ran up their sides, lined with many statues. Towers, walls, and silos rose everywhere, some topped with gardens, their walls sporting embossed faces larger than men.