17
Mila pulled ahead of Perry and Sienna as the path narrowed on the hill, switch-backing between the shanty town structures to emerge between military style barracks. People thronged the street, heading down toward the central area. Street vendors hawked their wares in a carnival atmosphere, the smell of roasted nuts mingling with hops as revelers drank ale from barrels. Mila slowed down to walk next to a buxom young woman, who swayed a little as she swigged from a pewter mug.
“This should be exciting,” Mila said, smiling in welcome.
“Oh yes,” the woman said. “We haven’t had such as these for a while. Some say they’re true aberrations, powerful enough to make it through the challenge.” She gave a sly grin. “But it will go better for me if they’re ravaged or devoured.”
Her words startl
