" This is the only way we managed to find," Zarqa said as she turned back to face her friends, her hand resting on the rim of the well. " I'm not backing off right now."
Sindbad sighed as he pinched the bridge of his nose and shook his head. Jaber merely placed a comforting hand on his shoulder, as though sharing in his worries.
" And you?" Jaber asked the boy standing beside her, who responded with a determined glance.
" I'm following her to the heart of the Earth," his resolution was unwavering.
Sindbad didn't know whether to commend their bravery or admonish their foolishness.
" Very well, but you're not going down today." He pointed the scroll towards the sun, about to sink away for the day. " We're not sending you down into the depths of the unknown in the dark."
Zarqa considered his point and gave a nod of approval.
And so, they embarked on setting up the camp for the night.
