Chapter Ten
Nicole moved fast and with purpose. Jack stayed close on her heels. Hopper glanced behind them, and then asked, “I think this corridor is sloping downward. We could be heading beneath the fortress. Is there a reason you think the wizard’s lair is near the dungeon?”
Nicole spun and glared at Hopper. “Asward said the new magic was always attempted in a chamber deep underground, off to one side of the dungeon. They believed the stone and earth would provide a barrier to help sequester any side effects.” She chose her words carefully.
“Side effects?” Jack challenged. “Like the evil that killed everyone? Talk about an error in judgment.”
Nicole grunted in frustration and turned to continue. Jack grabbed her arm and spun her back around. “Spill it,” he ordered. “Your eyes have st
