Chapter Forty-Four
On the Beach
Evidence of the big freeze hampered every step as Huldar and Andel made their way to the inner shores. Most things had died or retreated beneath their icy blanket to patiently await their time of rebirth. As he neared the final branch of portals, Huldar noticed one that was more stable than the others, as if from regular use. It led to a long beach on the eastern edge of the inland sea.
They stepped through it onto a sea of dunes and squinted against the prevailing winds. From this vantage, the long, graceful curve of sand contrasted with the rugged parapets of the ranges.
He touched Andel’s arm and indicated a jumble of low mounds left high above the distant waterline.
As they made their way toward the shapes, Huldar began to recognize skulls and bones
