Chapter 33: The Temple City

The three traveling companions followed the trail which led through the swampy forest. Tall reeds grew densely from each side, making it difficult to tell if there was any swamp creature waiting to pounce on them. Water rose past their ankles and they had to be careful with their steps should there be a deep hole or protruding rocks that could throw them off balance or make them twist their ankles.

Casser took the lead, wading through the swamp water as fast as he could while Mira followed closely behind. Eldion took up the rear and wondered if he had made a mistake. With the stories about Alanca still fresh in his mind, Eldion was on edge and would jump at the slightest sound of reeds snapping underfoot. He looked constantly behind him to see if there was anything that could pounce on him from behind and tried to discern any movement from the reeds rising at his sides. Quite a few times, he was startled by what he thought was a swamp creature hiding behind the reeds, expecting a large