The woman did not look back as she crossed the cavern.
Below her, the town continued its restless business beneath the pallid glow of the hanging lamps.
People moved between narrow dwellings, gathered around stalls, and carried their burdens through streets that had existed for only as long as they could remember, if they could remember,
From this height, their voices blended into a low, indistinct murmur, gradually fading as she approached the spire.
She intended to report to the master immediately.
That foolish girl had returned despite her banishment, bringing outsiders with her and breaking yet another of the master's prohibitions.
The woman's mouth scowled at the thought, though it was the young man who occupied most of her thoughts.
By strength alone, he should not have troubled her.
She had felt the mana gathered around him, considerable enough for someone of his age, but hardly sufficient to threaten her.
