Chapter 51
Ciaran and Madeline passed a dimensional doorway where, according to the map, there had been many incidents of illegal travelers entering the Daimon Gate. The ground was black and slightly spongy and sticky on the feet.
“I guess it’s logical that they wouldn’t post a sign saying ‘Welcome to Xiilok’ here,” Madeline joked. She stomped her foot on the ground. “What is this? Mud?”
Ciaran rubbed the bottom of his shoe on the ground. “It’s not mud, and it’s not organic material.” He crouched to have a closer look at the ground. “It only covers this area right here.” He pointed to an old tree standing next to a well. “Over there, the ground is different. I’m guessing this is a welcome mat of sorts. Don’t let your skin contact anything here.”
They approached the tree and the well. O
