It was high noon when Nia rode into Ravine Fort on horseback. The Medarc, Kegan, sat behind on the double-sided saddle. The streets were desolate, carried by a mournful wind that left the air acrid.
Skin prickling, the Medarc glanced around, searching for something for someone, for anything. He found only dust through the streets.
"Are sure the Young Master is here? This village seemed abandoned."
Nia was in silent agreement, slowing Cloud by the reins to a stop. She looked around at the stone houses plastered in white. Her gaze searched through the stone, finding fires still burning, tables half set, and children's clothes sprawled about in a dozen or so houses. Nothing indicated any sort of attack. It was as if everyone simply dropped what they were doing and left.
Layers of magic weaved themselves tightly around her eyes, awakening the powers of her dual pupils to—
