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“How long will my blood keep the people and animals safe from the mist’s compulsion?” Avera aimed the query at Opal.

“I don’t know. I do know you don’t have time to stand around. Once the effect expires, I expect Zhos will try to rebuild its army.”

“Will you come with us?” Avera pointed to Luna. “We can ride double so you wouldn’t have to walk.”

Opal shook her head. “I cannot leave. My duty is here.”

“Doing what?” Avera asked.

“Given we’ve finally met, and I don’t expect another heir anytime soon, I shall do my best to block the entrance.”

“Block it how? You are hardly strong enough to place rocks large enough to deter anyone,” Gustav asked skeptically.

An enigmatic smile tugged Opal’s lips. “I have my ways, but I imagine Zhos will find a way around it. Its influence keeps growing, which is why you must hurry.”

“You’re sure I must go to Verlora?” Avera dreaded the thought of leaving Daerva.

“If you wish to save us all from the evil that rouses, yes.”

“Verlora?” Gustav bellowed. “There is no way we’re going there. It’s a death sentence to all who do.”

“You don’t have to go,” Avera stated, not mentioning the fact she’d told Opal the same thing.

“Why do I get the impression you’re going no matter what?” His brows beetled.

“Because apparently there is no other choice.”

“We’ll see about that,” Gustav muttered.

“I wish we had more time. I have so many questions,” Avera murmured wistfully.

Josslyn interjected, “So do I. What is this place? Who are you? What is going on?”

“The queen can explain on your journey. If only I still had the written accounts that spoke of Zhos. Alas, time and incidents eroded them. But I hear the Verlorians were good at preserving old text.”

“Assuming anything still even exists,” was Gustav’s sour rejoinder. “I don’t see how leaving the continent is Avera’s best choice. Surely removing the pretender and traitor to her throne is more important.”

“There is nothing more pressing than this quest. Queen Voxspira must journey to Verlora if there is to be any hope at all for Daerva and the rest of the world. The foe we face is ancient and mighty, its influence ever-expanding, and she is the only one who can stand in its path.”

“And if she dies?” Gustav’s sharp reply.

“Then we are all doomed.” Opal’s lips turned down at her ominous message.

“This passage we’re to take, how long to traverse it?” Avera asked.

“That depends on the traveler. I’ve never been through it myself. My understanding is it is a day’s walk, but I don’t know how many rest periods that includes, if any.”

“Can’t we ride?” Josslyn queried.

Opal shook her head. “While your mounts will fit, the tunnels aren’t tall enough. You will need torches to light your way.” Opal entered her cave abode and returned with a sturdy limb; the end charred. She also had some rags and a leather bladder which she claimed held oil to keep the torch burning.

Opal hugged Avera and whispered, “I have faith in you, Avera Voxspira.”

“I’ll do my best to find the seals.”

The trio grabbed the bags Avera had dumped outside Opal’s cave before heading out, their mood somber as they trekked to the other side of the mountain. The ledge narrowed as they approached the area Opal claimed held the tunnel. A disgruntled Gustav led the way, his stallion at his heels as he followed the path around to the other side. Avera and Josslyn kept pace behind. Luna brought up the rear, herding Josslyn’s horse.

The boulder Opal mentioned didn’t completely cover the crevice it hid. Once Gustav shifted it aside, a musty scent, hinting of decay, wafted free. Before slipping into the opening, Avera glanced across the wide space to see Opal watching. A tiny woman on the literal edge of evil, counting on Avera to somehow stop it, leaving her with so many tumultuous emotions and questions.