“Of course they did,” said the archaeon. “Didn"t I explain things to you? They would have known within seconds. They would have come straight here. They must have been combing these woods ever since. Really, it is a miracle you have survived this long. Did you not consider it odd your card still worked when you have been missing, presumed dead, for so long? They obviously left it active in case you ever returned.”
“I didn"t think,” said Johnny.
“None of us did,” said her mum.
“Can we fight them?” said Danny, jumping to his feet. “We have four witches and a dragonrider. I bet we could take them.”
“No. We run for the portal,” said her mum, getting to her feet and helping her gran up. “This is not the time to fight. Archaeon, which way is this mine?”
“Due north. But hurry. The amount of
