The afternoon was coming to an end when Darya and her companions arrived in sight of the bridge that spanned the Kiya River. The tumultuous waters, swollen by the melting snow, almost reached the deck, splashing the metal structure. On the other side, a steep rock wall, studded with daring trees, rose to a dizzying height. Metal stairs, sometimes interrupted by landings, went up halfway to reach an entrance a heavy door had been added to, obviously after the mine closed. Elsewhere, some wooden shelters clung to the rock. The low light, which barely crept between the mountain peaks, made the whole thing look like a postcard.
Blatte and Syssoi dismounted. The vampire came and stood beside his friend.
“I only feel two presences.”
“So much the better!” Darya turned to her orderly. “Bird, go
