CHAPTER 31

The bed of the rock cried with vibration as the heavy feet of the barbarians trampled on its rough skin. Nothing was visible, save for the flags of flames that walked down the ledge, towards the position where Ada and her friends were hiding. But for the chattering sounds of the barbarians, the night could have passed for its serenity and peace that waxed with ease with the cold.

“Did they see us?” Ada’s voiced weaver with the frigid air.

“I doubt,” Ikedi whispered. If he was afraid, it did not show on his voice, which had a tincture of what seemed to be hate, lingering on it.

Ada watched the horizon as the ostentation of the yellow fire continued. It was arranged like a long yellow thread, trailing from the top of the mountain, down to the earth. They were too many, about some thousands or more if she was not mistaken. She now could see reasons why the people of Alaocha were afraid to attack them.

“They are so many.”