The group emerged from the Shadows in front of the gates of the abandoned village that Ciprian had surrounded with his magic. Alaric had asked Wren and Rowan to bring them this way to save time, which was fine with Rowan not only because it was faster, but also because this method of travel was distinctly horse-free.
Since Rowan had taken both Alaric and Wren through the Shadows before, he knew he could transport one person at a time. When he'd reached for Willow's hand, Wren had marveled with great enthusiasm for everyone else's benefit about how much Rowan's abilities had grown, right before he moved the other four people by himself in one go.
As the ground steadied under their feet, Willow clung to Rowan's arm, her face ashen from moving so abruptly from one place to the next. Kit looked slightly less queasy and patted Wren on the shoulder in acknowledgement of his help in getting there.
