The lower gate stood beneath the roots of a tree so large that Nova could not see its crown. A staircase wound around the trunk, disappearing behind platforms built at different heights. Above him, the suspended road creaked under the weight of a cart, and somewhere among the branches a bell rang three times.
Lunaris pressed against Nova's chest. The Auri stopped beside a thick root and looked upward, following the slow movement of a wooden counterweight.
"You can come out from under that landing now," a woman called. "The lift isn't moving again until I give the signal."
It was the woman from the platform, descending the stairs with a length of white cord around her wrist. Her name was Nia. She had short dark hair and the steady manner of someone accustomed to being obeyed by people who believed themselves in a hurry.
"You said you came from Eastwatch?" she asked.
