Chapter 30The stairway wound into the depths of the earth. The dark Nightmare flapped its wings and flew ahead, remaining just close enough to stay in sight. It behaved like Aphrodite’s doves, but Aeneas felt a surge of hatred every time he looked on the creature. Its croaks echoed through the passageway, filling him with dread. The priestess walked behind Aeneas and hummed to herself. She never complained that she was footsore. He resolved to follow her example. If an old woman could manage, so could he.
‘How far down do you think we are?’ he said.
‘Distance means little here, child. Not in the sense that you’d understand it.’
‘You’ve been down here before.’
‘Many times.’
‘Why?’
She chuckled. ‘There is wisdom to be gained in the shadows. And I am at home here. This place holds true
