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regarded as a major resort, not just a stopover, the road was designed to accommodate heavier traffic.”
    As so often, Griffin found that his expectations for a “good” road and those of the Artemesians differed markedly. True, this road was often wide enough for them to ride three abreast, with Sam ambling behind. However, although the surface was graveled, it was not paved. Deep ruts had been cut by hundreds of years of coach travel. Since axle sizes were standardized—a tradition dating back to the days of the seegnur—the ruts provided tracks though which wheeled traffic rolled.
    The road bed, drainage ditches, and rest stops were piously maintained by local governments who collected tolls for the purpose. Griffin thought these groups must surely see the advantages of good roads to modern trade, but every tax and toll collector loudly proclaimed their labors as demonstrations of fidelity to the wishes of the absent seegnur.
    Although they could have joined a larger group or hired bodyguards—something they were encouraged to do at several points along the way—they decided against it. The fewer people Griffin interacted with, the better, since he was still inclined to be curiously ignorant about the most routine things. Then there was the problem of Sand Shadow’s effect on domestic animals, most of whom were convinced she intended to eat them at the first opportunity.
    â€œBesides,” Adara said, “if we joined a caravan, we’d likely end up taking care of them—especially if anyone learned that Terrell is a trained factotum. They probably wouldn’t even pay him.”
    â€œAlso,” Griffin added, “since we plan to leave the main road before we reach Crystalaire, the fewer to miss us, the better.”
    Several days before, they had decided to head directly for Maiden’s Tear. As Terrell put it, “Why give anyone the opportunity to formally remind us that the area is restricted, or try to stop us?”
    Adara explained that if they were caught a claim of ignorance would be of no help to either Terrell or herself. Both hunters and factotum were indoctrinated as to the restricted areas, especially those in their immediate vicinity, so they would know to avoid them. Griffin might not be penalized, but he would certainly not be permitted to proceed to Maiden’s Tear.
    No one said, although Griffin was certain they all thought it, that the Old One might have influence in the town and use it to have them detained. Given the length of the Old One’s life, it was impossible to know who might be in his debt or how far his influence had spread.
    Although Crystalaire was the final destination for many of the travelers, traffic did thin out the higher they went, as merchants stopped along the way to sell their wares in villages or small holdings. They hadn’t seen anyone on the road for over a day, when the arrow impaled itself in the road only a few yards in front of Terrell and Midnight.
    â€œDismount. Step away from the horses and gear,” shouted a harsh voice from the cliff above. “Don’t try anything or the next arrow won’t miss.”
    â€œDo as he says,” Terrell ordered, dismounting. He muttered something incomprehensible. Griffin had thought he’d heard all the curse words Terrell knew. This one must have been particularly vile. Even Molly pricked up her ears and stamped.
    â€œNow back away from the horses,” continued the harsh voice. “Raise your hands. Keep them away from your weapons. I’m coming down with a few men, but we’ll have you covered.”
    As they backed away, hands raised, Terrell spoke, his lips hardly moving. “Let them get down here. Once they’re in the middle of us, any archers will be useless. They’re not going to want to risk hurting the animals in any case.”
    Adara’s expression was grim. “Sand Shadow was napping. It’ll take her a bit to