It didn’t take Emily and Declan long to get close to the encampment. As they approached, a guard stopped them. After Emily identified herself, they were allowed to pass. It was dusk, but Declan could see a series of ladders and suspension bridges directing them to a cave entrance in the side of the ridge. They were stopped only once more as they approached the base of the first ladder. Again, Emily was identified and allowed to pass, with no regard given to Declan.
As the pair climbed toward the cave entrance, Declan could hear wood creaking and ropes tightening. They passed two more guards, but weren’t challenged. As the pair crossed a heavy wooden bridge to the cave, two guards appeared from either side of the entrance. Once they were satisfied that it was Emily, the pair stepped off th
