Only a bitter wind and the sharp sickle of the tusk-like moon remained.
***
Quietly, the trio entered the gatekeep.
Aside from the light cast by the tall man’s lantern, the gate’s entranceway was dark. Its high ceiling, large enough for giants to walk without stooping, and its stone walls made it seem like a long cavern. Cherry Pit’s hooves made soft noises, but no other sound could be heard. The entranceway’s inky blackness seemed impenetrable, and it felt as if they were being watched by snooping eyes. After moving about ten yards inside the long tunnel, the tall man, who seemed to know what he was about, paused near three iron hooks bolted into the stone wall. Unlit lanterns occupied two of the hooks. He hung his lantern on the third hook.
He sighed heavily and slowly. “Now is when
