CHAPTER 33

Ada heaved again, this time, resisting the urge to clean her sweaty palms on her neck. She wished the cold rock could pierce her soul and calm her troubled breast. Every attempt to keep her mind away from Ikedi was just becoming more and more difficult.

They had walked quietly through the edge of the mass of stones, keeping a close eye on every direction. The silent language of the mountains could be understood from the breaking day, which still had that peaceful smile on its cold face. If Ikedi had not mentioned that the place still crawled with people, Ada could have been spotted by one of the barbarians. So stupid of her to try and rest in the tranquility of the rocks.

"It will be morning soon," Chira said, "We should hurry."

They belted along into what looked like a cave. It was pitched dark and the only guide they had was tracing their fingers on the rough body of the stones.

"Stay on the rock," Chira whispered softly.