"That's why I've waited this long. First, my power as a mage is much greater now; I've spent years in study and practice, and I have some powerful new spells." He showed her the polished end of a scroll case. "And, as well, I'm traveling with a very experienced and able warrior—you."

"I see."

"I'm quite sure that whatever is there—if anything—will be no match for the two of us."

"What do you think is there?"

"Oh—if the underground passages are still open, some animals may have moved in. Perhaps even an orc or two. As for an evil power—" Macenion tilted his hand back and forth. "If it were very strong, I'd be aware of it here. And I'm not."

Paksenarrion looked around again. She felt nothing. After the wardstones, she thought she might, if anything like that were going on. She touched her sword hilt for comfort. "Well, then, I suppose we could take a look."

Macenion smiled, and turned to lead the way down.

It took longer than she expected. The path they had followed from the slopes above disappeared in a tangle of undergrowth that cloaked tumbled rocks as big as cattle. The sun had long disappeared behind the western peaks when they hacked their way free of the thorny stuff and found themselves on short rough turf still several hours away from the ruins. In fact, these were no longer visible; the floor of the valley was uneven.

"Let's make camp," said Paksenarrion. "It'd be full dark by the time we came to the ruins. The horses could use a rest, too." Star had a long bleeding scratch down one leg, and Windfoot was streaked with sweat.

"I suppose so." Macenion was staring toward the ruins. "I wish we could go right on, but—"

"Not in the dark," said Paks firmly. He seemed to shake himself.

"You're right." Still he sat, facing west, silent, while Paks gathered wood from the brushy edge for a fire. She touched his arm when it was ready to light, and he jumped.

"The fire's ready," she said, pointing.

Macenion looked around at the gathering darkness, and threw back his cloak. He glanced up at Paks. "Perhaps tonight we should use the tinder-box."

"You? The great magician?" Paksenarrion turned to the horses. "I thought you were sure it was safe."

"There's no sense making it obvious we're here—just in case."

"Then we shouldn't have a fire at all." Paks pulled her own pack near the stacked wood. "That's fine with me; I know fires draw trouble."