The volcanic slate beneath the wheels of the transport cart buckled with a violent, rhythmic tremor, sending loose pebbles bouncing across the flagstones as the ground groaned in agony.
Caleb Conway’s hand clamped down instantly onto the wooden rim of the lead crate, steadying the ancient stone tablet before the shockwave could pitch the artifact onto the stones. Surrounding the perimeter, the four retainers of The Golden Ledger adjusted their stances in unison, planting their boots into the red dirt while the ninety disciples of the caravan drew their weapons in sudden panic, their eyes darting toward the western pass where the yellow sulfuric mist was swirling into a frantic vortex. Something massive was tearing its way up the mountain switchbacks, plowing through the basalt boulders wi
