And then he was there, his breath stolen for a second by the beauty of the river, which was less a minor vein and more a major tributary of Lostriver, an arterial gush of whitewater between the rows of boulders standing sentinel on either side, making fording it impossible for even the strongest swimmer.

He looked left, and then right, following the river’s path in each direction to the farthest point his eyes could see, the rapids bending out of sight. Over the years, the river had gouged a deep scar in the forest, a bloody slash illuminated by the sun’s dying rays. A slash that he would now be able to follow northward all the way to his destination, which had been intentionally built on the river’s banks to ensure an infinite water supply.

The whitewater was a perfect opportunity to replenish his water supply, as the river was cool, clean and refreshing. There was also a hint of something sweet, as if it had been mixed with a bit of honey. In any case, it was as revitalizing a drink as he’d ever consumed, so he spent the better part of an hour drinking, eating and gathering his strength. He wasn’t worried about the time of day. Even if darkness settled over the forest, following the river at night would be easy enough under the moonslight, though time-consuming considering the size of some of the boulders he would need to clamber over or find a way around.

But he was in no hurry; after all, he’d waited twenty years for this.

With that in mind, he began the final stage of his journey.

Twenty-Nine

Soraya

Seer, Finfalla

“Hurry!” Sunny shouted, able to find her feet much faster than Soraya, who was still in shock at the rapid turn of events. The strong woman hauled her upright with more ease than she could’ve managed herself anyway, and then they were flying through the destroyed door, stampeding down the hallway—the surface of which was marred by dozens of deep claw marks—and then descending the staircase so recklessly that they nearly collapsed as they hit the landing at the bottom, clinging to each other for support as they surveyed the tavern’s main room.

Shim! was Soraya’s first thought, but then both their eyes landed on the devastated front door at the same exact time, which was both a relief—Shim was okay!—and a source of horror—the townsfolk!—all at once.

Out into the night they went, searching the town square for any evidence as to which direction Seela had gone. There was nothing, any furrows the nightdemon’s claws might’ve cut into the stonework hidden by the darkness of a moonsless night, but then—

A scream lit up the silence.

“That way!” Sunny shouted, and then she was off in the direction of the scream, no longer towing Soraya, who struggled to keep up with the woman’s speed. Just ahead, Sunny turned a corner, but by the time Soraya was able to do the same, the woman had disappeared from the street.