By the time morning arrived, they had nearly reached the Tessanian valley where the borders of Alvar and Tessania met.
Teclos stopped halfway down the ridge.
The dark chain around Axel's neck snapped taut, forcing the old man to catch himself before he tumbled forward. He looked past Teclos and toward the trees below.
The forest had fallen silent.
No birds called between the branches. Even the wind seemed to have weakened, leaving the leaves unnaturally still.
A roar rolled through the forest.
Whatever had made it was close.
Teclos smiled.
It was time for breakfast.
Axel noticed his expression and immediately understood what he was thinking.
"Whatever that is, we should avoid it."
Teclos tightened his grip around the dark chain.
Before Axel could say anything else, Teclos stepped into the nearest shadow and vanished.
The chain shot forward with him.
