Book Seven: Chapter 80

When the stars emerged, nobody could enjoy them. The number of night marchers had increased, and there were at least a hundred swarming the area, searching for their prey. Dinner was cold food consumed in silence. Ratu, Quetzalli, and Mike all sat at their makeshift table, eating quietly as the Order established sleeping arrangements among themselves.

Stars continued to blossom across the darkened sky. Ratu summoned a couple of small fireballs to hover nearby and provide light. The Order had lights of their own, which turned them into mere shadows as they moved among their tents. Mike was surprised when one shadow turned out to be Ingrid limping over to join them. The mage sat slowly with a wince. She made a sigh of annoyance when Wallace came over to help her.

“I’m fine,” she groused, then waved him off. “I don’t need a nurse.”

“Whatever you say,” he replied. “But I did pack the outfit.” He winked at Mike, then wandered back to his tent. Ingrid looked at Quetzalli