The night was quiet. A carriage rolled to a stop in front of Ninzu's temple, its wheels crunching softly over the gravel. The horses snorted, uneasy in the strange air around the temple.
Maelor stepped down first, his dark cloak sweeping over the ground. Behind him came Ezura, the Seer from Dreamore. She looked around slowly, her eyes narrowing as if she could feel something strange in the air.
From the shadow of the temple steps, Ninzu's apprentice appeared. It was clear she had been waiting for them.
She bowed once. "This way, Your Majesty."
Without a word, Maelor turned and lifted the limp form of Eira from the carriage. Her head lolled against his shoulder. He followed the apprentice down a narrow path behind the temple, the seer trailing silently behind.
