Isaak’s father said something in English. I couldn’t quite catch the meaning, but Emil snorted and Isaak shook his head. “We’re ready, too,” he said.

Marin took a shaky breath. “Well,” she said. “Safe travels to you. You’re sure you won’t need anything for the journey?”

“No, we have stuff in my time. We’ll be fine,” Isaak said. Under his breath, he muttered, “I hope.” I don’t think he meant for anyone else to hear. I shivered, looking down at the cold ground and trying not to worry. The breath came out of my nostrils in steamy puffs.

“Now, remember—” Marin began, but she broke off. In the distance, there was the sound of the gong. It rang out three times before falling silent.

“What is that?” Gitrin asked.

Marin frowned. “I’m not sure. Forum isn’t until tomorrow.”

“Should we go check on it?” Ceilos asked. His voice sounded oddly strained. I furrowed my brows at him—something seemed different about his face, but I couldn’t quite place it. He seemed off, somehow.

“No,” Marin said. “You go. I will go check. If all goes well, I will see you again in just a few minutes.”

She hurried back down the path toward the village. I watched her go, an anxious knot forming in my stomach. From the village, raised voices rang out, but I couldn’t hear what they were saying.

“Maybe this isn’t such a good idea,” Isaak started.

“What’s going on?” his father interrupted in English. “We’re not backing out, are we? Because I’m not sticking around here any longer.”

Isaak clenched his jaw. “No, Dad, but don’t you hear—”

“Let’s go,” Ceilos said firmly. I looked at him in surprise. “Marin is right. We’ll be back in just a few minutes. Whatever is going on in the village, they can handle it.”

“I don’t like it,” said Gitrin. “But I’ll leave it up to you, Nadin.”

“Me?” I looked around at the group, then turned to face the postern. The sounds from the village had faded slightly. Maybe it was nothing. And, after all, we were not citizens of Elytherios—yet. We still had to prove ourselves.

I looked at Isaak for a long moment; then at Ceilos, his expression firm. “I… I think we should go,” I said at last. I held the posternkey out to Isaak.

“You want me to carry this?” he said in surprise.

I nodded. “Yes. Keep a firm grip on it. We can’t break our links, or we’ll get separated.” I reached out for Ceilos’ hand, and he took it, wrapping his fingers tightly around mine. Gitrin took Ceilos’ left hand, and Emil’s in her own. The old man’s face flushed, and Gitrin smirked.