The path ahead grew increasingly difficult. They even passed through an entire field of torchstalks and lesser water-susurrants. Whether it was the breeze stirred by their passage that disturbed them, the torchstalks triggered a chain reaction of explosions, sending toxic black clouds billowing from the ruptured caps of the lesser water-susurrants and forcing the two to detour.
Deep coves and flickering flames began to appear in their line of sight. Clearly man-made wooden structures put them both on high alert, guarding against any sudden ambushes from the shadows.
Everything was deathly quiet. It was impossible to tell whether the crowd had left or was lurking in the dark, waiting for Ethemon and the other to arrive.
Chapter 68