Nimueh's swordswomen got to where they had heard the sound of the bell from, but there was no sign of Alethea anywhere around the place. They then began to search around, thoroughly scouring the area, but other than a bag which was left lying on the ground, there was nothing else, not even footsteps which could be used to trail whoever had been there.
At the end, the leader of the swordswomen went back to give a detailed report to Nimueh at their lair, while the others stayed behind to continue searching, leaving no stone unturned.
Nimueh was still with the black ceramic jar, which continued to shake profusely in her hands as she held tightly unto the lid, her grip unyielding. "Crown Prince, wait just a bit longer," she said, her voice low and soothing.
